Just got my MY05 WRX today: lovely but I'm used to the CD player working (for 20 minutes or so before powering down) with the keys out of the ignition. I'm going to replace the head unit anyway but was wondering if there was an easy way of connecting the unit to a power source that bypasses the ignition.

Same with the cigarette lighter: I use it to run a dry cell battery charger and want to be able to do this without me having to stay with the car.

 

um. jus give both lighter and head unit a permanent ground as supposed to the ignition relay they go to at the moment...

this should remedy your problems

 

That sounds just the answer: it will be easier to find a permanent ground than finding a different power feed. Thanks.