Testing power from car cigarette lighter socket ?

Viz_2 · 21 June 2006 at 3:03PM

This may seem like a silly question but is there a way to test if my cars cigarette lighter socket is working ? I don't have anything (yet) to plug into it to test.
I have tried the actual car lighter but it doesn't get hot.

I have a Ford Focus.

I have just purchased a sat nav unit and may need to use to socket as a power source.

ooo000ooo · 21 June 2006 at 3:17PM

If you've a voltage tester stick one prong straight down the middle of it to the centre contact (positive) and the other prong onto the inside for negative. In the absence of a voltage tester find a 12 volt bulb, solder a couple of wires onto the contacts and do the above, if the bulb lights it's live. Make sure the ignition is on. If you don't have either of the above you could stick a bit of wire into the centre contact and then brush it against the outer edge and watch for a spark but then you blow the ciggy lighter fuse and you have to replace it

Viz_2 · 21 June 2006 at 3:54PM

Thought i would check the fuses first. Guess what the fuse is broken.

Would there be any major reason for this to break ? I don't really use the socket. Although other half has used to charge her phone previously.

ooo000ooo · 21 June 2006 at 4:00PM

Could've been a dodgy fuse, damp, or something else on the same circuit blowing the fuse. Replace it, keep a spare in the car somewhere and keep an eye on it.

steady__eddie · 21 June 2006 at 6:06PM

Lidl are currently doing a cigarette lighter extension thingy which gives you 3 sockets for £2-99. On the side of it is an l.e.d. which glows when it's plugged in. If you have a recurrent fault, visual inspection of the l.e.d. would probably be easier than checking your fuses and you could discharge your battery even quicker !

Quinny_2 · 21 June 2006 at 8:30PM

Be careful with those multi plug things,as they are not keen on something that draws a lot of amps.

Let me explain.......

A couple of weeks ago,I was running my amateur radio set,and my cool box off the multi plug.Because of the current draw,the plug got hot,and melted.

If you buy one,then make sure it can handle what you intend to use it for,or don't try and run a load of things at once.

Ken.

Testing power from car cigarette lighter socket ?

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