Cigarette Lighter Socket Not working. Can I clean it to make it work?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,114
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From: Frisco TX
Cigarette Lighter Socket Not working. Can I clean it to make it work?
I needed to charge my phone but the lighter socket won't connect. Can I clean some of the contacts to fix it? If so what do I need to clean?
I search but did not find any about cleaning the contacts on the socket.
I search but did not find any about cleaning the contacts on the socket.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
You will need to pull the engine to do that Len. Or not.
Pull the fuse marked "Lighter". Take a small brass wire brush and swirl away in the socket to your hearts content.
It may not be your socket that's at fault here. Rumor has it, the newer style phone / adaptor / plugs do not fit correctly.
Pull the fuse marked "Lighter". Take a small brass wire brush and swirl away in the socket to your hearts content.
It may not be your socket that's at fault here. Rumor has it, the newer style phone / adaptor / plugs do not fit correctly.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
What yr?
On my 67 the phone will not work you need a modern receptacle they are slightly different size internally. Blew fuses ea time couldnt figure out why lol
Few bux @ the auto parts store then you can run your phone, GPS etc
On my 67 the phone will not work you need a modern receptacle they are slightly different size internally. Blew fuses ea time couldnt figure out why lol
Few bux @ the auto parts store then you can run your phone, GPS etc
Last edited by cv67; Aug 25, 2019 at 12:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 149
From: Frisco TX
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 149
From: Frisco TX
You will need to pull the engine to do that Len. Or not.
Pull the fuse marked "Lighter". Take a small brass wire brush and swirl away in the socket to your hearts content.
It may not be your socket that's at fault here. Rumor has it, the newer style phone / adaptor / plugs do not fit correctly.
Pull the fuse marked "Lighter". Take a small brass wire brush and swirl away in the socket to your hearts content.
It may not be your socket that's at fault here. Rumor has it, the newer style phone / adaptor / plugs do not fit correctly.
So are we trying to clean the bottom of the socket or just the raised portion in the center?
Last edited by LenWoodruff; Aug 25, 2019 at 12:48 PM.
Moderator
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St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
If cleaning and checking wires does not work I am sure there is a way to retrofit newer style in there. Some older ones just not right size for some of the newer plugs.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Frisco TX
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,114
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From: Frisco TX
So I cleaned up the cigarette socket using a wire cup brush on my Dremel.. I plugged in a portable vacuum and it works with no problems.
But the USD charger is a little flaky. I have to turn it just right and not push to far down to make it work.
Do they make USB chargers that will work?
But the USD charger is a little flaky. I have to turn it just right and not push to far down to make it work.
Do they make USB chargers that will work?
Last edited by LenWoodruff; Aug 25, 2019 at 07:16 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
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From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
I think there are some differences in both the sockets and plugs. I've had some that work perfectly in some cars but not others (irregardless of the age of the car). Others work fine in every car (including rentals). Others are very finicky in nearly every car.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Frisco TX
I agree with you. I picked up a new one that is a different style and it works with no problem.
Le Mans Master
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I would NOT leave the USB adapter plugged in. These things can catch fire way too easy-especially since quality control has gone out the window.
If you have ever taken one apart -the wire in them is tiny. The cigarette lighter is fused at 20 A- that much current available with small wires with plastic around them is not a good combo.
Richard
Safety Car
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From: los altos hills california
Just a word of caution here-
I would NOT leave the USB adapter plugged in. These things can catch fire way too easy-especially since quality control has gone out the window.
If you have ever taken one apart -the wire in them is tiny. The cigarette lighter is fused at 20 A- that much current available with small wires with plastic around them is not a good combo.
Richard
I would NOT leave the USB adapter plugged in. These things can catch fire way too easy-especially since quality control has gone out the window.
If you have ever taken one apart -the wire in them is tiny. The cigarette lighter is fused at 20 A- that much current available with small wires with plastic around them is not a good combo.
Richard
I can't see how exactly that could occur unless it shorts internally. Do you have some references as to them catching fire? I couldn't find any after a quick search for fire or shorts.
I might try lighting one and see if I can get it to burn. I'm betting it just melts.
Le Mans Master
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
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Interesting point Richard. I have one that's been plugged in for five years now powering my iPod. Another possible outcome is that small a wire is a fuze if it ever gets to ground somehow and then just goes open. Worst case is, as you suggest, the cable sheathing catches fire and burns.
I can't see how exactly that could occur unless it shorts internally. Do you have some references as to them catching fire? I couldn't find any after a quick search for fire or shorts.
I might try lighting one and see if I can get it to burn. I'm betting it just melts.
I can't see how exactly that could occur unless it shorts internally. Do you have some references as to them catching fire? I couldn't find any after a quick search for fire or shorts.
I might try lighting one and see if I can get it to burn. I'm betting it just melts.
I just see too much junk out there- and rather be safe than sorry.
I'm the same guy that turns the water off to my house when I leave town for more than a couple of days!!!
Richard
Melting Slicks
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