Weird Cigarette Lighter Issue
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 501
Likes: 55
From: NW Chicago Burbs
Weird Cigarette Lighter Issue
Gosh, I'm scratching my head here. The Cigarette Lighter in the console is fine for all power cords, etc. It won't work for the cigarette lighter element, but for power, it handles all.
However, the front recepticle under the radio will ONLY work for the push in cigarette lighter. Push it in, in a few seconds it pops out, blazing hot just like normal.
But, if I try to use anything else in there, it just wont work - no way, no how. I've tried literally every phone charger, V1 power adapter, and splitter I can find, and not a single one will get power. I got a digital meter and confirmed the center is positive and it's got full power, but gosh, I've never ran into anything like this. Everything fits tightly so it's not a fitment issue.
Anyone else ever run into this? Very bizarre.
However, the front recepticle under the radio will ONLY work for the push in cigarette lighter. Push it in, in a few seconds it pops out, blazing hot just like normal.
But, if I try to use anything else in there, it just wont work - no way, no how. I've tried literally every phone charger, V1 power adapter, and splitter I can find, and not a single one will get power. I got a digital meter and confirmed the center is positive and it's got full power, but gosh, I've never ran into anything like this. Everything fits tightly so it's not a fitment issue.
Anyone else ever run into this? Very bizarre.
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Both power outlets on my car works just fine. It’s got to be something in the front port.
Moving this to C5 Tech for more responses.
Moving this to C5 Tech for more responses.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2018
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The one in the dash has ribs on the barrel and metal tabs within the barrel to grab a lighter. The one in the console does not. The one in the console under the lid is a power socket NEVER intended to function as a lighter. My 99 will charge a phone in either socket so you're not pushing in fully on the dash or the12v. adapter is too short to hit the + center pin.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NW Chicago Burbs
The one in the dash has ribs on the barrel and metal tabs within the barrel to grab a lighter. The one in the console does not. The one in the console under the lid is a power socket NEVER intended to function as a lighter. My 99 will charge a phone in either socket so you're not pushing in fully on the dash or the12v. adapter is too short to hit the + center pin.
Last edited by mrmagloo; Jun 8, 2018 at 11:27 PM.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 501
Likes: 55
From: NW Chicago Burbs
So what it appears is perhaps towards the later C5's there is a different pn for the front socket that is more universal. I guess I'll have to start researching this apparent change.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 501
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From: NW Chicago Burbs
I obviously don't know the answer or I wouldn't have posted the question in the first place. However, there is clearly a difference somewhere along the line. If you have the answer and have part numbers, post it. If not, I will try to track it down. It seems logical that the later years would have been more aware of and compliant with 3rd party adaptors, but who knows until someone does the research? Might even take going with a C6 socket or even a C7 that I do know works. Easy enough to solve if no one has the straight answer already.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 308
Likes: 53
From: Long Beach California
I've got an 01 Z06 that has the same issue. When I first got it, I assumed a blown fuse or something. Checked it out, blah blah blah and everything was fine except it just didn't work the way I was used to(like OP). Eventually I read about the small bracket inside that can be removed that fixes the little issue, so I did it eventually when I changed my stereo, and it still had no change on it. I've just left it alone since I don't use it anyways, but just wanted to let OP know he's not alone.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: rudy ar
My 2001 did the same thing on a trip to Florida, it was working and then quit, After taking the center console out I discovered the clip that holds it in place had fallen off, I bent the clip so it had more tension and reinstalled and it works again, If this is you're problem it was a easy fix just a little time consuming.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NW Chicago Burbs
After a closer look yesterday, it appears that the two arms designed to grab the heating element on the extended cigarette lighter piece is what is stopping the various adapters from fully seating. I can see in more recent versions in newer GM vehicles, that the arms have been revised over time with a bit of a ramp. There are two options. Either bend out the arms or replace the socket with a newer version. For now I have bent the arms, but the element will not stay engaged so for any smokers out there, you would have to hold it down. I have ordered a new one that matches my auxilliary Escalade cigar socket, so I'll swap it later.
Last edited by mrmagloo; Jun 11, 2018 at 11:35 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 249
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From: Westcliffe CO
What I found is that the cig port will only work with the lighter OR a fused adaptor (with a screw on end with the spring loaded tip and an integral glass tube type fuse). I tried just a standard USB adaptor and it kept blowing a fuse in the passenger floor fuse box. I tried the fused USB port or GPS (fused) plug and the cig port works fine. The console port will work with either as I recall.
Re: 2002 C5
EDIT: this also applies to my 2015 Toyota Highlander.... same problem, same solution.
Re: 2002 C5
EDIT: this also applies to my 2015 Toyota Highlander.... same problem, same solution.
Last edited by WetMountainMan; Jun 11, 2018 at 11:24 PM.