Cigarette lighter....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 142
Likes: 18
From: Los Angeles
Cigarette lighter....
Hey guys,
Bought a tire inflator for a tire that got a screw in it. Used it one day and it worked fine.
Tried it 4 days later and it didnt work. Took it back and got another, same thing. Got a 3rd one, same thing.
Is it an easy fix or a PITA? Is this common for this to go on the fritz? i dont smoke so i dont care. But, id like to use the port if I get another screw or nail and im on the side of the road.
Thanks!
Bought a tire inflator for a tire that got a screw in it. Used it one day and it worked fine.
Tried it 4 days later and it didnt work. Took it back and got another, same thing. Got a 3rd one, same thing.
Is it an easy fix or a PITA? Is this common for this to go on the fritz? i dont smoke so i dont care. But, id like to use the port if I get another screw or nail and im on the side of the road.
Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 141
Likes: 54
From: KS
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
Start with a check of the fuse. Not uncommon to blow one. If it's the actual cylinder/lighter/portion you plug into, they're really easy to replace. One hot wire on the bottom, with the ground on the side. Hardest part would be removing it from its housing, which would take a total of 3 minutes to figure out.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,448
Likes: 1,386
From: SC
Yeah, I blew the cigarette lighter fuse with my compressor the second time I used it too. There is a high in rush current when an electric motor starts, evidently enough to blow the fuse after a couple starts. A smaller compressor may never do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 2,307
From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
You may be tempted to replace the fuse with a higher amp rated one, but as we all know, that's not a good idea. I'd suggest getting an adapter, and come directly off the battery such as this. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-Car-Bat...YAAOSwMgdXzBud
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,465
Likes: 1,149
From: Wayne Township WI
I'd actually bought extra fuses, happened that often.
Stopped using car's 12V, bought a 120VAC compressor.
Worked fine but hated dragging a cord around, ultimately bought a digital handheld inflator from Sharper Image.
Small powerful lightweight NiCad battery charges fast & good for 8 tires. Like $50. Well spent, IMO.
I've had enough of that damned fuse.
Stopped using car's 12V, bought a 120VAC compressor.
Worked fine but hated dragging a cord around, ultimately bought a digital handheld inflator from Sharper Image.
Small powerful lightweight NiCad battery charges fast & good for 8 tires. Like $50. Well spent, IMO.
I've had enough of that damned fuse.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
Safety Car
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 508
From: Oshawa, Ontario
As far as I know the center console 12 volt plug is fused higher and will not blow when you plug your compressor into it.My compressor blows the lighter fuse but never an issue with the console plug
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 717
From: Sausalito CA
See post 10.
Using the cigar lighter, under the AC module on the dash, will consistently blow the fuse under the passenger side foot well in the fuse box located there.
The cover to that fuse box can be frustrating to remove and reinstall.
This fuse "popping" is a known issue if the cigar lighter is used for accessories.
The "cure" is to use the, in center console under the console lid, accessory port for your tire inflator as mentioned in post 10.
Good luck.
Using the cigar lighter, under the AC module on the dash, will consistently blow the fuse under the passenger side foot well in the fuse box located there.
The cover to that fuse box can be frustrating to remove and reinstall.
This fuse "popping" is a known issue if the cigar lighter is used for accessories.
The "cure" is to use the, in center console under the console lid, accessory port for your tire inflator as mentioned in post 10.
Good luck.