Cigarette Lighter Help

[asousa]

Originally Posted by Cole

Voltage fluctuations of this nature on a DC supply are normally cased by a bad connection somewhere in the supply line... quite probably at the fuse as suggested by sarb. What happens is that the bad connection is providing a high resistance joint and as soon as you try to draw current thru it the voltage drops. V=IR etc...

If it is happening at all your cigarette lighter outlets (front dash, front foot well, rear console, and 2 in the trunk), then the problem is most likely at the fuse, or some other common junction. I can't remember off hand if the back and front sockets all use one fuse...

It is indeed all 3 up front (ash tray, center console, foot well). The back 2 are working fine. I will check the fuse tonight. If that seems to be seated well, could it be a wire issue or something along those lines? Any clue how to trace it? Maybe it is the wrong amp fuse? What should it be?

Thanks everyone... this problem is driving me crazy... can't listen to my iphone anymore ;-)

[Cole]

Originally Posted by asousa

It is indeed all 3 up front (ash tray, center console, foot well). The back 2 are working fine. I will check the fuse tonight. If that seems to be seated well, could it be a wire issue or something along those lines? Any clue how to trace it? Maybe it is the wrong amp fuse? What should it be?

Thanks everyone... this problem is driving me crazy... can't listen to my iphone anymore ;-)

The amp rating on the fuse will not be the problem, it can only be a bad connection, either the fuse is not seating properly, or some other connector somewhere along the way is loose. The fuse end is still the most likely suspect IMO.

If the problem is not at the fuse connection then the only thing I can suggest is to tryand trace the wiring from the fuse back to the lighter sockets looking for bad connections. Sorry I don't have any personal experience of where the wiring harness runs, perhaps someone else here can help with that?

An incorrect fuse rating will only allow the fuse to blow at a higher or lower current flow, it will not constrict the flow of current in any way and cannot cause a significant voltage drop if properly connected and intact. The correct fuse rating should be printed somewhere near the fuse holder if I remember correctly. Don't forget there are fuses in the glove compartment as well as in the trunk. Even if the fuse looks intact try swapping it with a neighbouring one or a spare of the same amp rating just to be sure.