DaveW

Hi, I've just bought a new GPS speedtrap warning device - problem is that I have found that the cigar lighter socket that It would like to use for power isn't working,

The connections at the lighter seem ok. Any suggestions of what else to check? I did finally get a set of manuals a couple of weeks ago, but as i'm about 50 miles away from them they're not much use at the moment!

Just FYI you can see the speedtrap device I got at:

<a href="http://www.originbluei.com/" target="_blank">http://www.originbluei.com/</a>

I don't know if this kind of gadget would be much use in the US, as from reading posts it seems that you mainly have to look out for mobile cops with radar/laser guns. They do that in the UK too but the biggest danger of getting a ticket here is from the thousands of fixed speedtrap sites that are setup on the roadside which can be very difficult to see in time to do anything about it. Once the GPS gizmo is working at least I will know where they are! <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />

Cheers! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Dave

Randy V

You didn't mention if you've already checked for a blown fuse, so I'll suggest you do that as a starting point.

WallyP

I don't mean for this question to be insulting, but did you check to see if the lighter has power with the ignition switch turned on? Most 928 lighters are wired thru the ignition switch.

DaveW

Yup, all fuses intact Randy, although If I knew which one counted I would give it an extra wiggle.

I did try it with the ignition on Wally, but no joy. No offence taken either as that's the kind of thing I normaly forget to try!

I wouldn't break sweat on this one guy's. I think i'm just going to leave it to the weekend when I will have the wiring diagrams to hand and more time. Thanks anyway!

Cheers
Dave

Greg86andahalf

[quote] although If I knew which one counted I would give it an extra wiggle. <hr></blockquote>

on 1986 US cars, Fuse #2 20 amp.

Also, check the ground to the recepticle.

Greg

DaveW

Thanks for the info Greg. I will check that sucker again, first thing in the morning. It's late and getting dark here so it's time to call it a day, and anyway ER is about to start!

Cheers
Dave

checkmate1996

Other ideas:

I believe there are only 3 wires. One for the light, power and ground. You should be able to disassemble from the center console with relative ease and check for lose wires. Disconnect Negative from battery terminal first. Cigarette lighters are volatile and have a tendency to make lots of sparks and blown fuses. Once carefully out, reconnect negative and take a voltmeter reading right from the wires. This should help troubleshoot the situation some more. Every little bit helps!

Normy

I had a problem for a while where my interior lights would not work. From Nichol's site, I learned that the interior light sometimes grounds itself on the metal interior surface of the roof- so I covered it with electrical tape to no avail. I really didn't mind not having interior lights and just decided to fix other things first.

One day, while installing new carpet, I happened to notice that the driver's side door pin switch was less than happy looking. I called one of the big three, and a few days later a new one arrived along with some oil filters. I installed it...

Voila! Not only did my interior lights start working, but my hand vacuum cleaner started working from the cigarette lighter! I guess that some sort of ground through that point is necessary for this to work. That or my wiring is seriously funkalated!

<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Normy!
'85 S2 5 speed

DaveW

That's the lighter fixed, and the passenger side window switch and the rear wiper too! that's been a productive afternoon. And I finished it off by giving 'char grilled' a wax too.

The problem with the lighter was simple - just corroded connectors and a dud fuse that I missed when I checked them the first time round (sorry guys!)

Thanks for the suggestions, even though this was a tiny problem in comparison to some, it's good to be able to sound things out first.

Anyway i'm off to run through a few speedtraps at just a little over the limit to see if my new gadget works!

Cheers <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Dave W

Randy V

Thanks for the follow-up Dave.