AOW162435

The plug from my factory air compressor fits the cigarette lighter receptacle perfectly. On the other hand, the plug that came with my Porsche battery maintainer/charger has a very loose, poor fit. Last year I added a small plastic sleeve from Escort - which does the trick. Sort of.

Does anyone know where I could find just the plug end used on the factory air compressor? I would like to retrofit one to the trickle charger.

Andreas

SJB993

As an alternative, why not try the connection method that my (non-Porsche) trickle charger uses?

It uses a two pin connector. The connector's socket is connected via a lead directly to the battery terminals and, when not in use, is left "dangling" in the luggage compartment for ease of access . The connector's plug is connected to the charger's lead. Because the lead is small guage flex, it is easily "absorbed" by the rubber seals of the luggage compartment lid, allowing the lid to be closed when charging is in progress. You should be able to get a suitable connector at somewhere like Radio Shack in the U.S.

Steve.

RallyJon

The difference is sizes is explained here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_cigarette_lighter
If you Google for 12v accessory plug, you'll find a lot, but never any indication of whether they're size A or B. Here's a nice one from Sweden, which is probably Size B: http://www.sutars.se/1230.htm

Agreed that it's ridiculous to use such a huge plug. Why can't cars have 12v outlets distributed around the interior like your house does? A tiny recepticle/plug plug would work fine.

AOW162435

Thanks for the replies. Jon, I saw the same posting explaining the sizes. Finding one is the trick.

Andreas

RallyJon

I e-mailed them about importing a small qty. I agree that size B is very hard to find in the U.S.

Also, found this one from Rallylights. Good guys--they're local to me:
http://www.rallylights.com/hella/cigar_plug.asp

Pete Lech

Some plugs available at electronic stores have large enough spring clips on the sides that they will work Ok. You will just have to try them, or try bending the springs out on the Porsche unit to increase the tension.

BTW, the 997s went to Size A, as found out when my Porsche rechargeable flashlight will not plug in.

Slow Guy

Could you look in the accessories catalogs from VW/Audi/Volvo/BMW and see if they have one you can replace yours with? It's usually a very simple swap.

As for a straight charger I use a Battery Tender with the SAE style plug perm. attached to the battery.

DanL993

Woudl you all be interested in a plug that could be placed in the open lighter hole? This plug would be black, and would look like the blank that is to the left (at least in my car) of the lighter hole. I have a lighter missing too, and want to either get a replacement (lighters only not avaialbe , complete unit replacement over $60 OEM!!) or find a cosmetic wasto cover the hole.

It seems to me that the guys using devices in that recepticle might need this too for when they aren't in use to clean up the appearance.

OCD is a terrible disease!! Your thoughts?

bobesser

I would definitely want something to plug the hole. Particularly when I remove the fog/driving lights.

Bob

JimPA

Although not elegant, I have been using a Radio Shack plug for the maintainer, which I alternate between an old M6 and the C2S that's my daily driver. The springs on the side assure an adequate fit in the socket.

AOW162435

As a follow-up to my original post here, I found a broken Porsche air compressor, and installed its plug (larger size) on the battery maintainer cord. It's been perfect for three years or so.


Andreas

Paul902

Andreas, what everyone wants to know is "What did you make out of the original plug?"

RallyJon

I have a 993 lighter you can have. PM me your address.

David in LA

Since I don't smoke I keep a rechargeable LED flashlight in the lighter holde.

DanL993

RallyJon,

PM sent.