cigerette lighter problem

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Mar 1, 2004 | 07:00 AM

Silverbullet04

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Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 61

From: CT

Car Info: 04 WRX

cigerette lighter problem

I have an 04 WRX and my radar detector just stopped working. I thought it was the detector but after trying various other plugs it seems that its not my detector but the outlet. I can't find any blow fuses. Anyone know what fuse is for that outlet or have any suggestions for me?

thanks

Mar 1, 2004 | 07:28 AM

bheinz57

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Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 90

From: Papillion, NE

Car Info: '02 OBS '03 Baja

I have one suggestion. It is straight from Subaru. Do not use the cigarette lighter for anything but a cigarette lighter. No appliances or chargers. Don't ask me why. Brian

Mar 1, 2004 | 08:40 AM

six1five

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Posts: n/a

Quote:

Originally posted by bheinz57
I have one suggestion. It is straight from Subaru. Do not use the cigarette lighter for anything but a cigarette lighter. No appliances or chargers. Don't ask me why. Brian

subaru actually released a report or something like that that siad you can use the cigarette lighter as a power outlet, BUT you have to decide which one you want to use it for...because once you use it as a power outlet, it has to be used as a power outlet and NOT a lighter outlet at all, or you risk causing a fire hazard supposedly when using a lighter element...

just my $0.02...

Mar 1, 2004 | 08:54 AM

whitelegacy98

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Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 2,801

From: my home is Portland but I'm @ School in Seattle

Car Info: 1998 Subaru Legacy L 5-speed

well your car should be under warranty so just go get it replaced

Mar 2, 2004 | 12:11 PM

Bagin,DVS

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Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 555

From: Bethlum, PA

Car Info: silver 2.5 tr 2006MT wrx

why,? what the hell makes it the lighter determine what duty it is, the it is just weired to a fuse box, there is no brain in there telling it what to do.

Mar 2, 2004 | 03:13 PM

Opusxer

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Posts: n/a

I would just get it replaced.......I don't understand why it matters which you use it for either

Mar 2, 2004 | 03:21 PM

SF miami WRX

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Posts: 2,347

From: San Francisco->Daly City->Burlingame

Car Info: silver MIAMI wrx in the bay area

Quote:

Originally posted by six1five
subaru actually released a report or something like that that siad you can use the cigarette lighter as a power outlet, BUT you have to decide which one you want to use it for...because once you use it as a power outlet, it has to be used as a power outlet and NOT a lighter outlet at all, or you risk causing a fire hazard supposedly when using a lighter element...

just my $0.02...

that's what i heard too.

Aug 18, 2005 | 03:41 PM

RE:XTACY

Registered User

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1

From: Royal Oak

Car Info: 2002 WRX

And what about those who don't have a warranty? I tracked power to the connection to the outlet. But can't seem to produce power out of the outlet. I think this is kinda strange. I can't seem to figure out how to remove it either.

Help? Anyone?

Thanks.

Aug 18, 2005 | 04:14 PM

Mulder

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,646

From: NYC

Car Info: 02 WRX WRB

The lighter outlet itself has an internal fuse which may be blown. You need to remove the lighter to see and test it. If it is blown, the proper fix would be to replace the lighter. However if you are able to solder you may be able to bypass the fuse, which of course would be at your own risk. The circuit would still be protected by the fuse in the fuse box, and your detector or other device should have its own inline fuse in the power cord or adapter.

Aug 21, 2005 | 06:42 PM

#10

NaT NaTe 1 8 3

Registered User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 80

From: Pennsylvania

Car Info: 2007 Subaru Legacy SE

Quote:

Originally Posted by six1five

Cigarette lighters/Power outlets are a dangerous animal. When in doubt, replace it. Case in point: A buddy of mine had an old Eclipse with a busted lighter. He (attempted) to fix it, and a week later, his car went up in flames. The problem is, a short can occur that is too small to blow the fuse, yet big enough to generate a significant amount of heat. Yet another case in point: A dime fell in my dad's Tahoe's power socket. Everytime he went over a bump it would contact and throw a spark. Only after the plastic around the socket started to melt and smell bad did he notice. So don't mess with it. Go to Autozone or Pep Boys and buy a new socket for $10. It's a little cheaper than replacing the car due to fire.