Strange cigarette lighter problem.

[The tricky one]

Greetings all,

I'm having a strange problem with my lighter socket, I've searched the forum and can't seem to find a solution.

Its a 2006 mk6 and no attachments work in the lighter socket. I have tested the wiring and I am getting a 12v supply. I plug the socket in and test that and also get 12v. When i plug something into it... It wont work. I have tried several different items and a different socket. When i plug an attachment into it and test the socket i get a voltage reading of about 2.43v

This makes no sense to me so i am hoping someone has encountered this before.

Please help

[Timbo]

Test the voltage on the centre contact of the lighter socket with the other probe of the meter on a good earth (not the socket).

If you get 12 volts plus some then the answer is a bad earth at the socket.
if you only get the low voltage (2.43 volts) then the fault is with the supply and I would be looking for a burnt or blown fuse or burnt fuseholder or wiring.

HTH.

[The tricky one]

Thanks for the reply Timbo,

I have just tested it from the centre pin to a separate good earth and get 12.67v which is what I also get when I test from the earth on the lighter. It only drops to 2.43v when i plug a device into the lighter, which I have also confirmed from the separate good earth.

It jumps to 14.83v when the engine is running so i assume the live feed must be ok. However i am not an electrical genius so could easily be wrong.

I guess I will have to chase it down... Or maybe just run a new feed and set it either permanent live or on a spare dash switch i have.

Thank you.

[ake]

Replace the socket.

[The tricky one]

Thanks for the reply ake,

I have now tried a known working socket with the same results unfortunately. I think it just hates me !

[APH]

Have you removed the fuse and tried a different one, not uncommon as said for fuses to be partially intact, or burnt out and only making through carbon tracking inside, but not enough to supply any current.

Andy

[robbie.cee]

Its an earth fault tho aint it?

[robbie.cee]

Somethings movi g when plug goes in. Does metal can bit spin to screw body into back?

[Timbo]

Have you fixed it yet?

Digital multi-meters are so sensitive that they will show a voltage on an open circuit wire if it lies next to a live one in the loom although it will disappear as soon as anything is connected.

As already suggested try a new fuse.

Cigar fuse is F 58 (F 212) in Passenger fuse box middle row third row down from the top. 10 A.

Also check Power Socket fuse F 62 (F216) in Passenger fuse box middle row third row up from the bottom. 20 A.

HTH.