Cigarette lighter problem

[Sparkyrich]

Hi folks,

I've got an RX300 SE on a 54 plate and the cigarette lighter socket doesn't work. I've tried a known "bullet" in the outlet below, and it works fine in that one, but the ciggie lighter socket is dead as a dodo. I've tried to find the fuse but the handbook shows the location of the fuse box under the bonnet and no other details (that I could see) and the schematic inside the lid doesn't make much sense.

I've had a quick search of the forum and seen mention of an internal fuse box - not mentioned in my handbook. Is this for a different model?

Any help appreciated, I've pulled all the small fuses in the under bonnet box and they all appear ok visually.

[ChrisKaye]

Have you tried to clean the socket, Rich?

[Sparkyrich]

1 hour ago, ChrisKaye said:

Have you tried to clean the socket, Rich?

To be honest, no <hangs head in shame> I'll give it a go tomorrow and report back

[Sparkyrich]

As promised (though a little late) ...

 

Cleaned the centre contact of the socket and it came to life immediately. Thanks for the pointer Chris. I've only been an electrician for forty years lol. Wonder why sparkies develop blindspots about other electrical specialities? I'm happy on three phase and single phase industrial and commercial, fine with domestic, no problems with either digital or analogue electronics, but a twelve volt fag lighter socket has me scratching me napper. Reckon I'm claiming Alzheimer's and leaving it at that!

[ChrisKaye]

Great news!

Just remember me if a Fluke 87 comes your way super cheap! :)

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[Diane T]

Exactly HOW do you "clean the socket"???  Thx!

[ChrisKaye]

Cotton buds and isopropyl alcohol (or even WD40) - if they are really corroded a nail file or proper workshop file work wonders!

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[PCM]

And also maybe twist back and forth whatever device you have inserted?

[ColinBarber]

or a fibre pen

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/abrasive-fibreglass-pencil-kr61r