Chaps, Mrs JB has indicated that, according to her, not all 4 of the 12v sockets work, at least not all of the time.
She reckons that they all work, but sometimes a couple don't - but they seem to move around !!!
I think she is judging this from using one of those USB plug in adaptors. I do know definitively, that she is not trying to use all 4 sockets at once.
Are the 12v sockets somehow "smart" ones ie the car disables them? I feel a bit of a numpty for asking...

In the 2002 -2005 cars they are on all the time... so if your car falls in to this age bracket it is most likely rust in the socket

As for the later cars I believe that they are switched on and off with the key, but don't quote my on that... I'll take the fifth, or what ever we call it over here  Yesterday I couldn't spell Engineer... Today I are one!
Inventor of the 'Guide-o-Matic automatic wheel alignment tool'
Former long term L322 owner, Up/Down graded to a Classic Tractor!

Mine is the '07 facelift. Hmm

They will either be permanently live - or on whenever the ignition is on.

They will behave consistently - there is nothing smart or variable about them.

Most likely that whatever is plugged into them is not making a good contact - could be a small amount of corrosion in the socket or just a badly fitting plug that may need a wiggle to make contact again

the one in the boot should be permanently live, the others should be ignition live..

as said if said device doesnt work try turning/twisting it in the socket to get a better contact..




just my opinion but what a stupid way of providing power to car accessorys ..its so big and bulky why not have a more smaller/slimmer solution.. ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

you're right - a quirk of history I guess - how many people actually light cigarettes with one any more ?

I guess that to change it would require the new socket to be accepted by all manufacturers, then cars will either need both or an adapter - like the 7-13 pin towing electrics

USB is the only real contender that I can see - but that requires accessories to operate off 5 volts.

agreed, usb seems the way to go as most accessories can run on that ...maybe have one ciggy socket for heavy duty stuff like tyre inflaters etc.. ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Alistair wrote:

you're right - a quirk of history I guess - how many people actually light cigarettes with one any more ?

I for one don't, although I have given up the weed, but I stopped using the built in lighters years ago, after it catapulted its' self out the socket and on to the floor, in my MGB GT V8, in the dark, I fumbled around trying to find it........ I did........ but the wrong end...... Branded the end of my finger

The problem with finding an alternative socket and plug, is, because of the high drain that some items put the system it would still need to be fairly bulky in design, and it would still need to be pillock proof..... so it would need to be either another round plug affair or something along the lines of a power plug (domestic 3 pin) at which stage it starts to get bigger.

The biggest single problem is the system is DC power, and because of that it can only be connected in one way.......... Durite make an aux plug and socket that is for accessories, but it's still bulky (1/3 smaller) and will only handle 16 Amps, so no real gain there

The main reason that the sockets don't work well is corrosion on the positive terminal at the bottom of the socket.. some one needs to invent a cleaner  Yesterday I couldn't spell Engineer... Today I are one!
Inventor of the 'Guide-o-Matic automatic wheel alignment tool'
Former long term L322 owner, Up/Down graded to a Classic Tractor!

I can't find a purpose built cleaner, but, something like this should knock off most of the corrosion and negate the need to remove the socket, possibly use in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIBREGLASS-CARBO...0971223928 Yesterday I couldn't spell Engineer... Today I are one!
Inventor of the 'Guide-o-Matic automatic wheel alignment tool'
Former long term L322 owner, Up/Down graded to a Classic Tractor!

The plot thickens with this one.

So, working sockets were the one in the armrest/cubby box, and the left of the two in front of the rear seats.
Spent an hour getting bits out/trims off/access to cabling to see what's what. No 12 to the ashtray one (which wasn't working), and at this stage I suspect the same with the right sided one in the back.
Checked all the fuses behind the glovebox, all good.

Stumped... 2007 Vogue TDV8 with 255/55/20's fitted

Re cleaner : http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oi...aner-400ml
Other places do contact cleaner eg. Maplins, Amazon... John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue - SOLD
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT-Sold

jonnyboy54321 wrote:

The plot thickens with this one.

So, working sockets were the one in the armrest/cubby box, and the left of the two in front of the rear seats.
Spent an hour getting bits out/trims off/access to cabling to see what's what. No 12 to the ashtray one (which wasn't working), and at this stage I suspect the same with the right sided one in the back.
Checked all the fuses behind the glovebox, all good.

Stumped...

i thought the socket fuses and relay are in the right hand side of the boot(might be wrong)
worth checking i think
nige

Relay? I wasn't aware there was one in the loop, so to speak.
Heads outside in the cold.... 2007 Vogue TDV8 with 255/55/20's fitted

Came upon this thread while doing a further search:-
[url]http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic24164-15.html
As easy as that then......

the Mrs for "intermittent" actually meaning "consistently".
After 25 years I should have realised I suppose...

My fault anyway [/url] 2007 Vogue TDV8 with 255/55/20's fitted