10 replies to this topic

[Mini_Magic]

I have connected up my cigarette lighter to my radio, I know that with this I cannot actually use the lighter itself as this would blow the 10amp fuse for the radio. My question is, can I change the 10amp radio fuse for a 15amp or 20amp fuse so that the lighter can be used without blowing the fuse? I know that changing to a larger fuse can also run the risk of the wires melting before the fuse would blow, what fuse would a cigarette lighter normally require?

[Dan]

No, you cannot increase the fuse rating. You should really have the lighter on a new circuit, I'd use a 10 amp fuse. Lighter sockets are generally rated to 15 amps as a maximum so don't go above a 15 amp fuse and make sure the wire is up to supplying whatever rating you do fit.

[tomsbluemini]

No, you cannot increase the fuse rating. You should really have the lighter on a new circuit, I'd use a 10 amp fuse. Lighter sockets are generally rated to 15 amps as a maximum so don't go above a 15 amp fuse and make sure the wire is up to supplying whatever rating you do fit.

I've also installed my cigarette lighter yesterday. used the switched radio feed, but earthed it to the seatbelt bolt using properly thick wire (amp earth cable.)

I want to make it on it's own switched circuit, ideally with it's own fuse on the fusebox. How would I go about this? I imagine it's what mini magic wants to do too...

Tom

[Dan]

As I said before, if you don't have a sunroof there is an unused fuse in the MPi fusebox on a circuit designed to run 15 amps. Cigarette lighter sockets are rated to 15 amps maximum (although I prefer to step them down to 10). Buy a terminal for the fusebox from an auto-electrical supplier and use that to build your new circuit. It's fuse B7. Actually there are also two unused slots for the A/C system that would both be suitable.

[Mini_Magic]

As I said before, if you don't have a sunroof there is an unused fuse in the MPi fusebox on a circuit designed to run 15 amps.

I was actually considering wiring it up to that as my sunroof is manual, but then decided to take the easy option as it was getting late. I guess I'll try wiring it up to that circuit insted, thanks for your help.

[tomsbluemini]

Does anyone know which connectors i'll need to buy to put into the fusebox???

looks like Mini_Magic and I are going to tacke our cigarette lighters together tomorrow i'm off to halfrauds anyway so if they've got the right connectors i'll get some...

also if anyone's got any pics of one just so I can be sure that'd be grand

Cheers

Tom

[mini_mad69]

Hi sorry if this is too late, but you will need female spade connectors, i got mine from halfords for just over 2 quid for a pack of about 40, get the bigger size though. Thats what I use on my car, might be different for a MPI im not sure.

[Dan]

Halfords won't have them (the MPi has a completely different fuse box mini mad69 and regular terminals don't fit). You need specific terminals to fit the moulding, you can get them from various dedicated auto electrical suppliers such as Pole-Volt or Auto Electric Supplies. You might need to take one out of your fuse box and compare it to a photo from the company as there are thousands of different types of moulding terminals. Unscrew the fuse box, pull out one of the long red locking strips from the back of it and pull out a terminal by pressing down on the retaining tang for the terminal through the front of the box with a bradawl.

Actually I seem to remember that Gra4am has a limited supply of these and may be willing to send you some in return for suitable compensation! Might have been someone else but I think it was Gra4am. I can check my supplies too and see if I have any left.

[yorkshirechris]

Out of interest where can I buy a 12V Cig Lighter socket from which can be mounted on its own i.e. on the dash rail without it looking out of place?

[tomsbluemini]

that gra4am guy isn't on the members list

who is he???

i'd be interested in buying a few

Tom

[Dan]

Sorry, got his name wrong. It's Gr4h4m.

To Chris, Halfords sell lighter sockets. So do most auto electrical places.