Radio interference when using cigarette lighter for satnav

[SimR]

I've had a 981 Cayman from new in May 2013, and whenever I've used either cigarette lighter socket, it's always affected the radio quite badly. That hasn't really bothered me as I rarely use it, however I've been thinking of getting a dashboard cam and the vast majority need to be plugged in, so it would be a right pain in the arse. Does anyone else have this problem? I wouldn't be surprised if I'm the 'lucky one' as sadly I've had a few problems with this car (which is a damn shame as I love it!).

If anyone can shed any light on it I'd appreciate it.

[bcr5784]

SimR said:

I've had a 981 Cayman from new in May 2013, and whenever I've used either cigarette lighter socket, it's always affected the radio quite badly. That hasn't really bothered me as I rarely use it, however I've been thinking of getting a dashboard cam and the vast majority need to be plugged in, so it would be a right pain in the arse. Does anyone else have this problem? I wouldn't be surprised if I'm the 'lucky one' as sadly I've had a few problems with this car (which is a damn shame as I love it!).

If anyone can shed any light on it I'd appreciate it.

I don't use the radio much, but I have to say my radio reception (FM) isn't very good - particularly Radio 4 which is the only one I use with any regularity. Not associated it with the cigarette lighter sockets - but I do use one of them to keep the phone charged so that may be the issue. I'll certainly investigate next time I'm in the car.

[SimR]

bcr5784 said:

I don't use the radio much, but I have to say my radio reception (FM) isn't very good - particularly Radio 4 which is the only one I use with any regularity. Not associated it with the cigarette lighter sockets - but I do use one of them to keep the phone charged so that may be the issue. I'll certainly investigate next time I'm in the car.

Yeah let me know - my money is on the radio being fine once you've unplugged your phone!

[bcr5784]

SimR said:

Yeah let me know - my money is on the radio being fine once you've unplugged your phone!

Nearly - but not quite. In my case it seems to be the cigarette lighter socket to (my) USB adapter that is causing the interference. I do use the adapter to charge my phone in the central cubby hole, but I get the interference even when the phone itself is not in the car.

[V8A*ndy]

OP

Are you using the same device at all times when you get the interference or does other devices and USB chargers cause interference?

Sometimes cheap chargers, USB devices and cables have shielding problems.

[bcr5784]

V8A*ndy said:

OP

Are you using the same device at all times when you get the interference or does other devices and USB chargers cause interference?

Sometimes cheap chargers, USB devices and cables have shielding problems.

I've been using the same device - and it is a very cheap one - but having found the issue I shall do some further investigation.

[SimR]

V8A*ndy said:

OP

Are you using the same device at all times when you get the interference or does other devices and USB chargers cause interference?

Sometimes cheap chargers, USB devices and cables have shielding problems.

I've used a couple of different ones, but that's a good call (I think both usb converters were relatively cheap from amazon).

[bcr5784]

I can now confirm that my phone is absolutely fine and causes no interference - just the USB converter in the cigarette lighter socket.