350i Cigarette Lighter Not working

[smcquill]

Don't know if you can help, but my 12v cigarette lighter is not working in my 350i, have checked fuses etc still no joy..only noticed when trying to plug in small tyre compressor.....any decent ideas...

[wee man]

Dont smoke?

[mikeb]

Its bad for you!

[mikeb]

pop the pod off by undoing the two screws either side, take the top off and check all the connections. The inside of the ciggie socket might be corroded as well so check this also.

Take a good look at the fuse box as its usually a rats nest and trace back the fuse wires and earths. On mine the fuse spade connectors were rusted! So take the fuse out and give the contacts a good clean as well.

Unfortunately most wiring issues involve a lot of poking around.

Also get yourself a copy of the wiring diagrams for your year and trace the wires back.

MikeB

[grady]

I couldn't get a tight (constant) contact from my lighter socket so my radar detector was constantly turning on and off. I realized that the wire from the detector into the cigarette lighter adapter was a standard phone plug so I installed a female phone jack in an unused switch plate. I tell people it is for my car phone.

Seriously, and if it has been used for purpose intended, the center element is probably shot, might sand-up OK, also check for good power and ground contacts.

[2 Smokin Barrels]

Have you tried the lighter itself? (In case the compressor is faulty, or tried the compressor in a different car?)

[smcquill]

Hi thanks for responses, I will check & trace the wiring. Compressor works in my other car no problem.

One job after another at the moment, have just this weekend rebuilt passenger electric window motor and window holder..the window retainer rusted in half.

thanks again

[petros]

Typical japanese inferior build quality. I should take it back to the supplying dealer immediately and demand a replacement and a suitable amount of money ( 6 figs.) to help you over this dreadful episode

[grahamw48]

Mine doesn't work either, so another job to do.
It is a nuisance (I don't smoke), as so many accessories work off the thing.
You'd think someone would sell a proper 'accessory socket' these days.

They probably do.

[tallbloke]

mikeb said:

get yourself a copy of the wiring diagrams for your year

You're joking , right?

[mikeb]

I got all of 'em

MikeB

[badredwedge]

mikeb said:

Its bad for you!

Yes but is it as dangerous as the coming mission ??

[tallbloke]

mikeb said:

I got all of 'em MikeB

Can I have a copy of the 1984 series 1 350i uk diagram then please.

[gsx600]

grahamw48 said:

You'd think someone would sell a proper 'accessory socket' these days. They probably do.

Just add one onto the battery on a long lead through to the cockpit, nice 30 amp cable and 20A fuses, then you should be able to run anything of it

I use my lighter socket to run an invertor then use a 4 way adaptor and everything's 240v then.

[grahamw48]

Thanks Paul.
I thought there must be a way.

[gsx600]

grahamw48 said:

Thanks Paul. I thought there must be a way.

If you do go this route, don't forget to unplug when leaving car, or use a simple relay with a feed from an ignition source
Or elese you will have flat batt