cigarette lighter replacement

[crazyadam]

Hi all, long time reader but this is my first post.....

does anyone know what car the cigarette lighter is from for a 96 chimaera? Mine went missing and I bought the shiny leven cover for the lighter along with other leven bits, thinking it was a replacement lighter - doh!

I now need a lighter to put the cover on, and am hoping it is a cheap & common part from something like a vauhall - any ideas?

[Cider Andy]

I'm not certain, but it looks like the same ones Austin Rover used to fit in the nineties.

[SpudMurphy]

Crazyadam, YHM.

[tvrforever]

sorry I'm looking for a replacement lighter for my '98 Chimaera - anybody have any advice?

I can't find any official TVR ones so am thinking about either :-

www.thetorchshop.co.uk/led_lenser_automotive_rechargeable.html

or

www.extremeautoaccessories.co.uk/products.php?section=1052
Cigarette Lighter Element - Silver

Edited by tvrforever on Sunday 6th May 21:31

[spend]

Personally I've always been a Dunhill man, steer clear of the Big smelly American Zippo things whatever you do (just look where it led Jelly!).

Dave

[simonV8ster]

I've just bought one off ebay thats got a TVR emblem on it (haven't received it yet) it looks just like the lighter in the second link above but with a different emblem on the top. 10 odd quid I think which included P&P.

[BoyzToyz]

I have been advised by a TVR mechanic to beware of these EBay TVR style lighters...it seems they have been known to blow the socket...I stand to be corrected (no personal experience)...just repeating what I was told...

[simonV8ster]

Quinny said:

BoyzToyz said:

I have been advised by a TVR mechanic to beware of these EBay TVR style lighters...it seems they have been known to blow the socket...I stand to be corrected (no personal experience)...just repeating what I was told...

I think you may well be correct

I'm sure there were a few threads on here about how they'ed buggered up the electrics.

They look nice thoughWhich seems to be important for you Chim boys

Oh sh*t, now you tell me !!

I assume it'll only blow the socket when you use it ?? As it was only to replace the existing rusty one (and because its got a nice little TVR emblem on it) and I don't smoke so it will never be used, it'll be fine ??

I assume it will be fine to run an accumate through or similar ??

[spend]

As a long time user I can only say car cig lighters are the most useless accessory on a car anyway, they are just so time consuming and dangerous to use... Leave a couple of cheap dispoasables to hand is my preference just in case the trusty rollagas's let me down.

The sockets are damned useful tho...

Agree with Q - cheap 2 pin sockets wired in the footwell / undertray / boot are extremely handy, whether for charging, or PC's / phones / GPS - just make up some lighter sockets on fly leads

Dave

[simonV8ster]

spend said:

- just make up some lighter sockets on fly leads

When you say 'fly leads' what do you mean exactly ?? Simply take a feed off something else or have something permanantly wired to the battery ?? Sorry, I'm not much of an electrician !!

[spend]

The 2 pin sockets/plugs like you have on the cooling fans, wiper washer... are readily available. connect sockets permanently to your battery (with fuses) in positions of your choice. Add similar plugs to your favourite charger to you can plug into them for charging (thats why I like having them in footwell, boot & undertray - just in case I'm working in another area). Make up any length of cable you require (fly lead) with plug on one end & a lighter socket on the other. Its just handy if you need extra sockets for phones.. whilst on the move. I have an extra bit which allows me to power them off using the stereo (remote amp connection) so I can power phone/laptop.. in the footwell when touring.

They are also extremely handy test points when you are trying to diagnose any electrical problems (you have a known good earth & 12v handy)

Dave

[smithyboy64]

i got a 96 chim but socket dont work,anyone know if on fuse of its own or does it share,all else seems to work fine,fuses a pig to reach.any answers/please.cheers.

[simonV8ster]

So, did we actually work out what they are from ?? It was suggested 90's Austin Rover at the beginning of this thread, anyone confirm this or know where to get a new one from (thats not dangerous/won't blow fuses, etc) ??

[blujay10]

Have a 97 Chim and replaced mine at annual service last year. Socket,lighter,fitted inc vat 30 quid all in. Walldenway did the job. Well worth it as my accumate now works properly! Any "main dealer" or decent indy should be able to get you one.

[fluffychim]

Don't know about replacement ones but mine is just for show - whole assembly isn't attached to anything - comes clear out of the hole in the door pocket!

Which was actually quite handy at the weekend cos my drivers door lock mechanism decided to "head south" and I had to use one of those bungee-cords-with-hooks-on to fasten the hole in the door to the drivers seat to try to keep the rain out. (Note to self - buy gaffer tape at next autojumble!) (2nd note to self - don't leave the new car cover at the office again!)