Author Topic: why does the lighter socket not work with modern chargers?  (Read 5135 times)

erickmarciano

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I can get my phone charger or GPS to stay on when pluged in the lighter socket .the male part always pops out .
thanks
1994 E500 W124
1971 280sl
1989 Porsche 930 coupe
1988 e30 m3
2001 ducati mh900
2006 ps1000
1962 Vespa GS160

Shvegel

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Re: why does the lighter socket not work with modern chargers?
« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2009, 21:10:21 »
The early European cars used a different standard for their lighter sockets.

Here are the sizes

12 volt cigar lighter receptacle and plug, size A
Receptacle inside diameter: 20.93 mm to 21.01 mm (median 20.97 mm)
Plug body diameter: 20.73 mm to 20.88 mm (median 20.805 mm)
Most often used in American automobiles.

12 volt cigar lighter receptacle and plug, size B
Receptacle inside diameter: 21.41 mm to 21.51 mm (median 21.455 mm)
Plug body diameter: 21.13 mm to 21.33 mm (median 21.18 mm)
Most often used in European automobiles, and sometimes as a second socket in American automobiles expressly for DC power connections.

Saab used to make a slip on adapter years ago but I have not seen one in ages.
« Last Edit: May 23, 2009, 22:57:41 by Shvegel »

erickmarciano

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Re: why does the lighter socket not work with modern chargers?
« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2009, 16:26:12 »
my car is a late Euro . where can I find an adaptor?
thanks
1994 E500 W124
1971 280sl
1989 Porsche 930 coupe
1988 e30 m3
2001 ducati mh900
2006 ps1000
1962 Vespa GS160

Benz Dr.

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Re: why does the lighter socket not work with modern chargers?
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2009, 14:23:09 »
Buy a road map. It won't pop out of your dash.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn
1966 230SL 5 speed
1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1990 560SEC

scoot

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Re: why does the lighter socket not work with modern chargers?
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2009, 14:54:17 »
I bought a goose-neck map light years ago that fits a cigarette lighter and it came with a plastic sleeve around the "male" end.  That's probably the kind of adaptor you need.  I have no idea where you get one.
Scott Allen
'67 250 SL (early)
Altadena, California

 

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