How do you test the cigarette lighter outlet?

[scgamecock]

Ok probably a dumb question but if I wanted to test the outlet with a meter how would I do it?  Find a body ground and then lut the red prob to the center of the outlet?

What goes bad the outlet or the plug in lighter?

 

[Don C]

Yes, that's the right way to test it. I like to tape the sides of the probe so I don't cause a short. The lighter element is most likely to go bad. Some lighter sockets have a screw-on fuse on the end, where the wire connects to.

 

[scgamecock]

Yes, that's the right way to test it. I like to tape the sides of the probe so I don't cause a short. The lighter element is most likely to go bad. Some lighter sockets have a screw-on fuse on the end, where the wire connects to.

It is continuous voltage right?  How many volts should it read?

Also, There was a dime stuck down in the bottom of my outlet.  Is that some kind of bubba fix???

 

[midlife]

12V at the cigarette lighter.

I test it my pushing in the element, pulling it out, and feeling if it is hot or not...

 

[scgamecock]

12V at the cigarette lighter.

I test it my pushing in the element, pulling it out, and feeling if it is hot or not...

I dont have the element.  I will have to buy a new one. or just get a USB plugin for it.

 

[NOT A T5]

This is in no way an encouragement but you could light one up!  lollerz

 

[Bru]

And all this time I thought using my wet finger was the proper way to test it!

Ya learn something new all the time. oke:

 

[Don C]

The dime is not a fix, it likely caused a short, blowing a fuse or burning up a wire. And yes, on our cars it has voltage all the time, whether the key is off or on.

 

[Mister 4x4]

And all this time I thought using my wet finger was the proper way to test it!

Ya learn something new all the time. oke:

I know, right?  I used to hate when all those 'car guys' would berate me for that... tellin' me I'm doing it wrong.  Whatever.

:whistling:

lollerz

 

[OMS]

12V at the cigarette lighter.

I test it my pushing in the element, pulling it out, and feeling if it is hot or not...

Then you drop your roach on it :chin: :whistling:

 

[Fabrice]

My kids call this the USB thingy... why on earth would you need to light a cig in a car? its made to charge a phone!

and then I feel old

 

[midlife]

And all this time I thought using my wet finger was the proper way to test it!

Ya learn something new all the time. oke:

A tongue works just as well!

 

[rackerm]

I tried that once... I don't recommend it!  :-/

 

[secluff]

And all this time I thought using my wet finger was the proper way to test it!

Ya learn something new all the time. oke:

A tongue works just as well!

What!...You mean the wet finger or tongue is not how it's tested! And whats this talk of some sort of meter with probe things?! :whistling:

 

[scgamecock]

lol good comments all!  lollerz   For an update I do have voltage to the USB thingy......