Fuse for cigarette lighter keeps blowing

unkel

When I'm using a 12V USB adapter in the cigarette lighter. Works for a bit and then the fuse blows

Is it just my cheap USB adapter (that I use for charging my phone, etc.)? I don't think I have another one to test with, but might try and find one tomorrow

Car is an '04 BMW 520i petrol E60

BnB

Can't help but have the same problem in my wife's 07 S-Max. Whenever I try connect the Sat Nav or a phone charger - Fuse gone. Both work fine in my own car

keithclancy

Do the contacts look dark, its possible its a bad connection that's causing the fuse to go, can happen if the lighter has been used for lighting cigarettes

Get some contact cleaner in that case.

Also check the fuse for the 12V is the correct rating.

bmstuff

Make sure the connectors on thr back of the panel are not corroded etc
Also the fuse rating for this is 20 amps. Yellow fuse usually.

Kenny Logins

Check for a coin rattling about in the lighter socket in the rear of the car. That had me stumped for ages.

keithclancy

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Check for a coin rattling about in the lighter socket in the rear of the car. That had me stumped for ages.

Yes ... fecking 1 cent coin did that to me as well !

PaddyFagan

If it is the USB adapter - I use one of these (got it some time back, not the same seller, just an example) in my E60 without issue:
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Belkin-Mini-Car-Charger-USB-iPhone-5-5s-5c-4-4s-iPod-iPad-Nokia-Samsung-/251521058758?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccessories_MobilePhoneChargers&hash=item3a8fd2c7c6

Paddy

unkel

Thanks folks. No USB socket in the rear, the one in the front looks clean. Not sure if the car was ever smoked in, but if it was, it must have been a long time ago!

Fuse was correct 20AMP

Ordered one of those, Paddy. That's €5 incl shipping which is reasonable enough for a branded one. Will update when I get it

goz83

Is there anything else running off the same feed? If you have other stuff wired in, or the previous owner has stuff connected (footwell lights, or other), then the fuse might be getting an overload when anything else is connected.

unkel

Only charging my phone on it and there is nothing else wired in afaik (car is pretty much standard). I've tried a 40AMP fuse, made no difference. Will wait for the arrival of the new adapter and will let you know how I get on

Gotham

Those cheap Chinese adapters are a real problem.

They broke my phone a few years ago. There's a reason they cost 1 euro compared to the more expensive 15 euro chargers.

http://hackaday.com/2012/08/15/buying-cheaper-electronics-and-not-saving-money/

They are literally missing important safety components.

visual

Change the cig socket in car and put back in correct fuse before you do damage to the wiring

goz83

If a 40 amp fuse is blowing, there must be an issue, where the wiring is bare and making a connection to blow the fuse intermittently.

unkel

Right, received the Belkin adapter from PaddyFagan's link (€5 including shipping from a seller in Ireland) and everything's fine!

Cheap Chinese one is now in the bin

Thank you all for your suggestions