Cigarette Lighter Question

[Hoosier Jack]

I have an old cigarette lighter base that I have connected to the accessory port. The base will charge a phone so at least I have power to it. But I have tried several lighters and they will not get hot. The mechanic at WalMart said that there are these bases that are for accessories only. Maybe that is what I have.

Should I get a new unit or wire this up differently?

[virgilmobile]

Look in the hole.A power plug has just a brass button in the bottom.A cigar lighter socket has a 2 sided clip that holds the lighter fully inserted till it gets hot then it expands and releases it.
Should you use one of these,be aware that they draw a bunch of power.The accessory fuse and wiring may not supply enough for this to work.
One would need to provide a 10 amp fused circuit dedicated for a cigar lighter to be safe.

[Hoosier Jack]

Should I wire it to some other place? Don't want to burn the motorcycle up. I can do the fused circuit if I know where to go. I have found that the newer lighters are made not to stay in, have to be held into place so they don't stay in and burn up your vehicle. At least that is what the guy at AutoZone told me.

[MikeB]

A power port is a great addition to your bike but for lighting up, I prefer a Zippo. No electrical fires that way.

[MiWinger51]

A power port is a great addition to your bike but for lighting up, I prefer a Zippo. No electrical fires that way.

Great point. Why would anyone risk damage to their electrical system just to light a smoke. A dollar will get you a Bic.

[virgilmobile]

Its kinda hard to light at 70mph.
For a cigar lighter,personally I wouldn't tie it to the bikes wiring.I'd fuse it straight from the battery posts and connect both terminals with a #14 wire.The fuse will protect everything.Keep the fuse close to the battery.
A cigar lighter doesn't have to be switched ignition.However if you desire that..use a relay to switch it on and off using the acc line to operate the relay.

[Hoosier Jack]

I ordered a fused unit from WalMart. Will hook it up directly to the battery since it draws no power when not in use. And yes, I have to stop now to light up. Maybe that is better for me but irritates other riders.

[virgilmobile]

OK.Wherever you install it attach the fuse as close to the power point (battery connection)as possible.Even if you have to extend the wiring to get it there.It will protect the wiring through the frame.
Always fuse at the source of power to all equipment.Protect the wiring.

[Mh434]

I just put a lighter receptacle in the scratch-built car I'm building. I wanted to keep the "period-correct" look, and had precisely the lighter I wanted, but not the receptacle.

Turns out, while the receptacles may look the same, they can be very different, and incompatible with many other lighters (as is, plugs-in-depresses-but-doesn't-get-hot). The best thing to do is to either (a) buy a new unit with both pieces, or (b) go by your local auto wreckers, where you'll find dozens of complete, unused units...for next to nothing. That way, you get to chose the style you want.

Personally, I like the true cigarette lighter units, rather than the new "power point" type. The older types work for all duties, but the power point type only work for charging stuff.

[raven41951]

I quit smoking. Now I only need it for power.

[landisr]

I've been told that the newer, accessory sockets are "deeper" than true lighter sockets. Also that the lockin action is a function of the lighter itself. Which could explain why a a ie charger would work in a lighter socket because it can reach the center terminal, but not the reverse.

Sorry if I'm muddying up the waters.

Ron

[Mh434]

That's true - and that's why I recommend the cigarette lighter type socket - they can do everything the power point ones can, plus more that the power points can't. There are also some older devices (spotlights, small compressors, etc.) that won't work with the new style, but they will with the cigarette lighter type.

[raven41951]

Nowadays they call them power outlets and I haven't followed their dimensions.

I did notice that when I put Sirius/xm in my (former) 1995 Mercedes and the 1999 that followed it (still have it and its still for sale, both turbo diesel) that the sirius power plug fit very loose in the socket and I had to shim it with a piece of cardboard to keep it in place. The Sirius power plug worked fine in my '02 Tundra, nice and snug. The '14 Tundra has Sirius built in so no need for external power.

This tells me that a variety of suppliers be it USA or European are using their own dimensions for the power sockets/plugs so its best to check before you buy, if possible.

I am currently using my iPhone to listen to Sirius on the bike, either through Sena for the headset or the audio out for the bike stereo which has a much better sound quality (for my brief forays through NH where there is no helmet law so I can listen to all four speakers). This lets me use the USB power socket I have installed. When I have to mount the sirius radio on the bike, I will manufacture a usb power adapter for it as there is no rocket science there.

[tech1]

I think if a smoker needs a smoke they need to pull over and have one stopped. I'm not trying to be a *ss but there are no ashtrays on a motorcycle and where are the butts and ashes going? Plus the embers will be blown off risking a fire. No one would want to ride behind that lit cigarettes throw out that's dangerous Best to pull over and take a smoke break stopped.

[Bluewaterhooker0]

This works at highway speeds. I've had one for years.

https://www.amazon.com/Wall-Lenk-LMJ280 ... ingdocs-20

[Hoosier Jack]

I think if a smoker needs a smoke they need to pull over and have one stopped. I'm not trying to be a *ss but there are no ashtrays on a motorcycle and where are the butts and ashes going? Plus the embers will be blown off risking a fire. No one would want to ride behind that lit cigarettes throw out that's dangerous Best to pull over and take a smoke break stopped.

Just what I needed, some sanctimonious lecture. Isn't great to be perfect. And the fire thing is just plain crap as you know not what you speak. Give the lectures to your family.

[Fiberthree]

I think if a smoker needs a smoke they need to pull over and have one stopped. I'm not trying to be a *ss but there are no ashtrays on a motorcycle and where are the butts and ashes going? Plus the embers will be blown off risking a fire. No one would want to ride behind that lit cigarettes throw out that's dangerous Best to pull over and take a smoke break stopped.

Just what I needed, some sanctimonious lecture. Isn't great to be perfect. And the fire thing is just plain crap as you know not what you speak. Give the lectures to your family.

[Hoosier Jack]

I love your lights Fiberthree. If a car cannot see you coming then they have started to give a license to blind people.

Fiberthree, I'm always fascinated how people come up with their user names.

[Fiberthree]

I have a co-worker who said my bike looks like a UFO coming at you so I commented about the LOUD exhaust on his Harley. He told me that lots of people can't see him so he wants to be heard. I responded by telling him that the DMV would give a drivers license to a deaf person but not a blind one. (well... maybe almost blind) His ride has since shaken itself apart and shed most of its vital components so he doesn't ride any more.

I work with fiber optics and the crew I am on has their vehicles numbered. As you might have guessed... mine is number three.

[Hoosier Jack]

Behind the windshield is rather cryptic.

[Fiberthree]

Behind the windshield is rather cryptic.

Well... yes. I guess it is. My Wing has been in only two states but countless cities and I have always been behind the windshield.

I'm in Southern California.