Hi All,

I've recently bought my Dad's 2005 Mondeo Ghia from him as he is no longer driving.

I bought a USB adapter for the cigarette lighter socket so I can charge my iPhone, however, the socket is not powering the adaptor. This is the second adapter I have tried. I bought a new adaptor as I just thought the previous one might be faulty, but this new one doesn't work either. I don't think it is the fuse as this age of Mondeo still has the actual cigarette lighter heating element included. If I push the cigarette lighter down it heats the element, no problem. So there is definitely power going to the socket.

 

Any ideas why it won't power the USB adapters?

 

Many Thanks

First prove to yourself that the adaptor is working. Perhaps you have a second socket for the rear passengers or one in the boot? Failing that try in another car.

If the adaptor checks out then the sprung pin may not be making proper contact inside the socket. If the lighter has been used it could well be rather dirty in the depths of the socket.

Be very careful if you try to clean it, unless you pull the fuse you could be working on a live circuit.

Also be aware that the pin length of some adaptors is longer that others and yours might not even be touching the contact in the socket.

22 hours ago, ris001 said:

If the lighter has been used it could well be rather dirty in the depths of the socket.

Be very careful if you try to clean it, unless you pull the fuse you could be working on a live circuit.

Thanks ris001 - on closer inspection, the base of the socket does look a bit "green" so I will pop the fuse out try and give it a clean up to expose some clear metal.