Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.



Join the Independent Ford Owners' Club

Our community has been built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and proudly run by Ford owners' for over 18 years. As an independent, non-official club, everything you’ll find here, advice, support, and opinions, comes directly from members with genuine Ford ownership experience.

Join our friendly community... it's Free!

 

Ciggy Lighter

Guest
Guest
in Ford Focus Club

Featured Replies

After much swearing i got the cig lighter out, only to find an L socket. I need to cut it off and put 2 spades on to put a powered USB socket in its place. From the pics the Illumination lead is already folded back. So which is the live and which neutral, conflicting advice via google. 

Thanks, dont wanna short it out like i did with the interior light haha

CL1.jpg

CL2.jpg

  • Quote


    Can you switch it on and put a multimeter across it?

  • Quote

    i just took one of the conectors out of the orange bit and used it like that no need to cut

     

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    15 hours ago, alanfp said:

    Can you switch it on and put a multimeter across it?

    I have a multimeter but never had the confidence to use it, nervous about messing with stuff i cant see or not done before. I understand it needs setting to continuity and when i do so and touch the probes it beeps so is working as far as i know. Is it not a permanent live ??????

     

  • Quote
    54 minutes ago, Jimpster said:

    I have a multimeter but never had the confidence to use it, nervous about messing with stuff i cant see or not done before. I understand it needs setting to continuity and when i do so and touch the probes it beeps so is working as far as i know. Is it not a permanent live ??????

     

    If you want to know which is live, set it to DC 20 volts (or anything above 12, really) not 'continuity'.

    Place black probe, probably labelled as common (or negative) onto an earth point on the body of the car if you can - maybe an unpainted bolt head that's connected to the car's bodywork. Then place the red (positive) probe onto each of the terminals in turn. One should read zero, so that's earth (or 'neutral') - the other should read about 12 volts, so that's the 'live'.

    If you can't find a suitable body earth point, place red and black probes onto the two terminals. If it reads 12v, then the red is on the live . If it reads minus 12v then the black is on the live.

    Is the socket permanently live? I don't know, so you may need to do these tests with the ignition on to be sure. Also remember that some sockets switch themselves off 15 minutes after turning the ignition off.

  • Quote

    will go have a play thanks

  • Quote

    Done, black was negative, and its permanently live as its lit up red to match everything else

  • Quote

    • Latest Deals

    Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessories

    Disclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club

    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Reply to this topic...
    Go to topic listing

    The "Digestive"

    • The Digestive Forum Roundup (24th May - 31st May 2026)

      Steve ·
      The Digestive Forum Roundup (24th May - 31st May 2026) We hope this email finds you well and enjoying your week. As always, our forum has been buzzing with activity, so we’ve compiled the highlights for you. Plenty of interesting discussions are taking place, especially around the Ford Focus and Fiesta models. Starting off with the Focus, many members have been discussing issues with the Emergency Call System, particularly in the Mk4 model. PLB raised concerns about persistent malfunctions, a se
      Steve
      Steve
      • 252 views





    Background Picker
    Customize Layout

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.