A good fitting USB charger for a cigarette lighter?

[Redsquall]

I’ve got a more expensive low profile Anker charger to stick in the cigarette lighter but it doesn’t power anything as if it’s not deep enough for something to make the connection. I have another cheap crappy one that’s longer and I have to finagle it to get it to stay on also like it’s not making a good connection. Is that kind of how the cigarette lighters or or has anybody found a good fitting USB charger ( that doesn’t stick out ) ?

[DMC5180]

The best way to fix the fitment issue is to upgrade your lighter socket to the slightly smaller diameter US spec version. I did the conversion a few years ago. No more issues with adapters falling out anymore.

This is the popular replacement available that I installed.

http://www.gowesty.com/product/12-volt-accessories/4471/illuminated-lighter-assembly-




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[David T]

One solution is to buy an extension kind of thing that plugs in and gives you 2 outlets to plug things into. Some have replaced the outlet with a deeper one to solve the problem. Others have added another, deeper outlet to plug things into. Others added a USB plug for the USB stuff. Depends on what you want to spend, how handy you are, how much you use the car, and how much you want to modify the car.

[Chris 16409]

This is the USB solution I like:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/400701981756

You simply connect this adapter into the cigar lighter wiring. No messing around with silly plugs. The box can be hidden under the center console.

[DMC-Ron]

I’ve got a more expensive low profile Anker charger to stick in the cigarette lighter but it doesn’t power anything as if it’s not deep enough for something to make the connection. I have another cheap crappy one that’s longer and I have to finagle it to get it to stay on also like it’s not making a good connection. Is that kind of how the cigarette lighters or or has anybody found a good fitting USB charger ( that doesn’t stick out ) ?

Here's a USB charger that worked in my D. It fits the type B lighter socket and when in position, looks very much like the OEM lighter:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M6QODH2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is an AUKEY made to work with the larger "European" style B lighter sockets. It has worked well in my car, first with my iphone, now with the android I currently have.

Here's a link with some photos at post 11:

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?15043-Cigaretter-lighter-accessory-port-issues

Ron

[DavidProehl]

The best way to fix the fitment issue is to upgrade your lighter socket to the slightly smaller diameter US spec version. I did the conversion a few years ago. No more issues with adapters falling out anymore.

This is the popular replacement available that I installed.

http://www.gowesty.com/product/12-volt-accessories/4471/illuminated-lighter-assembly- (http://www.gowesty.com/product/12-volt-accessories/4471/illuminated-lighter-assembly)



+1 on this! I installed this a few years ago and it looks 100% stock, and my socket frustrations have ended. This is a must do swap. It previously shipped with a lighter that looked nearly identical to stock, but doesn't appear to anymore. If you want a stock looking cigarette lighter to put in the gowesty socket, a 90s VW lighter is very close. You just need to paint over the smoking symbol.

[bfloyd]

http://www.gowesty.com/product/12-volt-accessories/4471/illuminated-lighter-assembly

I've got the same replacement lighter socket in my car as well. Same wiring as the original, and fits everything you plug into it.

I also have a USB charging port installed INSIDE my ashtray. It's a combination USB / HDMI jack that I bought off of Amazon. The USB portion of the jack is hardwired to a power supply that's mounted in the relay compartment. The HDMI portion of the jack is wired to my Jensen VX4012 head unit so I can mirror my phone to the touchscreen on my stereo. Works perfectly. When I'm not using either one, I can simply slide the ashtray closed and you never know it's even there.

[Redsquall]

Thanks For all the options guys. With the cigarette lighter being on all the time now - I want to make it so that it’s only powered when the car key is on. What’s the closest thing to wire it to in order to do that?

[David T]

Thanks For all the options guys. With the cigarette lighter being on all the time now - I want to make it so that it’s only powered when the car key is on. What’s the closest thing to wire it to in order to do that?

Careful, you need a 20 AMP circuit for the cig lighter and it should be by itself.

[Redsquall]

Careful, you need a 20 AMP circuit for the cig lighter and it should be by itself.

David, I plan to only power USB stuff with it. And not have an actual lighter anymore – does that alleviate the need to have it on a 20 amp breaker? If so, what’s the simplest way to make it run when the car is on only? Thanks

[David T]

Should be a loose plug under the console with constant power that was meant for the clock in the 81's.

[Redsquall]

Should be a loose plug under the console with constant power that was meant for the clock in the 81's.

Thanks Dave!

[MacStainless]

Can anyone reply with the model number of the gowesty device they bought? All the links return a 404. Based on what I can find on their website, THINK this is it: GVW-181407. But they offer a few models and I?d prefer to only order once. Thanks!

[Timeless]

I used this. Fits perfectly and wired in no problem. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGTCSYLJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_3&th=1
71677

[MacStainless]

I used this. Fits perfectly and wired in no problem. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGTCSYLJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_3&th=1
71677

Thanks for that. Did you have to alter the cutout on the center console? Almost every replacement I?m finding requires me to grind the opening a little and I simply don?t have the tools nor the desire to start cutting things.

[JBaker4981]

Thanks for that. Did you have to alter the cutout on the center console? Almost every replacement I?m finding requires me to grind the opening a little and I simply don?t have the tools nor the desire to start cutting things.

The little aluminum plate that is under the vinyl of the cigarette outlet would need to be filed out to make it ever so slight bigger. We are talking 20 minutes with a file or about 90 seconds with a Dremel. It's worth the upgrade. Below is a similar one to what I used... It has two USB Quick Charge ports as well as a voltage gauge that ends up being better than the voltmeter in the binnacle

https://www.amazon.com/YonHan-Charger-Waterproof-Aluminum-Voltmeter/dp/B07FXH5ZZK/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1UB11K9C6LHKT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HE0D9YWvEZZa9sN9RrXcM1HDTth_JT10p LP-37G_McvXyAixwpmqgDK7JJDXG2YSnl-CohiEeNy6w18DlGFP1i8mtmORe_hgS0CyFB8t678gXTm_4_pWE dg0OKk1iUzftpa7_2gbY_7JsmT6e_hVpt1KbE_nMkDiFCKZ83K 3Wdg0OVUlfbFMtXiY3kEKp6Bqw4lM3f7gEzyNwI5funuQSgllu xrIvTwyA6iTI__BjHA.GWlJFcvokXrLPWAWgQIFpB4LTtDf4WS c1r-SHUianjA&dib_tag=se&keywords=dual+usb+voltage+cigarette+outlet+replace ment&qid=1750611114&sprefix=dual+usb+voltage+cigarette+outlet+replacem ent%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-5

[Timeless]

Thanks for that. Did you have to alter the cutout on the center console? Almost every replacement I?m finding requires me to grind the opening a little and I simply don?t have the tools nor the desire to start cutting things.
Nope. Fit right in.

[r00b]

This is the one you want from gowesty https://gowesty.com/products/illuminated-lighter-assembly-2?srsltid=AfmBOorje4cfu1nK_87ozB0RO2fIa9YlcBd3g3I_ 8R8JMeObo5hgmM6k&variant=41426638897317

I first tried one from ebay and it was terrible, some people said they had success with an ebay lighter. I next tried this goweasty one and it was great.

[Timeless]

This is the one you want from gowesty https://gowesty.com/products/illuminated-lighter-assembly-2?srsltid=AfmBOorje4cfu1nK_87ozB0RO2fIa9YlcBd3g3I_ 8R8JMeObo5hgmM6k&variant=41426638897317

I first tried one from ebay and it was terrible, some people said they had success with an ebay lighter. I next tried this goweasty one and it was great.
I had that before switch to the USB. I'm never going to use the lighter so why not have extra USB ports for power supply.

[mike123]

I used this. Fits perfectly and wired in no problem. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGTCSYLJ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_3&th=1
71677

Do you happen to know of something like this with power wires that has a Bluetooth FM transmitter too?

Every unit I can find in searches that has Bluetooth FM has the cigarette lighter plug. I would love to find a USB charger with bluetooth FM that is a smaller profile and has power wires like this one you have linked to.

[Timeless]

Do you happen to know of something like this with power wires that has a Bluetooth FM transmitter too?

Every unit I can find in searches that has Bluetooth FM has the cigarette lighter plug. I would love to find a USB charger with bluetooth FM that is a smaller profile and has power wires like this one you have linked to.
I do not. I just bought a Alpine BT single-DIN head unit for $110 that is fantastic. Needed it anyhow with the DMCH subwoofer installed in the car. Bonus: ability to change the illumination to match OE gauges/HVAC panel or whatever color scheme you have.

[JBaker4981]

Do you happen to know of something like this with power wires that has a Bluetooth FM transmitter too?

Every unit I can find in searches that has Bluetooth FM has the cigarette lighter plug. I would love to find a USB charger with bluetooth FM that is a smaller profile and has power wires like this one you have linked to.

If you are wanting to retain the stock Craig/ASI, you could hardwire a BT transmitter and hide it under the center console. Otherwise, you could send your OG radio out to Dimitri for a refresh and BT mod.

[mike123]

Both good options, thank you both. I am trying to keep my car fairly stock if possible, and my cigarette lighter plug FM transmitter was like $12 and works perfectly. I just don't like how far it sticks up.

[r00b]

Both good options, thank you both. I am trying to keep my car fairly stock if possible, and my cigarette lighter plug FM transmitter was like $12 and works perfectly. I just don't like how far it sticks up.

There is another options, you could get a Bluetooth box that plugs into the antenna port. You connect your device to the box and it sends it to the radio on an fm frequency. Like this one https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=asc_df_B002U5XPBE?mcid=71e365a899f13b81b930fa7 ff289874d&hvocijid=10234666856354813796-B002U5XPBE-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10234666856354813796&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9213774&hvtargid=pla-2281435177338&psc=1

[MacStainless]

This is the one you want from gowesty https://gowesty.com/products/illuminated-lighter-assembly-2?srsltid=AfmBOorje4cfu1nK_87ozB0RO2fIa9YlcBd3g3I_ 8R8JMeObo5hgmM6k&variant=41426638897317

I first tried one from ebay and it was terrible, some people said they had success with an ebay lighter. I next tried this goweasty one and it was great.

Thank you! Ordered it and it arrived yesterday (yes I paid for expedited shipping). I plan to install it in the coming days. Either I'll use this with one of those cigarette port USB adapters or do a full USB conversion down the road. Excited to not have accessories pop out!!


There is another options, you could get a Bluetooth box that plugs into the antenna port. You connect your device to the box and it sends it to the radio on an fm frequency. Like this one https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=asc_df_B002U5XPBE?mcid=71e365a899f13b81b930fa7 ff289874d&hvocijid=10234666856354813796-B002U5XPBE-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10234666856354813796&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9213774&hvtargid=pla-2281435177338&psc=1

This is very cool! I'd still have to get behind the radio to install this, but I'm going to keep this on the back burner. My ideal setup is going to be a complete stereo system overhaul (new radio, new speakers, new wiring) but given the complexity I may wait to make this a winter project because I already know it'll be a rat's nest of issues I'll likely uncover from the PO + my lack of knowledge.

[mike123]

There is another options, you could get a Bluetooth box that plugs into the antenna port. You connect your device to the box and it sends it to the radio on an fm frequency. Like this one https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=asc_df_B002U5XPBE?mcid=71e365a899f13b81b930fa7 ff289874d&hvocijid=10234666856354813796-B002U5XPBE-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10234666856354813796&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9213774&hvtargid=pla-2281435177338&psc=1

This is neat, and it looks like the company made one that is bluetooth enabled (iSIMPLE ISFM2381), though it is only available on eBay at this point.


This is very cool! I'd still have to get behind the radio to install this, but I'm going to keep this on the back burner. My ideal setup is going to be a complete stereo system overhaul (new radio, new speakers, new wiring) but given the complexity I may wait to make this a winter project because I already know it'll be a rat's nest of issues I'll likely uncover from the PO + my lack of knowledge.

You might not need to. I have a front fender antenna and there is an antenna connector in the passenger footwell that connects the antenna from the radio to the exterior antenna unit. It can be separated there and this could be put in-line at that point. Though maybe if you have an old windshield antenna (early VIN?) such a connector doesn't exist outside of the one on the back of the radio.

[MacStainless]

You might not need to. I have a front fender antenna and there is an antenna connector in the passenger footwell that connects the antenna from the radio to the exterior antenna unit. It can be separated there and this could be put in-line at that point. Though maybe if you have an old windshield antenna (early VIN?) such a connector doesn't exist outside of the one on the back of the radio.

I've got the rear-driver's-side retracting antenna. As far as I can tell it runs through the center console and up into the bracket into the stereo. I'd have to look. But, my system needs new everything, so if I'm going to start digging around, this will likely be a bigger project to do a whole new sound system.

[MacStainless]

Quick update: I installed the GoWesty cigar lighter and it was dead simple. Didn?t even need to take the center console off. It?s a perfect drop-in fit and has a nice white LED too. It took me longer to look up the proper wiring on it than it did to install the thing. I tried a couple accessories and they plug in so snug.

For anyone reading this in the future, this is absolutely a recommended upgrade for the car and takes no more than 15 minutes + a screwdriver.

[CarterCarburetor]

I grabbed this one from amazon; https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BLYX8SHZ
It fits tight and sits flush in the stock cig lighter.