12 volt "cig lighter" - GreenHybrid

xloptuny · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-2005, 11:45 PM

I bought this FM modulator http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...onics&n=507846

and for the life of me I cant get it to work. It doesn't seem to fit well in the HCH 12 volt "cigarette lighter". Anyone else had any problems with this? I don't know if this is an HCH issue or a honda issue or a me issue. Any thoughts? It seems like its just too tight and doesnt fit well in the 12 volt plug.

Wangofree · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2005, 03:52 AM

Sean - Last week we plugged in our cell phone charger in our new 05, and it was TIGHT! My wife couldn't get it to fit, so I had to FIRMLY push in the adapter plug.

I'm not saying to force your unit in, but it may take a little extra force. (of course I could say, "may the force be with you", but I won't.

RIHCH · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2005, 10:39 AM

I hear ya Sean.
I also own a FM modulator (years old) and had a hard time plugging it in (or anything for that matter). The ground springs are set too tight. In some cases, I unscrew the top of the plug (+ tip) which should give access to the spring and compress it for less tention. In other cases, like the modulator that doesn't come apart that easily (or I'm not willing to make junk out of it

), I just apply a small dab of electrical silicone grease (faucet silicone will work also) to the ground springs and that should fix the problem. I keep the plug end of the modulator in a small sandwich bag when unplugged so I don't get silicone all over the interior of my car.

Hope this helps

xloptuny · #4 (**permalink**) 09-10-2005, 12:30 AM

Hmmm is it possible that my cig lighter just doesnt work? I've pushed it in literally as far as it will go, it makes a click like it is connecting, but I get nothing. Same with my cell phone charger, but I checked the modulator in a friends car and it worked fine. Is there a fuse or anything that might have blown that prevents the 12v plug from working? Or will I have to give the ole modulator the lube job

?

Thanks for yalls input

AZMerf · #5 (**permalink**) 09-10-2005, 07:45 AM

See if you can find a friend with an old car and use the actual lighter that came with older cars. See if that works. Also, did you check the fuse for it?