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+--- Thread: Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... (/showthread.php?tid=93674)
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Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... - volcs0 - 03-03-2010
We're driving to Orlando in a few weeks. Our trip will be much easier if the kids' electronics have a constant supply of electrons.
In our minivan, there are two cigarette lighters up front and one in the back. Only one up front works and the back one does not. I'd like to troubleshoot this before we leave.
Is this likely to be related to a fuse?
Thanks...
Re: Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... - lafinfil - 03-03-2010
Check fuse first - your owners manual should tell you which one controls the outlet.
If that is not it the it's possible that the socket is bad and needs replaced
(can be checked with a voltmeter.
If it is not fuse or outlet, the the wiring is bad (least likely)
Re: Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... - DRR - 03-03-2010
Sounds more like wiring contact than a fuse to me, although the two up front may be on diff fuses so they could handle more load... Check fuses and relays first, if those check out ok I'd pull the sockets and check the leads with a voltmeter.
Before you do any of that, confirm that the ones that don't work, don't work with the car on. My cars have some outlets that are powered on continuously, some outlets that are only powered on when the car is on.
Re: Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... - mikebw - 03-03-2010
Could be something stuck inside the outlet blocking the inner conductor. Make sure the contacts are clear. If you see any corrosion you can usually clean it up with an eraser.
Re: Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... - lafinfil - 03-03-2010
I'm pretty sure that front & rear will be on separate fuses
Re: Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... - cbelt3 - 03-03-2010
Definitely separate fuses. In some cases they may be on fuses that look like little relays (40 amp and so forth), so be cautious.
As noted above, the reason the fuse blew may be a short in the outlet- i.e. something conductive got jammed in there by little fingers. Replacing the fuse will just see the fuse blow again, so clean the outlet as well.
If that's not it, using a multi-outlet adapter and extension wire will help, but be cautious about overwhelming it.
I had to trace a fuse in my 2008 Chrysler the other day.... dam fuse box has more fuses on it than my house has breakers, and my house has 200 Amp service and a sub-box.
Re: Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... - ajakeski - 03-03-2010
Some vans have one outlet on constant battery power and the other only powers up when the key is on. Our old Caravan was like this. The rear plug only worked with the key on.
Re: Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... - The UnDoug - 03-04-2010
Another work around would be to buy an expander type thing that would plug into one of the working outlets up front, and give you 2, 3, or more additional outlets in the back (or wherever you want them).
Re: Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... - mattkime - 03-04-2010
don't forget band aid and ben gay for the thumb injuries
Re: Advice for fixing power outlets in a minivan... - volcs0 - 03-04-2010
Ok. Thanks for advice. Will give it a shot this weekend.