I tried searching for this but couldn't find the answer.

Why does the owner's manual say NOT to plug any accessories into the lighter socket? Is there a good reason?

I'm hooking up my XM Roady and would like to use that socket rather than have wires hanging over the console to use the right hand (or armrest) socket.

Thanks.

macman246
2003.5 G35 Sedan / Brilliant Silver / Graphite / Premium Pkg

 

I've got my phone and radar sniffer in each outlet and I have had no issues. The dealers seen it and made no comments either. Well, maybe mine is burning in the parking lot right now..better go....

03.5 Sedan/B. Silver/Prem/Winter/Aero/Tint/Rims
69 Chevelle Hard Top BB/4.11's/Posi

 

Well, first, I checked the owner's manual to confirm what you are saying. And you're right, it does say this. Hmmm..

The only reasons I could think of for this caution would be (1) insufficient power to the cigarette lighter socket, and/or (2) a non-standard or different depth socket. Reason #1 doesn't make sense since a cigarette lighter is a relatively high current device. And reason #2 is wrong, 'cause I just checked and the socket appears to be identical size to the passenger-side accessory socket. So I have no explanation.

I think you're probably OK using any modest current device in the cigarette lighter. Just don't plug-in a coffee maker or one of those 250W inverters.

<font color=blue>'04 G35S 5AT, Black Obsidian/Willow, Prem/Nav/Sat</font color=blue>

 

they apparently don't like us robbing power from the other functions of the car. the lighter and accesory outlet don't work when the car is not running so they are kinda worthless for charging a cell phone or running small coolers.

****************************
04 6MT sedan, black/willow

 

Ture but they get the job done when you're goin.

03.5 Sedan/B. Silver/Prem/Winter/Aero/Tint/Rims
69 Chevelle Hard Top BB/4.11's/Posi

 

I think it has to do with in case your in an accident. If you had something other than the cigarette lighter in there, they feel you may cause damage to your right leg. Maybe they're just trying to cover themselves from liability.

 

Actually I think it's more to do with the fuse that's used in the lighter socket circuit, I'm sure it's a much higher current fuse than the accessory side. They don't want your radar detector shorting out and not blowing the fuse.

 

I think the idea here is since the ash tray and lighter are next to each other, you do not want a spark from your cigarette to come in contact with an electrical cable. So they advise not to plug any accessories into that outlet. If they did not want people to plug anything into the cig lighter outlet then they should make it a different size.

 

I say go ahead and use it for whatever you want. I've had a cell phone charger plugged into mine for two years with no problem. Remember that there's also another oulet in the armrest storage area.

 

My salesman said not to use it for anything else. I thought he said it was a size issue or that lighter sockets weren't configured the same way as power outlets. I have not used it for anything. I've had problems with some devices fitting right in other car's lighters. Doogie's explanation sounds right.

You could get a dual or triple outlet splitter from Radio Shack, but they can be a bit ungainly.