I've seen some random old threads touch on this issue, but none of them answered my specific questions, so here we go:

I just got my 2005 G35 Saturday. One of the first things I noticed was that the cigarette lighter underneath the radio doesn't work, or at least it would not power my radar detector. My radar detector works fine when plugged into the power outlet in the center console.

My first thought was a fuse issue, so I turned to the manual and noticed that the manual specifies that the cigarette outlet is for the lighter only, and basically says plugging anything else into it would be a bad idea.

I've seen some comments on the forum where some people have been advised the same thing, or otherwise had issues with the cigarette outlet, but I've also seen where other people have never heard that, and don't have a problem with the lighter.

My thoughts were to look into replacing the fuse to see if that fixes the issue- possibly a "bigger" fuse if need be. I was just concerned that doing so 1) might not work or 2) might cause bigger issues with either the outlet or whatever I try to plug into it.

Thoughts on this? Has anyone had a similar experience, and can someone verify that it's ok for me to use the cigarette lighter as a power source for my radar and phone charger without issue? Sorry for being such a G noob

 

MOST "Lighter" circuits are fused at 10 amps, your RD shouldn't draw more than 1 amp when it's going off full tilt boogie. Mine works fine in my car. However I now use an "Invisicord" that draws power from the mirror and a "Mike's Mount" that attaches to the Rear View Mirror stalk. Works like a champ.

 

Yeah I've actually already got a blend mount and invisicord on the way, first thing I bought for the car but I do want to be able to use that outlet for other things like charging the phone.. just wanted to make sure that was even going to be an option. Never owned a car that specified that outlet to be for cigarette lighters only. I have a few spare fuses around, I might see if the issue is as simple as that.

 

I hard wire mine into the car. Just made my life easier

 

If it hasn't corroded too bad from ashes, you should be fine.

 

I have a similar problem. I used mine for my phone charger and after a week or so, it don't work no mo. Haven't checked the fuse, cuz I'm lazy as a b!tch. I'll try to fix and let you know.

 

I've had the same problem for awhile but with the passenger side. In all honesty, I would just hard wire it. Make extra sure your connections are clean and not painted on... I had a huge issue with my bolts being painted when I would use a ground. Scrubbed the paint off the bolt & tada, magic at It's finest.