Lighter Outlet Not Functioning (2006 300C)

**albertojedi** · 10-02-2009, 09:31 AM

This morning I connected my tire air compressor to the lighter power outlet (the one next to the ash tray) and after a while it suddenly stopped working (BTW, the ignition was on). I connected the compressor to the center console outlet and it worked fine. During the trip I pushed the lighter button down to see if it started working again, but the lighter just stayed cool, meaning that it was not working. I thought maybe the corresponding ash tray power outlet fuse blew. However, after checking the Owners Manual power distribution center fuses identification, I'm unable to find the one corresponding to this power outlet. Page 331 of the manual indicates that cavity 18 corresponds to the Selectable Power Outlet fuse. Is this the one near the ash tray? What other possibility exists aside from a blown fuse? Any insight?

**Hemi31** · 10-02-2009, 09:57 AM

The fuse for the ash tray power outlet is in the rear fuse holder.Also is there a fuse in the plug of the compressor?

**albertojedi** · 10-02-2009, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by Hemi31

The fuse for the ash tray power outlet is in the rear fuse holder.Also is there a fuse in the plug of the compressor?

I do not know if the compressor has a fuse. But as I mentioned, the compressor kept functioning after I connected it to the other power outlet (the console power outlet). So, I doubt the problem was in the compressor.

Thanks for the info on the fuse. I will check it. Hope it is not another thing.

**Hemi31** · 10-02-2009, 01:55 PM

there are two different fuses for the ashtray and console just so you know.

**RossE** · 10-02-2009, 01:59 PM

The fuse is in the back fuse panel by the battery. I believe it is #18

**albertojedi** · 10-02-2009, 02:40 PM

Effectively, the fuse number as indicated on the Owner's Manual is #18. Let's check it!!!

**Nuclearjack** · 10-04-2009, 11:55 AM

there is fuse 11 and fuse 18. one for the ashtray lighter and one for the cig lighter.

I forgot which is which but try both

**albertojedi** · 10-04-2009, 01:21 PM

Thanks. Fuse 18 is for the cigarette ash tray lighter and fuse 9 is for the console power outlet. I verified fuse 18 it and it was blown. Substituted it and evertyhing worked fine again. Just hope there is not an unknown problem who is causing the fuse to blow off. Perhaps my air tire compressor was to much for it. Lets see.

**Eric Bryant** · 10-06-2009, 10:27 PM

If it makes you feel better, I've blown fuse 18 by plugging the compressor into the ashtray lighter outlet. Strangely enough, I did not have the same problem when plugging the same compressor into the center console outlet - so that's the one I now exclusively use when airing up.

**albertojedi** · 10-07-2009, 09:06 AM

Eric, that's exactly what happened to me. Previously and after the event I'd connected the compressor to the console outlet without problems. Only occured when connected it to the ashtray outlet. Weird, since both fuses are of the same capacity (20 amps).

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I'll make sure that I will never connect the air compressor to the ashtray outlet (named "Selectable Power Outlet" in the owner's manual).

**Hemi RT** · 10-09-2009, 12:12 AM

The lighter in the ashtray isn't meant to be used as a power supply as the connections in the bottom of the plug aren't meant to carry heavy loads nor the wiring, that's why they put the power outlet in the console unless you don't have the smokers kit, then the outlet in what looks like an ashtray is a power outlet and a cigar lighter won't work in it.