Hey folks the lower power port in my truck works well, however, the cigarette lighter (upper). Will often take 10 seconds or so to power an accessory like a USB charger, and sometimes will go out for a minute.

 

Any thoughts on theories on low/ intermittent power from the cigarette lighter?

 

 

Has to be either a loose/weak supply or ground. Time to trace, test and verify connection of wires involved. Intermittent electrical problems are the worst. You could fix the problem by just checking connections and not even know it or find an obvious problem.

There is a two wire plug on the socket just a PITA to remove so you can check. But you should be able to somewhat reach it from the driver side. I removed mine and installed 3A USB charger. One plug is my Garmin GPS then the second is to charge my phone. Since the USB charger is QC3 it will charge pretty fast.

 

Quick Charge 3.0 USB Charger Socket, ADSDIA 12V/24V 36W Aluminum Waterproof Dual QC3.0 Car Charger Power Adapter Outlet with LED Display for Car Boat Marine Motorcycle Scooter RV Golf Cart DIY Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PN5YZX3/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_883DAW4JAFP7E8N52KS5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I installed one of those in each of my trucks when you posted your install awhile ago. They are really nice. Going to put one on the Harley too.

  On 1/29/2022 at 1:07 PM, Mopar1973Man said:

There is a two wire plug on the socket just a PITA to remove so you can check. But you should be able to somewhat reach it from the driver side. I removed mine and installed 3A USB charger. One plug is my Garmin GPS then the second is to charge my phone. Since the USB charger is QC3 it will charge pretty fast.

 

Quick Charge 3.0 USB Charger Socket, ADSDIA 12V/24V 36W Aluminum Waterproof Dual QC3.0 Car Charger Power Adapter Outlet with LED Display for Car Boat Marine Motorcycle Scooter RV Golf Cart DIY Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PN5YZX3/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_883DAW4JAFP7E8N52KS5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks,

I still have the stock radio and use a Bluetooth radio transmitter in the cigarette lighter so it only comes on when the truck comes on, but I might put one of these in the bottom power plug.

 

I have the fancy radio and thought I have to replace speakers etc if I want to resolve the head unit.

Exactly what I did. Ditched the stock head unit. Installed a Kenwood Bluetooth stereo. Then upgraded the cig plug to USB. 

 

The part I don't like is the Bluetooth to FM seems the volume is always weaker than Bluetooth to a head unit directly like what Beast has. Being I bought a FM transmitter for Thor also use in the Mini van. Either vehicle seems weak for volume. 

  On 1/29/2022 at 2:57 PM, Mopar1973Man said:

Exactly what I did. Ditched the stock head unit. Installed a Kenwood Bluetooth stereo. Then upgraded the cig plug to USB. 

 

The part I don't like is the Bluetooth to FM seems the volume is always weaker than Bluetooth to a head unit directly like what Beast has. Being I bought a FM transmitter for Thor also use in the Mini van. Either vehicle seems weak for volume. 

Did you need to replace speakers with the head unit?  My setup has the Bose speakers.

  On 1/29/2022 at 3:51 PM, beautifulisblue said:

Did you need to replace speakers with the head unit?  My setup has the Bose speakers.

 

No. I had the standard speaker set up. The only thing you need to do is order the faceplate for the stereo and then the stereo wiring kit for that truck. You can reuse those speakers just as well. The amplifiers are on the front two 6x9 speakers. 

 

Face plate

https://www.amazon.com/Metra-99-6700-Dash-Ford-74-03/dp/B0002EXGVY/

 

Wiring kit

https://www.amazon.com/Metra-70-1817-Harness-Chrysler-1984-2006/dp/B0002BF0DE/

 

Here is what I'm running for stereo.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017Y5W2PO/

One other clue to the mystery I get power if I push the accessory I need all the way into the cigarette lighter and hold it there...

Haven't had time to get behind it

Spring might be a bit too strong in the accessory.. i have the same problem with one of mine, just takes a bit for it to back out

Different vehicle but my 99 Mini Van has two power points in the vehicle and both don't work well at all. The front one was a actual cigarette lighter. I normally plug in the Bluetooth/FM transmitter. Nothing happens, now with a light touch and barely any pressure turn the accessory slow counter clockwise and PRESTO it lights up and works. I know you should have to hang your jaw just right while doing a hand stand to plug in a 12V accessory to make it work.  Tell you the truth I'm working my way away from cigarette lighter accessories typically you have the popping out on there own, bad connection, poor quality and burn up because the circuit has 20A fuse.