I bought my mini (R53) used a month or so ago, and I assume the cigarette lighter fuse was blown when I got it, since it wouldn't work this morning. I replaced it later, but about 5 minutes after I fixed it, it blew again. What could be causing this? It worked when I replaced the fuse, and I'm using the correct 15A fuse.

 

A penny...they fit perfectly.

Your post doesnt' say much, like "are you using the outlet?" If so how?

Really no idea what else to say since I have no idea what is going on except the fuse blows. That is caused by a short.

 

Oh wow, I guess I thought I put some more details in there than I did...Alright so I was using a GPS charger with it when it blew.

 

Really the first thing is to see if it is the device or something in the car. So, check if it just pops by itself after 10 mins or so. Test with another device, then retest. If it is just the GPS, that is probably it. If it pops on its own, either somthign else is wired to it, or there is a short. Check for something in the lighter, but pennies are usually "insta-pop" for the new fuse. I'm not sure how easy it is to look at the back of the lighter, but you can check for a loose wire there too.

 

Interestly, I just brought my used Mini a few days ago and was experiencing the exact some problem. Except while attempting to use my cell phone charger. Anyway, took the console apart and removed the cigarette lighter plug to discover that inside of it on bottom was sticky with either coffee or Coke. Assume spillage from the placement of the cupholder above the lighter socket. Cleaned with Q-tip and alcohol... tested out of the console.. Worked Great! Reassembled and no more problems. If you want to try cleaning the socket w/o disassembling the console.... recommend pulling the fuse (to avoid short circuiting) and then cleaning socket with alcohol and Q-Tip. Allow time to completely dry.... reinstall fuse... and test. Good Luck

 

Yup, do what's said above.

If you still have the problem let me know via pm or post here and i'll pull up your schematic and tell you where all that circuit goes.