I bought a new air compressor, but it wont work in the front cigarette lighter of both my 02 MC or my 03 MCS, when the engine is off or on. It does however work in the trunk socket of the 02 MC (03 MCS doesnt have this socket), and it does work in my wife's Prelude. Anyone know what's up?

 

No one?

 

Obvious question! Does it go in all the way? Like is the plug maybe to big and it isn't making complete contact with the sides and bottom. I don't know. I'd also check to make sure the lighter portion gets warm when you push it down. Maybe for some reason the wiring is messed up in both Minis (HIGHLY DOUBT IT)

 

Right. Simple test......try the lighters. If they work then it is probably the compressor connector not being able to sit all the way in. For some reason I seem to recall that the front power sockets are different than the back ones.

...Les

 

I remember once buying some electrical device (might have been a compressor) which didn't work in my outlet. The plug just didn't fit in enough to make contact. I ended up just returning the item and getting a similar replacement. . . .

 

Are you sure the front socket is always on? I'm not sure about the MINI but some cars cut power to the socket when it's off. Try again with the key clicked to "1".

 

As said in my first post, the problem is when both MINI's are on or off. I'll check if the lighters work as said, but I have a feeling it may be as YuccaPatrol stated, just doesnt fit right so I may need to pick up a different brand. Thanks.

 

Returned the compressor and bought a different brand. The new one also didnt work. Tried the lighter, it doesnt work either, but it is not the stock lighter plug. So I guess I will need to take the stock plug from my MC and try it in both my MC and MCS for further testing. I'm still baffled.

 

I had same problem with cell charger.Checked with factory lighter it worked.Plugged back in cell adapter pushed more firmly it worked.Must be socket is a little tight for north american accesories.

 

the front socket is small. mine broke the first time i plugged in a charger. i suggest either using the back or adding a socket under the steering wheel where the parcel shelf either is or could be.

 

I finally tried the stock lighter in booth my MC and MCS, it worked in neither. Wierd. OK, so I guess I will bust out my electrical testers and see if there is any power or if they are booth coincidentally dead. The ring around the lighter does light up when my lights are on, if that makes a difference.

 

Oh do I feel stupid. I guess I had more time to type on the computer and talk about the problem than I actually did to check the stinking fuses. It was a stupid coincidence, and the fuse was out on both cars. Funny know one actually mentioned the fuse. To simple I guess. Now they both work, but I have taken back the 2 air compressors. Guess I have to start over now. Thanks for the help.

CASE CLOSED!