R55 Rear lighter socket: why have one?
#1
Rear lighter socket: why have one?
To those with a Clubbie, there's a rear lighter socket next to the emergency release handle. I put my key in the ignition and switched the ignition on. Then, I put an adapter for my GPS and flipped the switch. Nothing. I tried my phone charger. Nothing. Is the lighter socket not wired? If it isn't, why is there no option on the build-your-own Mini section of Mini's website? Why put one there if they won't wire it or have the option to turn it on?
I did check previous posts but none of them answered my question and they're over 5 years old and some on this board take offense at renewing a post more than 2 years old.
I did check previous posts but none of them answered my question and they're over 5 years old and some on this board take offense at renewing a post more than 2 years old.
#2
I think I've seen it mentioned before. There was no conclusion but the speculation was that at some point MINI stopped wiring it for cost cutting reasons. 1st gen MINI and the R56 (at least earlier ones) do have a working rear power socket. The online 2009 Clubman Owner's Manual does mention it -- maybe you should ask your dealer.
#5
My BMW front socket is always on: I can plug in for power w/o keys even in ignition.
#6
Both the front and rear 12 v socket only work with the car running(not just ignition on) I would guess to protect the battery from running down. My son plugs his game power adaptor in the read socket so that the cord does not have to run to the front. I kind of wish the sockets would be powered all the time that way you could use a phone charger with the car off but again it could run the battery down and I would hate to see what happens to the MINI if it's battery were to go totaly dead.
#7
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#12
I do not have a clubman, but in my 2005 MC you can use the sockets when the key is in and turned to the second click. You have the power on click then the car running click, but the actual engine does not need to be running. If your fans are running the socket works. At least on mine.
#14
According to electrical diagrams, it is on 20A fuse F42, and there is a relay in front of the fuse. I can't see what controls the relay. In front of the relay, it goes to a 125A fuse then direct to the battery.
#16
Is it on its own circuit? - If it is - I wonder if it would be possible to switch the wires in the fuse panel to a wired circuit?....
I too have wondered at the pointlessness of a lighter socket that won't work when the car is off. The whole point of that kind of accessory would be for camping/hoovering etc - not much fun w/the engine running
I understand the reasoning but come on BMW - MINI owners can be grown-ups too
I too have wondered at the pointlessness of a lighter socket that won't work when the car is off. The whole point of that kind of accessory would be for camping/hoovering etc - not much fun w/the engine running
I understand the reasoning but come on BMW - MINI owners can be grown-ups too
#17
I don't want to hijcack a thread, but I have never seen a rear socket in my car. I always assumed I didn't have one.
So, does anyone know if the 2005 MCc (convertible) has this rear socket? I have had my car for quite a while & never seen one, but I wouldn't be suprised to find out I don't know everything about my car...but I would like to
Thanx for reading & happy motoring.
So, does anyone know if the 2005 MCc (convertible) has this rear socket? I have had my car for quite a while & never seen one, but I wouldn't be suprised to find out I don't know everything about my car...but I would like to
Thanx for reading & happy motoring.
#18
In the 1st gen MINI, the cigarette lighter sockets get power with the key at the first click.
#19
I have a working lighter socket in my boot (08 Clubman S). I actually really like it there.
I have the Harmon/Kadron Drive+Play system hooked up and I pulled some trickery to run the power cable under/around/through the seating to the front where the User Interface is. It only works when the car is running, and frees up the use of the front lighter outlet to be used for my radar detector .
If it doesn't work when the car is running, I'd consult your MA, and see what they can arrange for you.
I have the Harmon/Kadron Drive+Play system hooked up and I pulled some trickery to run the power cable under/around/through the seating to the front where the User Interface is. It only works when the car is running, and frees up the use of the front lighter outlet to be used for my radar detector .
If it doesn't work when the car is running, I'd consult your MA, and see what they can arrange for you.
#21
Sorry. I can be a bum. But I have to point out a little failure in logic of where ever you heard this.
Would they really not wire something to save money, but continue to waste money by installing a useless socket? LOL
Again sorry. I'm a bum
#23
ok, just tested mine today with an air compressor
1. If the key is not in the ignition - no power
2. If the key is in ignition, car not running, didn't touch the start button - no power
3. If the key is in ignition, car not running, pushed the start button and leave the driver door open - POWER
4. If the key is in ignition, car not running, pushed the start button and close the driver door - no power
5. Start the car - POWER
So either start the car, or just push the start button and leave driver door open to have juice in the rear lighter socket
1. If the key is not in the ignition - no power
2. If the key is in ignition, car not running, didn't touch the start button - no power
3. If the key is in ignition, car not running, pushed the start button and leave the driver door open - POWER
4. If the key is in ignition, car not running, pushed the start button and close the driver door - no power
5. Start the car - POWER
So either start the car, or just push the start button and leave driver door open to have juice in the rear lighter socket
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