Cigar(ette) lighter

[JamesL]

How is it removed? It is in the Wiki but...

I assume from the back but is it a complete dash job or can it be accessed from underneath? Once out, can they be cleaned/repaired?

One further question...

On my RHD, I have to the right of my radio, a lighter, then a blank rubber grommet and then the ignition key.

What is it, or rather, what would it be were it not a blank rubber grommet...?


James Lester
RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

[jeffc280sl]

Hey Tosh,

The cigar lighter is pushed in from the outside of the opening in the dash.  There is a collar that holds it in place on the dash.  Behind the dash there is a u shaped bracket that is fitted to the cigar lighter.  The "u" ends of the bracket are forced up against the inside of the dash face and secured with a nut.  Here is a pic with the bracket shown in grey.  I think you can get to the back nut through the radio opening.

That's an interesting grommet. Do you have emergency flashers on your car?  That's the only thing I can think of that would go in that general area.
 

Download Attachment: cigar.jpg
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Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[JamesL]

Thanks Jeff

A further question that is sort of related... Can the battery be charged via the lighter - is the circuit 2 way. I am thinking of a solar trickle charger mounted outside the garage and rather than have it clipped direct to the battery, to buy one with a lighter plug...

My hazard lights are at about the 2 o'clock position above the steering column, tucked under the warning lights/gauges

James Lester
RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

[paulr]

James

The grommet doesn't have to be original, this is where my immobiliser flashing light is and I suppose were it removed I too would use a grommet to hide the hole.

There is a battery charger that does what you want, but for the life of me I can't remember where I saw it.

I am not now going to Hightone as the boys at RE have found and tested a clean and tidy spray shop around the corner from them which is so much more convenient for me, both time and travelwise.

paulr
1970 280 SL

[jeffc280sl]

You're welcome.  I believe a battery charger utilizing the cigar lighter will work as well on our cars as any other.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[tuultyme]

The charger via the lighter might not work.  My lighter only is functional when the key is on (car running).  This is true with my 2000 C230 also.

Bruce; 268Blaugrun(green) 1970 280SL; IL

[Paddy_Crow]

I would think you'd be better off with a battery tender than trying to cobble together a solar charger through the cigarette lighter. Just a thought.

[JamesL]

quote:Originally posted by Paddy_Crow

I would think you'd be better off with a battery tender than trying to cobble together a solar charger through the cigarette lighter. Just a thought.

Not cobbling anything together, just trying to understand if the socket on the car will work... for example, a quick google..
http://www.solar-batterycharger.co.uk/BatterySaver%20Plus.htm

James Lester
RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

[Naj ✝︎]

Tosh,
The socket under the bonnet for emergency light etc. is always live and would serve your purpose, if that helps.
Alternatively, the cigar lighter socket can be rewired to be live full time - depends what else you use it for...

naj

68 280SL

[JamesL]

Thanks naj, never thought of that one.

Any idea what the blank grommet is for?

(covering a hole...? )

James Lester
RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

[scoot]

quote:Originally posted by jeffc280sl

You're welcome.  I believe a battery charger utilizing the cigar lighter will work as well on our cars as any other.

I don't think so, at least not in my car.  It's a 250 SL and the cigarette lighter is switched hot, meaning that it isn't connected to the battery unless the key is turned.   So having a battery charger that only works if the key is turned doesn't sound like a good idea to me.

[Naj ✝︎]

quote:Originally posted by Tosh

Thanks naj, never thought of that one.

Any idea what the blank grommet is for?

(covering a hole...? )

James Lester
RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

Hole with grommet is not original.
May have had some sort of a switch or fader for stereo etc.

Some of these trickle chargers come with a small two pin socket/plug.
You could use power from the map/glove box lamp feed junction box below the dash. The socket can be left under the dash or even in the glove box. Just another alternative.

naj

68 280SL

[graphic66]

How long do you leave your car for. I leave mine all Winter about late October until April and it starts right up. If the battery is bad that could cause an issue. Also if you do choose to leave a charger hooked to battery for a long period of time make sure it is a "float" charger. That type of charger wont fry your battery.

[Kayvan]

Anyone successfully use the trouble light port under hood for a trick-charger?

Another post says it functions & is live always (w/out ingnition key)

Thinking about using below for $25 or SLS CTEK for $100

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-0123-Junior-Charger/dp/B000CITK8S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363374952&sr=8-1&keywords=battery+tender

[Hans2012]

For what it is worth - I have the CTEK unit mounted under the hood (bonnet) and have been very pleased with it. 

Regards
John

[Kayvan]

Using metal clips or cigarette plug in trouble light port?