Phone charger and blown lighter fuses

[David 23]

My lighter fuse keeps blowing whenever I use a plug in phone charger. I’ve tried different chargers, and no difference. Any thoughts on this? Frustrated.

[Joe Bob]

Bigger fuse or install another fused hook up to the battery. That’s what I did with a digital voltage meter.

[phelix]

It's not clear what car you're posting about - my thought would be to check what other electrical consumers are on that fuse and/or check that the correct fuse is installed. A phone charger should only draw an amp or two max.

[T77911S]

check the fuse size as suggested.
also check the lighter socket. could be bad. make sure nothing is stuck inside that could be shorting it out.

[Synchro Joe]

Definitely check the lighter socket for debris or other connection problems. On my '88 it's a 25A fuse, and is also for the fresh air blower and rear window defogger (if so equipped). If it's blowing a 25A fuse, there's a real issue somewhere. A typical car charger is rated at 2.1A to 4.8A depending upon the features (dual charger, etc.).

[timmy2]

What year?
Different equipment loads on different years.

[CodyC]

Mine 85 had the same issues. The wire that's connected to the rear of the lighter housing came loose. It would short as it was hitting nearby structure behind the dash. Had to pull out all the HVAC ,re-solder some new wire to the existing wire, pull the new wire through the lighter hole in the dash and solder the new wire onto the lighter casing. Screwed the casing back in and was good as new. Was a real PITA though.

You might have the same issue. Hope that helps.

C

[SCadaddle]

Originally Posted by Synchro Joe

Definitely check the lighter socket for debris or other connection problems.

I once owned (and will admit it!) a 1985 Pontiac Fiero GT. I would use a radar detector plugged in to the cigar lighter, so many times when the detector wasn't "plugged in" to the lighter socket, it just remained open. Then once upon a time I had battery issues with the battery winding up dead.

Finally found the culprit. A damn U.S. Dime found it's way from the console to the lighter socket!

[phelix]

Originally Posted by Synchro Joe

A typical car charger is rated at 2.1A to 4.8A depending upon the features (dual charger, etc.).

That's at 5V; from the 12V supply it will draw 5/12s of that current (plus efficiency losses).