SC and cigarette lighter voltage meter

[Robey5]

Hey all....

I am dealing with some funky electrical/battery related issues; and I would like to see if my alternator is performing properly. I can go into the “funky” in a later post if needed; but that is not what the initial post is about here.

I’d like to get one of those voltage meters that I can plug into the cigarette lighter, and see if I have 14.2V (or less) to perform my investigation; but I am thinking that there is a “fit” issue given the euro-size of this (non-fused!!!!) cigarette lighter.

Can someone give a recommendation on type/brand based on experience? I’d like to grab one from our host if possible, but it doesn’t look like this is available on our site....

SO: suggestions?

[motorstereo]

the "INNOVA 3721 Battery and Charging System Monitor" works in the cig lighter of my '81 SC. $25 from amazon, sadly our host does not sell this.

[Otter74]

It's not so much that some products will fit and some won't, but that most anything will be a little loose. For instance my Bluetooth FM transmitter works fine until I hit a big bump and it gets bounced loose.

[JJ 911SC]

Have been using this one for 5 years with no problem.

$18 delivered https://www.innova.com/product/detail/3721/Battery-Monitor

[Glenfield]

This was a top seller on Amazon but didn’t fit my car (80SC). Probe was too small: https://www.amazon.com/LIHAN-Charger-Display-Voltage-Current/dp/B01M9IKYVH

[pavegeno]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

Have been using this one for 5 years with no problem.

$18 delivered https://www.innova.com/product/detail/3721/Battery-Monitor

Been using the same on my 88 911 Cab for more than a decade. I have it plugged into a quality power center I hard mounted under the dash years ago, It has two receptacles plus two USB ports.

[Snitzler]

I also needed to see the alternator output. I bought the lighter voltmeter off of eBay. Sorry no seller info, etc. It was a little loose but it works. As can be seen I ended up using the radio delete plate to install a voltmeter. They match nicely.

[Bill Douglas]

Looks factory - I like it!

[Walt Fricke]

If what you plug in is loose, just shim it. Depending on design, might use copper or brass shim stock. Ground to ground.

[SkiVT]

Read this thread for a mod that may help

Dr. Bulczynski 3.2 Cigarette Lighter MOD $5.99

[blucille]

I’ve found with the loose accessories, often just wrapping the plastic area with electrical tape will stop the wobble and the electrical connection becomes rock solid.

If you read the updates about the shims some guys made they eventually caused a short.

[creaturecat]

the oversized bit? is that a euro standard size?
ie - could one order a proper sized unit from Europe?

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

the oversized bit? is that a euro standard size?
ie - could one order a proper sized unit from Europe?

I got a bit curious so I measured the lighter plugs on 3 vehicles.

1) 1980 Porsche SC Coupe - dia = 0.867"
2) 1994 Jaguar XJS convertible - dia = 0.816"
3) 2014 Ford F150 - dia = 0.786" (cell phone charging cord)

I think they would all fit all the vehicles. The charging cord would be a bit loose but still work.

[GH85Carrera]

This is not what you asked about, but it was my solution. I wanted something that looked factory. The cigarette lighter option is certainly cheaper, but just did not have the look I wanted for my 911.

I have a 85 Carrera, and I always hated the stupid shift light. This eliminated the light, and serves a real function, and looks 100% factory. It is what the factory should have done.

[Gretz]

Originally Posted by Glenfield

This was a top seller on Amazon but didn’t fit my car (80SC). Probe was too small: https://www.amazon.com/LIHAN-Charger-Display-Voltage-Current/dp/B01M9IKYVH

Had the same issue with this one from Amazon:

AINOPE Car Charger Adapter, Dual QC3.0 Port 6A/36W Fast USB Car Charger
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08138GVMH/

The girth was fine, but the length was a little underwhelming. I love the look; simple, red voltmeter with 2 USB ports.

Can anyone else recommend something similar but with enough length to work correctly in our cigarette lighters?

[Solamar]

Originally Posted by Gretz

Had the same issue with this one from Amazon:

AINOPE Car Charger Adapter, Dual QC3.0 Port 6A/36W Fast USB Car Charger
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08138GVMH/

The girth was fine, but the length was a little underwhelming. I love the look; simple, red voltmeter with 2 USB ports.

Can anyone else recommend something similar but with enough length to work correctly in our cigarette lighters?

I bought the same, with same issue.

My plan is to solder an extra blob on the end to make it long enough to contact. Doesn't seem like it needs much additional length.

[Hotshot]

I swear by a digital voltage meter. I got one of Amazon that another member showed here. Been chasing a elect overcharge gremlin and a voltage reg issue. Replaced a new Velo ALT, and was a little better. Annoyed that a $500 didn’t solve my issue I kept pulling fuses and isolating.

Then when I put my AC on, I pt really pulled voltage and the radio clipped..

So I moved my seat ( there on the same fuse 25amp circuit ) and nothing.

Unplugged the seat power to drivers side and all is better than my car ever worked. 13.9-14.2 in every way for over an hour.

If you have a 3.2, check those seat motors and switches.

After 35 years, she probably deserved a new alt. Or that’s what I Tell myself..

[bmcfarland]

Originally Posted by Gretz

Had the same issue with this one from Amazon:

AINOPE Car Charger Adapter, Dual QC3.0 Port 6A/36W Fast USB Car Charger
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08138GVMH/

The girth was fine, but the length was a little underwhelming. I love the look; simple, red voltmeter with 2 USB ports.

Can anyone else recommend something similar but with enough length to work correctly in our cigarette lighters?

Using parts from a cheap replacement lighter bought from AutoZone, I split the chrome lighter ring and added an o-ring to a USB charger similar to yours I purchased on Amazon. Fits tight, works great for charging and for voltage monitoring.

[bmcfarland]

Palumma 24W/4.8A Dual USB Car Charger, 12V to USB Outlet with Cigarette Lighter Voltage Meter LED/LCD Display Battery Low Voltage Warning (Black)
by Palumma
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0773BYS6P/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_S95S79RN6ARY2V8961ES?_encodin g=UTF8&psc=1

[bmcfarland]