Cigarett Lighter Question
 

When I went to get my emissions check done (last one ever :) ), they use the little cigarette lighter adapter to monitor the rpms of the engine.

Well, it didn't work. The light comes on just fine, so my lighter socket has power, but the computer didn't pick up anything.

They ended up having to hook up to a plug wire in the back to get any signal.

What is different about a 911s cigarette lighter? Something to do with wiring probably, but what?

it seems that the german cig lighter is slightly larger than routine cig lighters. so you tested the lighter to make sure it operates?

I've never heard of this before...all the cig lighter is, is a 12v source. I don't know how it would relate to engine RPM... :confused:

Yeah, and not only does it work, but the actual plug they gave me to put in there has a little red light on it that came on to indicate it was working.

They were baffled too when the light came on but it didn't work, that's the only troubleshooting step they have I think.

how does a cell phone charge fit? I assume it's an orig design?

Soemthing mystical is going on if they thin they can pick up rpms via the lighter - perhaps they only used it asa source of power?

Randy's right. It's just a 12V source.

In CA they hook up the equipment to any 12v source and they get the timing this way and if you can get timing info. you can get RPM info.

The equipment is just a glorified timing light with the ability to get RPM's while its at it. Not difficult to do.

I suggested this to the guy at my last smog test. I wouldn't let him use the hot fuse in the engine compartment so he un-did a battery from his own car for the 12v.

I asked him why he didn't just attach an adapter for the cig lighter and he said hmmmmm, that would be a lot easier wouldn't it ?