Phone charger/cigar lighter issue in '78 911.

[harj1953]

This is my first post so I hope it's in the right place and I'm doing this correctly. Forgive me if not and maybe redirect me. I recently repurchased my '78 SC coupe (that's right, I regrettably sold it in '04 and fortunately was able to buy it back last July). Back in '04 I didn't worry about charging my cell phone from the car. Today it's almost a must. My USB adapter/charger seems to fit snugly in the cigar lighter but doesn't work. The lighter works so I know there's power. I've tried other chargers and although they are all similar design none work. I've read posts here about our older Porsches having lighters that are too wide and offer tips on fixing that issue but my lighter seems to be too long. Because the chargers I have seem to fit snugly I wonder if maybe they are too short? If so, does anyone recommend a charger that works well in our cars or does the lighter really need to be altered? Thanks for any help.

[scotricker]

you are correct. The hole is bigger than the standard charger etc. I took some electrical tape and wound it around just a small portion of the charger barrel to snug it up. Works fine. Phone charger, radar power, etc. 78 SC , me too

[harj1953]

Thanks for the reply Scott. The charger I use seems to fit into the lighter hole good enough with the spring loaded grounding prongs holding the charger in but I can't get power. I will try your suggestion and hope for the best.

[GH85Carrera]

The hole is a European cigar lighter. Do a search on the site for cigarette lighter and you will find several posts and how others have solved the problems.

It is usually possible to bend the metal tabs on the side of the charger out just a bit to make the plug just a bit bigger and fit tighter into the hole.

[harj1953]

Another good tip. Thanks Glen!

[Jack Stands]

You might have to look for longer USB adapters to reach the positive terminal in the lighter socket.

[Jack Stands]

Cincinnati Microwave used to provide these with their radar detectors.

[GAJon]

Have you thought about wiring up a stealth dedicated USB to 12V adapter under the dash? You would just need to tap into power somewhere, maybe the radio power line. You could snake it behind the knee pad and no one would be the wiser. Only concern I have would be if the power line wasn't switched, you may draw a small amount of power even when not using the charger. I think the radio in line is switched by the key, so that would be your best bet.

12V to USB

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by GAJon

Have you thought about wiring up a stealth dedicated USB to 12V adapter under the dash? You would just need to tap into power somewhere, maybe the radio power line. You could snake it behind the knee pad and no one would be the wiser. Only concern I have would be if the power line wasn't switched, you may draw a small amount of power even when not using the charger. I think the radio in line is switched by the key, so that would be your best bet.

12V to USB

I hated having my GPS plugged into the cigarette lighter and the cable flopping around on the dash so I wired in a second cigarette lighter socket way under the dash. It is a pain to get to on purpose, as I did not want it visible. Once plugged in, I just tuck the wire under the dash, and it is easy to connect to. It looks a lot better, and it is just one extra wire I ran from the fuse box in the trunk. And I put a inline fuse in it as a "belts and suspender" thing.

[theiceman]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I hated having my GPS plugged into the cigarette lighter and the cable flopping around on the dash so I wired in a second cigarette lighter socket way under the dash. It is a pain to get to on purpose, as I did not want it visible. Once plugged in, I just tuck the wire under the dash, and it is easy to connect to. It looks a lot better, and it is just one extra wire I ran from the fuse box in the trunk. And I put a inline fuse in it as a "belts and suspender" thing.

thats what i did too ... for my phone charger and to power my gopro...

[theiceman]

Originally Posted by Jack Stands

Cincinnati Microwave used to provide these with their radar detectors.

definitely looks like an opportunity for an avid 3d printing enthusiast..

[PRE-H20]

i had the same challenge and this was my solution, worked out GREAT for me and it was super easy.

1st bought a cheap KNOB from one of our guys here.

then gutted it.

then bought a USB charger and data, took it apart to fit inside the KNOB i bought

then wired it up, simple black wire and red wire

then tapped into the power to the radio

WALA..... kinda looks like it was thought through.

i personally did not like the plug in type of usb into the lighter.

[PRE-H20]

it was so easy, i did it twice !

[PRE-H20]

couple of better shots with over all install look.

BTW NO POWER DRAW as I wired it to the accessory, so when the car is off so are the USB's.

[harj1953]

Lot's of good advice here. I'm liking the dedicated 12v to USB adapter mounted stealth up under knee pad. Thanks GAJon for the info. Think I'll wire it into the radio so with power off so is the adapter. Amazon has them with dual ports in a nice black case. https://www.amazon.com/DAMAVO-YM1124-Square-Charger-Motorcycle/dp/B08DFQKSQG/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?dchild=1

[donporfi]

What phone charger do the European Porsche drivers use?
Most probably they do not have this problem if there is an European cigar lighter phone charger.

[Canada Kev]

Originally Posted by Jack Stands

Cincinnati Microwave used to provide these with their radar detectors.

Originally Posted by theiceman

definitely looks like an opportunity for an avid 3d printing enthusiast..

I took some pretty accurate measurements of mine a while back for someone here that was going to print one. Never heard how that project came out...

[harj1953]

OK, I started this post, and here's my final word. I did buy a replacement lighter from Auto Zone and cut it down. That worked to keep my old charge in but the light well was still too deep for a positive contact. I found this charger on Amazon and it works great. I took out the fitting I made so the lighter is now back to stock. I did wrap a couple of lengths of plumbers tape (cut lengthwise for a neater fit) just to snug it up but otherwise, this charger works well, looks great, and has the advantage of a volt/amp readout as well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K2XL6VX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1