How do you convert the Ferrari lighter to one you can actually use in the US? | FerrariChat

How do you convert the Ferrari lighter to one you can actually use in the US?

Discussion in '308/328' started by jgoodman, Sep 18, 2009.

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  1. jgoodman

    jgoodman F1 Rookie
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    Aug 29, 2009
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    Jay Goodman
    Again, now that my rear bonnet switch is fixed, I'm moving on to other minor little projects. (I hope my kids don't forget that I'm Daddy) The Ferrari cigarette lighter seems totally useless, especially since I don't smoke. How do I convert it to one here for USA powered GPS units, radar detectors, ect. I really don't want to crack that already slightly bowing plastic face plate lying over all the switches in the process. Again, thanks in advance.
     
  2. jgoodman

    jgoodman F1 Rookie
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    #2 jgoodman, Sep 18, 2009
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2009
    Hey, cool....I noticed I'm now karting! Is that more like f-karting with a silent k since this is F-chat?
     
  3. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    I what dimension is your cig lighter different than others?
     
  4. fdekeu

    fdekeu Formula Junior
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    #4 fdekeu, Sep 19, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I had the same problem
    Just replaced it with an aftermarket one, costing 1 euro
    The mounting holes have the same diameter, disassemble from the back side
    You will have to remove the face plate
    I tried purchasing an original one 6117600 but they were out of stock at Eurospares
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  5. Jet Lag

    Jet Lag Karting

    Dec 6, 2003
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    Seattle
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    Robert Bangs
    The difference between US & European lighters is that the European shaft has a larger diameter making US adapters fit rather loose.

    Many years ago, you used to get little plastic adapters for European cars when you bought something that was meant to plug into the lighter. Basically is was a little sleeve with a couple slits in the side to let the negative electrodes through to touch the side of the lighter shaft. I must have thrown a half dozen of those away over the years.

    For GPS I am temporarily using the trouble light socket just below and to the right of the oil temp guage on a '79 GTS. (I've borrowed the fitting from the trouble light since any LED flashlight is more useful). I like to suction the GPS unit to what should be a wing window. It's easy to see, out of way for driving, and close enough that I can use the cell phone hands-free feature.

    I am going to make a fitting on the underside of the arm rest and power it with window wires as one of my winter projects.
     
  6. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    I might suggest if you run +12V into your door, that you install 2 relays for your window, one is up, other is down. This provides solid voltage and ground to the motor rather than motor current going through the window switch and 6+ feet of wire. You can always install the commercially available single relay fix to help ground issues but having +12v in the door, you can do the same with the second relay for positive voltage. 3 second up time is impressive and satisfying.

    Thanks for info about diameter. My cell recharger works in my lighter socket, bit 'floppy' but it works. I'm reluctant to alter my Ferrari light after seeing the prices they command.
     
  7. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
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    Sep 30, 2003
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    guys, go to the "HELP" section at the local parts stores.

    spend $4.00 on the generic 12v socket.

    hook it up to the back of the fusebox to a switched source, so the radar detector or phone will work only when the key is on, or hook it to a 12v source with full time 12v.

    install a ground, verify continuity with a multimeter ,and you are done.

    i have done this on every 308 i have had, for cell phones and radar detectors. it literally takes about 12 minutes, and it can be unplugged and removed with no trace or butchering.

    my car is getting new balljoints, bushings and tie rods, so its not here to photograph.
     
  8. Sean F.

    Sean F. F1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2003
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    Sean F
    Isn't there a power outlet under the dash for that little work light that was included in the tool kit but is now lost on 95% of the 308's out there?
     
  9. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
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    #9 thecarreaper, Sep 21, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    yes, on the left side of the dash. but i think its a smaller , nonstandard size. the euro cars also have different lighter plugs from the USA cars. once i hook up my detector, i leave the cord and mount where it is , and swap the detector between the various cars. in an older Ferrari, i would not install anything that has to run with the key off, even with Birdmans super fuseboxes. but thats just me.

    edit found a pic i already had in the GTB QV folder on my car. you can run longer lead wires if you need to, but this works for me, and it does not bother passengers.
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