THE LARGEST BMW 2-SERIES FORUM ON THE PLANET
2Addicts
2Addicts
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics Navigation, iDrive, Audio, Video, Bluetooth, Phone, Cameras, Electronics Lighter Socket Issue

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-25-2019, 08:00 PM   #1
KjPerry
Enlisted Member
KjPerry's Avatar
United_States
18
Rep
45
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW M235i xDrive
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Lighter Socket Issue

Hi,

Bought a USB adapter to use to charge my phone through the lighter socket in the front. I go to plug it in and no charge.

I confirmed that it is the indeed the cigarette lighter socket itself and not the phone or parts i am using.

Any idea what this issue could be or where i can start?
Would appreciate the help.

Thanks in advance.
Appreciate 0
      05-25-2019, 11:44 PM   #2
bmtespar
Major
bmtespar's Avatar
United_States
707
Rep
1,066
Posts

Drives: 19 X3 30i, 18 230iX Vert
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Atlanta Ga

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by KjPerry View Post
Hi,

Bought a USB adapter to use to charge my phone through the lighter socket in the front. I go to plug it in and no charge.

I confirmed that it is the indeed the cigarette lighter socket itself and not the phone or parts i am using.

Any idea what this issue could be or where i can start?
Would appreciate the help.

Thanks in advance.
Next suggestion would be to check the fuse in the fuse panel.
__________________
Current: 20 M340i

Sold: 19 x3 30i X drive, 18 230i X drive Convertible
18 x3, 30i X drive 16 428i Convertible, 16 X1 X drive, 14 i3 Rex, 14 328i, 14 x1 28i X drive, 08 328i, 03 M5, 99 323i Convertible, 00 z3 M Roadster, 99 328i, 00 323i
Appreciate 1
nazali1264.50
      05-26-2019, 02:16 AM   #3
overcoil
Major General
3069
Rep
5,577
Posts

Drives: M235i 6spd
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Mid-Atlantic

iTrader: (0)

There is second power outlet in the trunk - chk to see it that second outlet charges your phone.

At least u have the usb in the center console to use.
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2019, 11:30 AM   #4
knyghtryda
Enlisted Member
6
Rep
39
Posts

Drives: 2018 M240i M Performance Ed.
Join Date: May 2018
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

The front socket geometry is slightly weird and I've found that it won't work with every USB charger. Try the backseat socket or the trunk socket and see if your charger works. I have a 4 port USB charger that works fine from the backseat but refuses to work in the front socket. Hope this helps!
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2019, 12:17 PM   #5
aerobod
Car Geek
aerobod's Avatar
3578
Rep
3,555
Posts

Drives: Caterham R500, M2-G87, Macan S
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (0)

The problem is the BMW 12V socket is manufactured to the ISO 4165 20mm specification, but the plug is likely to be to the SAE J563 specification (which is more common in North America), they are similar but not the same and with manufacturing tolerances sometimes don't make good contact.
Appreciate 3
ggggbmw430.00
nazali1264.50
MLJR235116.50
      05-27-2019, 01:47 PM   #6
Aspen235
Second Lieutenant
59
Rep
204
Posts

Drives: 2014 X3 35i, 2018 M240i 6mt
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: London, ON

iTrader: (1)

Stick a dime in the bottom of the socket. I tried several chargers before figuring out that the socket is deeper than most chargers can reach. The dime raises the contact point enough and doesn't short it out. Fixed for $0.10.
Appreciate 1
MLJR235116.50
      12-21-2022, 03:07 PM   #7
MLJR235
Second Lieutenant
MLJR235's Avatar
117
Rep
243
Posts

Drives: M235I
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: SO CALI

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aspen235 View Post
Stick a dime in the bottom of the socket. I tried several chargers before figuring out that the socket is deeper than most chargers can reach. The dime raises the contact point enough and doesn't short it out. Fixed for $0.10.

I know this is a bit old but just want to say it worked 100% as noted..

Can't get over it how simple the "fix" was. It's been such a nuisance not being able to use the charger in this location i gave up all hope. Thanks Aspen for the awesome hack!
__________________
'15 235i - Moddedededed
Appreciate 0
      12-22-2022, 07:25 AM   #8
nazali
Major
nazali's Avatar
Canada
1265
Rep
1,146
Posts

Drives: 230 2020 vert F23
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Total Wack Job

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by aerobod View Post
The problem is the BMW 12V socket is manufactured to the ISO 4165 20mm specification, but the plug is likely to be to the SAE J563 specification (which is more common in North America), they are similar but not the same and with manufacturing tolerances sometimes don't make good contact.
^^^ this OR the fuse, use a meter or try another device
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2023, 10:09 PM   #9
AxiomF22N55
New Member
AxiomF22N55's Avatar
13
Rep
17
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW M235i
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW M235i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aspen235 View Post
Stick a dime in the bottom of the socket. I tried several chargers before figuring out that the socket is deeper than most chargers can reach. The dime raises the contact point enough and doesn't short it out. Fixed for $0.10.
Don't do this. I caught my dad's car on fire doing this when I was a kid. LOL
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:22 AM.




2addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST