Celica Gt Sport 2005 Electric Problem

August 23, 2006

Hi, Ive just bought a new Celica and I am having problems using SatNav, Laptop and dvd player powered from the cigar lighter socket. When I plug any of these into the socket the fuse will blow at some stage - could be weeks after being plugged in - could be same day - totally intermittant.

I took it back to the dealer under warranty and was told that the cigar light socket is for a cigar lighter and that only. Apparently that dealer has had numerous complaints of the same problem and suggests fitting (at an exorbitant cost) a second power outlet. They replaced the fuse and said that was not covered by warranty and cost me!

The next time the fuse blew I took it to another dealer and was told by the manager he uses similar equipment to mine and has never had a problem! That dealer had never had any complaints.

I am stuck now with a cigar light I can never use as I don't smoke and faced with extra cost to have an outlet fitted elsewhere in the car.

I am wondering if anyone has heard of similar problems?

I am not happy with this my first Toyota and will never get another - I had rear sensors fitted by the dealer and was later stopped by Police because my rear indicators were not working! they had failed to reconnect them!

I am considering having two cigar sockets fitted inside the dash box where the standard SatNav is normally sited if fitted as an extra. Does anyone know if this is possible? ie. is there enogh room behind that box to take the two sockets and wiring?

August 23, 2006

I am not happy with this my first Toyota and will never get another - I had rear sensors fitted by the dealer and was later stopped by Police because my rear indicators were not working! they had failed to reconnect them!

Have you tried another dealer? They aren't all that bad.

With the cigar lighter/power socket, can you fit a slightly uprated fuse without problems? I guess the dealer will probably complain that that will invalidate your warranty though.

Paul.

August 23, 2006

I am not happy with this my first Toyota and will never get another - I had rear sensors fitted by the dealer and was later stopped by Police because my rear indicators were not working! they had failed to reconnect them!
Have you tried another dealer? They aren't all that bad.
With the cigar lighter/power socket, can you fit a slightly uprated fuse without problems? I guess the dealer will probably complain that that will invalidate your warranty though.
Paul.

I really can't see the point in uprating the fuse because it is rated at 20 amp now and the equipment only uses milliamps. I have seen two dealers, neither were really helpful - the 'its a cigar lighter socket' and if your equipment blows it, maybe it's your equipment (which it is not) does me no good.

I will have auxillary sockets fitted somewhere, but just wondered which dealer was right about the problem. If it is common then I will write to Toyota.

I think my next car will be an MX5 which I so nearly bought instead of the Toyota.

August 24, 2006

Only thing I can suggest is make sure there isn't a metal filing or anything conductive floating around in the lighter socket. To blow a 20amp fuse it must me shorting out somewhere.

If it isn't that then it must be that due to it's design the plug you are inserting is shorting out somewhere.

You could try an extension lead - as you might get lucky and find the plug on the extension lead fits better.

I would say Toyota is right though. Lighter sockets are for !Removed! lighters. the 12volt plug was a bodged after thought - cars really need something smaller and better now.

I hard wired the charger for my satnav on to the back of the !Removed! lighter socket. Wasn't hard and I didn't even need to solder it on or cut any wires, I just made a couple of piggy back tails using spade crimp connectors and pushed them on to the back - took about ten minutes, much better solution :thumbsup:

August 24, 2006

Never heard of this before!

I agree with Sotal - I think something's got a dodgy connection, or something is bridging connections inside the ciggy lighter socket and shorting it.

A second power outlet would cost you about £3 in parts, and a max of 20 mins work (depending on how you want the finish to look). If you don't want to do it yourself, go down to your local specialist car audio / electricals shop, and get a quote from them - they'll be significantly cheaper than Mr T!

There is room behind the glove box for extra stuff, but it depends on where you mount it all, as the rather bulky Air Con unit is there as well. You may also want to think about putting some kind of plug in the little cubby hole at the top of the dash. Might look a lot neater, and there is a lot more space behind it.

Sounds like you've found yourself a crap dealer as well! Does anyone know of a good dealer in the Chelmsford area? Might be worth penning a letter to Toyota UK about your experience with your dealer so at least its noted that you're not happy with them. I've done similar in the past with the Nottingham dealer, and they've been brilliant with me ever since!

August 24, 2006

Yes I think it is time Toyota realised that probably more people use SatNav and other equipment than those who actually smoke. Get rid of the cigarette lighter and ashtray and fit something more useful to us non-smokers! A 'proper' electical connection would be far better than an adaptor. Make the smokers pay for non-standard lighters and ashtays lol.