Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

I found a dual USB panel mount outlet that appears to be a drop in replacement for our lighter. It even accepts voltages from 6-30V. One connector is 2A and the other is 1A.

Ever since I yanked my cig lighter along with the harness that has the two green bulbs, my clock hasn't dimmed and my climate control hasn't blacked out.

The biggest challenge will be the broken standoffs on the panel that holds the lighter socket. I will try epoxy but I may need to get a new panel.

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

Maybe try the gel version of Gorilla super glue?. Nice idea on the USB outlets. Any link to it?

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

Getting to the 2 screws that holds that cigarette panel in is a PITA..even when I removed the radio one of the screws was impossible to get to particularly to remove it. Would suggest the expensive ABS only glue ( motorcycle aftermarket store) to reattach the broken studs..I tried 2 part epoxy and didn't take the stress of trying to manuver it into position. Maybe that new cobalt light activated glue might do the trick.

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

Yes the upper screw can be removed after the radio is out of the way so you might be able to glue that one "on the bench" The other is glue in place only. We think Subaru built the car around that part. Thanx for the link on the charger

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

I thought they built it around the airbag computer.

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

Some progress. I repaired the standoffs with a combination of Acetone and Bondic. First, I put pure Acetone on the fractured surfaces. ABS plastic turns to monomer goo when in contact with Acetone. I then fit the broken pieces together and waited for the Acetone to outgass. When it does, the ABS repolymerizes into one continuous piece again. To help, I coated the outer surface with Bonic and cured it with the UV light it comes with.

Next, I modified some 5mm Christmas Tree fasteners to fit into the holes of the standoffs. I need to add some epoxy to help them stay in there. These fasteners should fit into the holes in the dash panel and be held in with some decent friction force.

The hole for the outlet needed to be opened up slightly but it fits nicely otherwise. I put a connector on the ground wire that was riveted to the ground on the cigarette lighter. To get the existing connecter for 12v to fit on the positive lead of the USB outlet, I will need to cut the width of the lead down by 1mm with my Dremel tool. Then I hope it all goes together as planned.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/atta...6&d=1452741419
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/atta...7&d=1452741440
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/atta...8&d=1452741457

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

Good job... a master of detail !! Using the push-plug to solve trying to reach an unreachable screw..NICE.

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

Great ideas and thinking outside the box. Good luck and please post a photo after re-installation.

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

Go work for Subaru - they should have done cost-out by using your idea!!

Well done you.

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

She is done. Here is a pic showing the new outlet near the custom cup holder.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/atta...1&d=1452925347

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

You need to backlight that cup holder! Get a nice glow around the edges!

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

I thought about that and it would be easy to do, for the most part...except the wiring.

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

Nice work! I had to do some 'welding' on my console lid latch mechanism back when I had the SVX. The stuff just gets brittle after a while.

I'm curious if you do any serious recharging using that outlet. I used to run a 12v air compressor from there and it didn't have much oomph. I hooked it straight up to the battery and it ran much better. Made me think that the lighter outlet didn't carry much current.

Re: Replacing cigarette lighter with USB outlets
 

That lighter outlet sucks. I think the contacts are bad which causes excessive current to be drawn when using a power converter like a charger. It also results in heating. I swear it is what caused my clock to dim and climate controller to shut down randomly.

I have used the 2.1A usb outlet on this new converter with no issues so far.