General Loose USB adapter in cigarette plug

[podsnap]

I was given a nice 'flush' fitting Belkin USB adapter for my car's cigarette/adapter socket but it doesn't fit. It's incredibly loose and doesn't get a strong connection and can easily loose it's contact with the port.

In my father's Volvo the fit is exact, completely snug.

This is also true for a clever little torch I bought which charges itself by sitting in the cigarette adapter port (it doesn't charge because it can't get a consistent connection - again a perfect fit in the Volvo).

What's up? I thought these things were a standard size?

Is there any solution?

Are there ones that fit tightly?

Thanks.

 

[sixer]

I cannot help thinking that yours is missing a collar from the inside or something. I have all manner of USB and cig lighter adapters for this that and the other and have used most in the 500 and found them to be a snug normal fit.

Sorry this gets you no further than adding to your frustration

 

[RUI]

The belkin does not fit in the Fiat but the Griffin PowerJolt Micro Car Charger does.
I got my one from the link below.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300614287...NX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_2441wt_907

 

[loveshandbags]

I was given a nice 'flush' fitting Belkin USB adapter for my car's cigarette/adapter socket but it doesn't fit. It's incredibly loose and doesn't get a strong connection and can easily loose it's contact with the port.

In my father's Volvo the fit is exact, completely snug.

This is also true for a clever little torch I bought which charges itself by sitting in the cigarette adapter port (it doesn't charge because it can't get a consistent connection - again a perfect fit in the Volvo).

What's up? I thought these things were a standard size?
Is there any solution?
Are there ones that fit tightly?

My car had been speced with the 'Smoking Kit option'. I get the impression that the cigarette ligher socket is bigger than the 'standard' 12V fitment.

In the picture below the Griffin PowerJolt is the one on the left as mentioned by RUI in the previous post. It only stays in the socket if I use a little piece of cardboard (its in the picture) so that it gets jammed in place. It's a good charger with a 'narrow' attachment for the iphone so it can fit that into the iphone holder.

My OH got the white one cheap in a shop down the country last week for a €5. It fits much better (you can see the clips are bigger) but unfortunately the head of the attachment to the iphone is bigger so that it does not go into the holder. It will be a spare.

I have not had any success with the 'double' cigarette ligher adaptors. If you end up having to have a sat nav & an iphone connected at the same time you may well be 'forced' to get a iphone B&me adaptor so that the iphone can be charged through the USB socket.

 

[sixer]

Doesn't the cars USB socket charge iPhone through the normal apple cable anyhow. That would solve one problem leaving the "big" plug spare for the satnav.

 

[podsnap]

Thanks for the replies, they are really useful.

sixer, like you, I'd have though the Blue&Me USB port would charge but when I plug the phone in it immediately starts to charge it but less than three seconds later it stops (and no the phone isn't fully charged! ).

If I plug it into a loose adapter in cigarette plug it charges fine (except for the loose fit).

(I don't have the smoking kit.)

 

[RobinPJ]

Maybe the clue's in your name?

 

[loveshandbags]

Doesn't the cars USB socket charge iPhone through the normal apple cable anyhow. That would solve one problem leaving the "big" plug spare for the satnav.

It charges the iphone on later models (click here). There's a recent posting on the B&Me section that gives the chasis numbers, etc but I reckon if it has the 'AUX' input it will not need the B&Me adaptor. Note that if you have the iphone4 you will need to use the cable that came specifically with it.

Thanks for the replies, they are really useful.
sixer, like you, I'd have though the Blue&Me USB port would charge but when I plug the phone in it immediately starts to charge it but less than three seconds later it stops (and no the phone isn't fully charged! ).
If I plug it into a loose adapter in cigarette plug it charges fine (except for the loose fit).
(I don't have the smoking kit.)

A little trick on the older iphone models: If you are practically out of power switch it off properly by powering it down. Leave it plugged in with the USB connection. It will give it a trickle charge and after an hour or so there will be enough power for an emergency call.
Smoking kit is just a cigarette lighter, an ashtray (useful for little bits but the lid is very easily broken & costs €20 separately) and the oversized socket which is a total nuisance.
Lesson learned: don't order it !