Fiat Ducato and Sat-Navs

[manwithvan]

Just bought a 2008 camper on Fiat Ducato. All seemed pretty good until I plugged in the sat-nav. The cigarette lighter socket is much bigger than the sat-nav plug so it won't stay connected. The sat-nav is standard and fits the socket in the car OK.

 

I've tried the local motor shops for an adaptor but there aren't any.

 

Has anyone else had this problem and resolved it?

 

Thanks

[Bazza454]

Hi,

You should find a suitable adaptor here -

http://www.roadpro.co.uk/retail/product_level_2.aspx?prod=12V+and+24V+Plugs,+sockets+and+adaptors

[dshague]

we don't have a problem with sat nav plugged into cigarette socket .never  use the other 12v socket

i would go back to dealer and try the sat nav in a new van and see Wat's faulty before buying a adapter

 

[davenewellhome]

The problem is that there is no set standard for ciggy lighter plugs and sockets, there can be a variation in diameter of up to 4mm. obviously if your plug is at the smaller end of the scale and the socket is at the larger end it won't stay in place. A good solution would be to replace the plug and socket with the DIN type as provided by Roadpro (other suppliers are available ;-)) because these do have a standard size and a positive fit inot the socket is assured.

 

D.

[manwithvan]

Thanks for the information.

 

I find it surprising that there is no standard for this item.

 

I've made a temporary fix using a wooden clothes peg, the type with 2 pieces connected with a spring. One piece of this will wedge the satnav plug in place.

 

I'll look into a more suitable arrangement later.

[Eagle17]

I appear to have the same problem however my motorhome is a 2006 year reg and is a Fiat base and CI Riveira 171 but anything you put in the cigarette lighter does not fit as its too wide and not very deep. Any advice please?

Thanks

[silverback]

welcome to the madhouse eagle17

see 2nd post and follow the link provided there, it should sort you out

jonathan

[Overdrive]

Our SatNav fits OK, but I also wanted to charge an Ipod and phone as well and bought an adapter so as to have three sockets available to use. But the adapter will not stay in the socket - so would be interested in a solution.

 

David

[euroserv]

I don't get this one at all!

 

My standard orange phone charger and TomTom power plugs fit in the ducato 12v and lighter sockets without any problems. I have a fridge and other devices that came with a small plug and large plug adaptor and never have any issues fitting those either. I use the same kit in a scudo van as well, so that kind of rules out any peculiarity in both Fiat and Peugeot vehicles so I can only surmise that the power plugs from your devices are the odd ones, not the sockets in the vehicles.

 

If you really have to, you can remove the socket from your van and fit one from Halfords (or similar) after first checking that your devices fit it. Auto electrical outlets that stock Hella parts would be my first choice.

 

Nick

 

PS There is also some scope to bend the spring clips on the side of your plugs so that they are wider and give a more snug fit.

 

[laimeduck]

Have the same problem - a simple no-cost solution for you.

- fold a strip of card to double thickness about 10mm wide, about 75mm long and jam the connector in! (Make sure you don't cover the -ve tabs on the plug)

They can be made in many colours!

Foolproof!

Jeremy

[urbanracer]

I have a Tom Tom and used it in my Peugeot Boxer 111 2007 model, no problems and I now have a Boxer 111 2010 again no problems both motorhomes.

 

[lennyhb]

The standard for European cars gives the sizes as:

 

Receptacle inside diameter: 21.41 - 21.51 mm (median 21.455 mm)

Plug body diameter: 21.13 - 21.33 mm (median 21.18 mm)

 

I've not had any problems with my X250, 3 different mobile phone charges, 2 different inverters, a couple DC laptop supplies, Navman & new Garmin sat nav's all fit both sockets OK.

 

 

[urbanracer]

Someties when you buy afterarket cig lighters they come with a plastic spacer so they will fit older car and newer ones.

I wonder if a spacer has been left in the OP lighter,to find just put finger in socket and lift out.

[Mike B.]

I have exactly same problem on my van. I bought a 4 slot adapter which takes phone, satnav and dash fan and the plug from this fits the socket ok-occasionally will bounce out on really rough terrain or those damned speed ripples but that could be down to my driving

Mike

[Meadows Engine]

My old Garmin plug wobbled all over the place in either dash socket in my Ducato based Murvi. and I fixed it with a bit of Gaffa tape wrapped round it.

 

My new Garmin 1490T 's plug fits OK !!

 

By the way whilst my old Garmin 2810 stuggled to recieve through the coated windcreen and needed an extenion arial, the 1490 is much more sensative and has no problem at all , even works in the back with all the blinds down. (no I don't try to drive like that!!)

 

john