Swapping out Cig light port for power plug

[steveg_nh]

Hi All - just joined the site. Trying to find an active/frequently visited forum to learn more about my new 2014 Expedition Limited and Fords in general. This is my first Ford, and so far I'm loving it. Had a Nissan Armada before this, and always GM trucks before that.

Anyway, I'm one of those guys that flips through the owners manual to see if there's any cool things I might have not otherwise known about. I read a note about not using the cig lighter plug for any 12v accessories, only a cig lighter. I read a lot of posts after searching via google and see it's mostly due to a lower rating on the outlet, and a more shallow cavity.

I'm kind of surprised there is even a cig lighter int he first place. I'll certainly never use it. Can it easily be replaced with a regular power outlet? Or can I safely use it as a 12v accessory plug, as long as I'm not overloading it (would be just for cell phone charging, as the truck has Navigation).

I couldn't find much on later model Expy's on removing the plug and swapping out.

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[stamp11127]

Aftermarket plugs are available and usually the bracket is removable. Your only concerns would be available space around & behind the current plug and the amp rating of the circuit that it is on.
Post a pic of the location if you are able.

 

[rwmorrisonjr]

I use mine for a dual-USB power outlet without any problems.

 

[Mangina]

I've used my phone charger in it many times. I had no idea that I wasn't supposed to use it.

 

[01yellerCobra]

I have a plug with two USB ports in it. My ipod is constantly plugged in and I plug my phone in every time I go somewhere. No issues yet.

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[steveg_nh]

Sorry guys, I didn't get notified that you all replied. If I don't have to swap it, I'd certainly rather not...brand new truck, and I'd prefer to not get into the dash. I hate how the real power port is somewhat center located, on the right side of the center stack. Always a wire hanging there. Anyway, so my guess, if you guys have been fine, is just being careful not to overload it...cell phones don't pull much power. An Ipad might though...

 

[GAINMOB]

I have a plug with two USB ports in it. My ipod is constantly plugged in and I plug my phone in every time I go somewhere. No issues yet.

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exactly how i use mine...to plug/charge phones...do you not have 12v plugs in the rear?

 

[steveg_nh]

I have a 12V on the dash, one in the second row, and one in the rear. Plus the 120V outlet in the second row. And then the cig port. So sounds like the cig port is fine to use, as long as you don't overload it. It would be for two iphones Max. Should be ok. What's a cig lighter element draw when heating?

I wonder why I'm not getting notifications of new replies...hmmm

 

[ezeq]

Mines a 2007, always blows the fuse everytime i hook up my portable gps.Im guessing it draws more power.

 

[steveg_nh]

Interesting. You would think a cig lighter would draw a lot of power to heat up, but maybe not. Still, can't believe they put an actual lighter in the middle of the dash right where you would put a phone or something to charge. I hate the wire hanging on the passenger side.

 

[GAINMOB]

i saw that in mine and threw away the lighter

 

[steveg_nh]

I know. There isn't even an ashtray. That makes no sense. Are you using yours to power a phone or anything?

 

[tonydiv]

Ford is talking mostly about high draw accessories like inverters or air compressors.
For phone charging, etc, it's fine. None of those usb chargers put out more than 2 amps at 5 volts, so you'll never blow a 12v 5a fuse.


If you have a phone or gps charger that does blows the fuse, it's most likely the plug itself arching and shorting. Make sure that it fits tightly in the socket and there isn't anything metallic that could short the pin to the sides.

 

[bedrck46]

another possibility is that by using a charger or acc plug it could cause the prongs inside of the lighter receptacle to spread apart and possibly short out. If you look inside od a power port receptacle and light receptacle you will see the difference

it is always best to check the owners manual to see the amp ratings of any circuit before adding extra loads on that circuit

 

[GAINMOB]

I know. There isn't even an ashtray. That makes no sense. Are you using yours to power a phone or anything?

phone...ipad and other ipod products

 

[Fastcar]

I'm thinking that ford say's not to use it 'cause it isn't switched off with the ignition. So one could leave something plugged in and end up with a dead battery.

 

[Bedrck47]

Even the factory power ports aren't switched off