Dead Ciggy Lighter And Lamp

[onthecut]

Hi all.

Needed working lighter socket on the Xantia --- guess what -- dead as a Dodo. Fuse good, so removed ashtray housing assembly. Two torx screws on top at an angle; two underneath in gap above keypad. Answer immediately visible. All three wires broken off at connectors.
What a junk piece of design --- lighter moves in and out with ashtray; wires get flexed every time with the inevitable end result. Rewired, giving it extra length, so hopefully flexing reduced to a minimum. One nice touch -- depending where the fuse is set, you can either have the lighter permanently live or ignition switched.

Mike.

[citroenxm]

Hmmm.. seems the automotive manufactures have the WRONG idea of what wire to use for where!

Rather then a thicker PVC cable that splits or cuts when twisted to many times, they should use Silicone Coated cable, this being VERY flexible and capable of a reasonable temperture carrying capability it would be a more viable solution - mind you - cigarette lighter or not, the wiring should NOT be getting too hot in the first place...

The other option would to use prehaps PTFE type coated cable, this coating - very heat resistant does NOT break or crack up either...

Yes the Xantia lighter idea is a little bit of a weakness as far as the wireing goes, but a sliding tray and lighter and switchable supply is a very good one...

Rgds
Paul