I've plugged my Valentine One (the best driver aide ever!) into the cigarette lighter outlet of my '01 since new. I noticed recently that the outlet is quite loose. And, it's a bit noisy. The V1 lighter plug now causes the outlet (the silver metal part into which the factory cap fits) to wobble considerably. Any way to tighten it? Do I have to take off the console surrounding it and tighten something from behind? Or, is it just old age, and I should live with it? I tried turning the metal outlet itself, but it didn't do anything but seem to twist the wires behind it. I didn't see any screws or caps that would allow me to easily remove the console and get to the back of the outlet, to see if some retaining ring might be loose.

Help!

Thanks.

 

go in behind the passenger seat. Remove the two hooks and then the plastic piece they screw through. You can pull out the console from the side and reach your hand behind it to tighten up the "bolt" on the back of it. Takes 10 minutes tops...

 

you know, i tried doing that 44Runner and it wouldn't work for me.

I'm 6'2" and my hands wouldn't fit in such a small space. The only other way I can see is taking about the whole console.

 

The lighter is basically two parts. The inner part screws into the outer part. The console sits between them. So if it's wobbling around then it probably just needs to be tightened.

However, if you can't get at it, that likely means removing the console.

 

this worked for me. if you can't reach find a friend with smaller hands to help you.

 

I just pull mine out and let it sit there. It's kinda cool really.

 

i have rather large hands, i went in behind the drivers side, after unscrewing the two bolts behind the seat, and while painfull i got it tightend in less the 10 min. also you should hardwire that V1, takes about another 10-20 min.

 

No way, it can't be that simple...

Very cool, I'll have to give this a try when I take the cover off the car. My last phone plug had a really tight fit, and sure enough my lighter outlet is very loose. I have always just thought I would have to take the entire console apart to fix this, but now maybe not.

Thanks blkatz1 for asking the question and thanks 44Runner for the answer.

 

Not a problem.

Its funny that you say that. Mine was loose for a long while and I always figured it would be a big PITA too. Finally I had enough and went in there and was pleasantly surprised that it took me no more than a few minutes.

 

well crap

looks like i'm gonna have to suck it up and try again today


maybe ill go recruit the smallest friend I can find that free today and have them do it.