Harley Davidson Forums

Jim B. · Jun 5th, 2009, 07:11 PM

I know that H-D recommends not using the cigarette lighter socket for anything other than the cigarette lighter. However, I'd like to be able to use the socket on my 09 Road Glide for my GPS unit. Does anyone know the amperage that the cigarette lighter socket can handle? My Goldwing has a 12 volt socket that's rated at 5 amps and that's enough to run my Garmin GPS. Thanks.

Lancer · Jun 5th, 2009, 07:14 PM

I used the cigarette lighter for a short time to power a Sirius receiver. No problems with power. However every time I turned the handle bars a hard left the adapter would hit the gas tank. I ended up wiring to the acc switch.

STEVE07 · Jun 5th, 2009, 07:36 PM

I just checked my service manual HD socket is 15 amp.

Freebee · Jun 5th, 2009, 07:59 PM

I can also verify the Garmin will be fine plugged into the lighter socket. I have had my Street Pilot 2720 running on mine for four days.

NEWHD74FAN · Jun 5th, 2009, 09:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim B. View Post

I know that H-D recommends not using the cigarette lighter socket for anything other than the cigarette lighter. However, I'd like to be able to use the socket on my 09 Road Glide for my GPS unit. Does anyone know the amperage that the cigarette lighter socket can handle? My Goldwing has a 12 volt socket that's rated at 5 amps and that's enough to run my Garmin GPS. Thanks.

JimB, 5A is fine, which should hold 60-70W plenty (12V x 5A = 60W to 14V x 5A = 70W). It will definitely blow if overloaded before the 15A one in your fuse block. Your GPS draws 1A max. I would think (they are pretty efficient and have their own battery backup power), so your should be good to go.

If powering more than one device, just add up all the accessories you will be running (common to run like Smitty says more than one device using the so-called "Siamese" Y cords) and then double it, THAT is the fuse value you should use, NEVER equal or exceed your fuse block accessory fuse, if it comes with 15A or 20A replace it with lower value one than standard 15 Amp blue one in your fuse block...

Jim B. · Jun 5th, 2009, 10:20 PM

Thanks, all. The GPS is going to make the trip with the Road Glide to Sturgis this year.

B-1B_Guy · Jun 6th, 2009, 12:01 AM

my buddy powers his GPS and I use mine to charge the iPod. zero problems.

martin14 · Jun 6th, 2009, 01:39 AM

hmm

my Garmin has its own 1A fuse inside the charger plug,
so I have no problems at all with it.

Freebee · Jun 6th, 2009, 08:03 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by smitty901 View Post

no need for it just head that way and follow the bikes

LOL... or the 10 million bikes on trailers !!

fireman54 · Jun 6th, 2009, 11:08 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Lancer View Post

I used the cigarette lighter for a short time to power a Sirius receiver. No problems with power. However every time I turned the handle bars a hard left the adapter would hit the gas tank.

This is one of the reasons why HD recommends not using the cig lighter. The other reason is the cigarette light has a skirt that helps keep water out. They are just covering their butts.

Jun 5th, 2009, 07:14 PM	#2
Lancer Community Star Ride: 08 Ultra Classic Join Date: Jun 25th, 2008 Location: Palm Bay, Fl Posts: 500 My Mood:	Re: Amperage of cigarette lighter socket? I used the cigarette lighter for a short time to power a Sirius receiver. No problems with power. However every time I turned the handle bars a hard left the adapter would hit the gas tank. I ended up wiring to the acc switch.

Jun 5th, 2009, 07:36 PM	#3
STEVE07 Super Moderator Ride: 2007FLHTC Join Date: Oct 4th, 2008 Location: Kitchener Ontario Canada Posts: 3,486 My Mood:	Re: Amperage of cigarette lighter socket? I just checked my service manual HD socket is 15 amp.

Jun 5th, 2009, 07:59 PM	#4
Freebee Start The Engine Ride: 09 FLHTCU Join Date: Jun 4th, 2009 Location: Katy, Tx Posts: 21	Amperage of cigarette lighter socket? I can also verify the Garmin will be fine plugged into the lighter socket. I have had my Street Pilot 2720 running on mine for four days.

Jun 5th, 2009, 09:58 PM	#5
NEWHD74FAN Retired Moderators Ride: 2004 Sportster XL1200R Join Date: Aug 24th, 2008 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 8,273 My Mood:	Re: Amperage of cigarette lighter socket? Quote: Originally Posted by Jim B. View Post I know that H-D recommends not using the cigarette lighter socket for anything other than the cigarette lighter. However, I'd like to be able to use the socket on my 09 Road Glide for my GPS unit. Does anyone know the amperage that the cigarette lighter socket can handle? My Goldwing has a 12 volt socket that's rated at 5 amps and that's enough to run my Garmin GPS. Thanks. JimB, 5A is fine, which should hold 60-70W plenty (12V x 5A = 60W to 14V x 5A = 70W). It will definitely blow if overloaded before the 15A one in your fuse block. Your GPS draws 1A max. I would think (they are pretty efficient and have their own battery backup power), so your should be good to go. If powering more than one device, just add up all the accessories you will be running (common to run like Smitty says more than one device using the so-called "Siamese" Y cords) and then double it, THAT is the fuse value you should use, NEVER equal or exceed your fuse block accessory fuse, if it comes with 15A or 20A replace it with lower value one than standard 15 Amp blue one in your fuse block... __________________ * Please click "Self Help Tips" tab for service tips, diagnostic codes & such * ;o) * Please click "Search" tab and keywords to find related threads * Last edited by NEWHD74FAN; Jun 6th, 2009 at 10:36 PM. Reason: spelling

Jun 5th, 2009, 10:20 PM	#6
Jim B. Community Star Ride: 2009 Road Glide Join Date: Apr 28th, 2009 Location: Lompoc, CA Posts: 500	Re: Amperage of cigarette lighter socket? Thanks, all. The GPS is going to make the trip with the Road Glide to Sturgis this year.

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Jun 6th, 2009, 12:01 AM	#7
B-1B_Guy Community Star Ride: 103" 2009 Ultra Classic Join Date: Apr 15th, 2009 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 557	Re: Amperage of cigarette lighter socket? my buddy powers his GPS and I use mine to charge the iPod. zero problems.

Jun 6th, 2009, 01:39 AM	#8
martin14 Community Star Ride: 2001 Softail Join Date: Oct 12th, 2008 Location: Italy Posts: 379 My Mood:	Re: Amperage of cigarette lighter socket? hmm my Garmin has its own 1A fuse inside the charger plug, so I have no problems at all with it.

Jun 6th, 2009, 08:03 AM	#9
Freebee Start The Engine Ride: 09 FLHTCU Join Date: Jun 4th, 2009 Location: Katy, Tx Posts: 21	Re: Amperage of cigarette lighter socket? Quote: Originally Posted by smitty901 View Post no need for it just head that way and follow the bikes LOL... or the 10 million bikes on trailers !!

Jun 6th, 2009, 11:08 AM	#10
fireman54 Start The Engine Ride: 2009 Ultra Classic Join Date: May 18th, 2008 Location: IL Posts: 39 My Mood:	Re: Amperage of cigarette lighter socket? Quote: Originally Posted by Lancer View Post I used the cigarette lighter for a short time to power a Sirius receiver. No problems with power. However every time I turned the handle bars a hard left the adapter would hit the gas tank. This is one of the reasons why HD recommends not using the cig lighter. The other reason is the cigarette light has a skirt that helps keep water out. They are just covering their butts.

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