Radar detectors

[MilwSteve]

I just bought a radar detector for my 2001 Boxster.

Guess what? The cigarette lighter adapter doesn't fit--the Porsche's lighter receptacle is too large!

I have called every company I can think of (RadioShack, etc.), searched the web, and cursed at my cats, but I can't seem to find any sort of spacer to make it fit.

Help!

[ehljags]

Which detector did you purschase? I have a Passaport 8500 and its power cable fits perfectly in the cig-power plug.

[MilwSteve]

It's a Valentine One detector.

I'm trying to fit it into a 2001 Boxster. According to the dealer, starting in 2002, Porsche started using a standard size cigar lighter.

Does your Porsche cigar lighter fit into the receptacle on other vehicles? Mine doesn't. The lighter is too wide.

How is the Escort detector?

Thanks!

[ehljags]

The cigar lighter, as far as I know, is standard. The Passport 8500 works great. I evaluated the V-1 for about 2 weeks before purchasing the 8500. I did not see a performance difference between the Passport and the more expensive alentine; thus, I puirchased the 8500. .... It is great and I would highly recommend it.

P.S. I did not have any problems with the power-conncector with my cigar/cigarette power conncetor.

I have used the 8500 in my other car ('91 BMW 535i) and it works great in it also.

What is your opinion on the V-1's performance???

[MilwSteve]

What year is your Boxster? Please respond! I'm confused as to why I have this problem but you don't.

One thing is sure: my cigarette lighter is weird! Here's the evidence:
1) the Valentine plugged in fine in the BMW and WRX I tried it with, but not in my Boxster
2) a Cobra detector wouldn't plug into my car either, but would in the WRX
3) the cigarette lighters from the WRX and a Ford are too small for my Boxster
4) my cigarette lighter is too wide for a Mercedes.

B/c of this problem--any my failure to find anyone with an adapter/spacer--I decided to try a Passport 8500. When I went to the Escort website, guess what I found under "Accessories"? A "European cigarette lighter adapter"! I ordered one. I'll let you know how it works.

My preference for the Valentine is mostly based on Car & Driver's detector comparison (2/02), plus I like the arrows. But the 8500 looks like a great unit, and a better buy. If I can't get the Valentine to fit, I'll try an 8500.

Thanks for your help!

[keithlm]

I have a Valentine 1 and it works fine in my 2000 non-S boxster. The plug in from Valentine is quite large and needs to be aligned with the lighter for it to get power. If you are still have problems, I might suggest going to Radio Shack, since they have quite a few different lighter adapter/accessories.

[ehljags]

My car is a 2001 Boxster. As far as I know, the power-plug with my 8500 is the standard plug. I have used the detector in my other car (BMW0 and it works fine. ..... Seems very strange......

Please keep us posted as to how you resolve this.

P.S. I also tried a flashlight-charger in the cig-lighter and it works fine.

Ed

[MilwSteve]

I guess the best I can do is plead ignorance, bordering on stupidity.

Before I explain myself, however, I want to thank you all for your replies and suggestions--which helped me resolve this problem (I think).

Here's the deal:
1) the Porsche cigar lighter *is* a weird size (see previous post)
2) this led me to worry about the fit of the lighter adapter provided by Valentine
3) when I plugged the Valentine in, it didn't work
4) I searched the web and found indications that that was not ususual (i.e., it *shouldn't* work, given the Porsche's unusual cigar lighter shape). E.g., see p-car.com/technical/cigarette.html, which says "If you have ever tried to use the cigarette lighter in your Porsche to power a 12V accessory, I'm sure you've noticed that the standard power plug does not fit very well." This site suggests getting a "plastic sleeve."
5) My dealer told me that, indeed, the Porsche cigar lighter was an unusual size. They suggested a plastic sleeve adapter.
6) None of my local Radio Shacks has such an adapter. Nor do any of the chain electronics stores. Nor the cellular phone outlets. Nor any of the European car dealers I called.
7) One of the posts above suggested a Passport would work, so I checked out their website. They sell an adapter sleeve for European cars. I ordered one (yet to arrive).
8) Another post suggested no problems with the Valentine and the Boxster, so I decided to investigate further.
9) I finally did the obvious test--I had been so concerned about the fact that the Boxster's cigar lighter and associated receptacle were non-standard, that I was missing the obvious... I tried the Valentine in my daily driver (a Ford Ranger) and it worked!
10) So then I tried it in the Porsche and--no luck.
11) I've only had the car about 3 weeks, so (I'm making excuses here) it took me a while to figure out that it might be that the cigar lighter just wasn't working. Sure enough, the fuse was blown.
12) So here's where we are: after replacing the fuse the Valentine powers up fine, though the connection is less than firm because of the weird Porsche cigar lighter receptacle. Soon I'll see if the adapter from Escort helps.

Thanks again for all your help. I hope none of you feel like I've wasted your time.

Steve

[ehljags]

Steve,

Thanks for the detailed update. Time is never wasted here as we are all "learning" about our fab- cars.

As I stated in an earlier reply, my 8500 works fine in my Boxster. I have not noticed an "unual" fit; hey it works, I am happy.

Keep us posted on the adventures of the Boxster!!!

[alphaboy1]

My Lighter fuse is blown... Hope it is not a short! Wish me luck! What causes fuses to blow? Car is 2002 Boxster S.

[smcgeary]

Why don't you hard wire the valentine to a ignition switch power source. I did mine a few years back and it was quite easy. Found a good how to guide somewhere online. Your cigarette adapter is open for other plugs when neede and you won't have that ugly cord flying around your dash.

[The Radium King]

go to suncoast. they sell a usa-spec lighter kit for the boxster.

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

go to suncoast. they sell a usa-spec lighter kit for the boxster.

you should do that too but IIRC, the lighter spec switched to USA as std in 2002.

Regardless, it'd still be on all the time. Why not hardwire it to the switched line of the phone power cord behind the center console? This way it will turn on/off w/ ignition. Here's my schematic for it:


Then you can hide the ugly coiled power cord and just go w/ a straight RJ11 cord hidden in the trim.

Good luck

[j.fro]

Here's a strange one:
I got one of Porsche's pricey little key chain flashlights for being a judge at a concours. At best, it fits loosely in my 2000 boxster S cig. lighter, and you've got to position it just right to get it to charge.
In my wife's G35, the fit is perfect. Go figure.

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by j.fro

Here's a strange one:
I got one of Porsche's pricey little key chain flashlights for being a judge at a concours. At best, it fits loosely in my 2000 boxster S cig. lighter, and you've got to position it just right to get it to charge.
In my wife's G35, the fit is perfect. Go figure.

Your 2000 Boxster has the European spec lighter. For it to fit properly and charge (along w/ cellphone power cords, radar detectors, etc.) you need to replace it w/ the US spec lighter (which became std ~ 2002). It's an easy DIY which cost ~ $15. Here are the specific part #s:

996-652-101-10-A05 Socket
996-652-102-10 Lighted retaining ring