Simple question... on the Fabia, is the 12v accessory socket switched with the ignition or does it have a permanently live feed?

Simple question... on the Fabia, is the 12v accessory socket switched with the ignition or does it have a permanently live feed?

I didn't realise you could ever get switched 12v ciggy supplies.

Only ever known them to be switched via ignition.

I could be wrong though.

If you have a multimeter stick it across and have a look.

Edit: Just re-read, I understand what you mean. I can go and try my iphone charger for you now and find out.

Edited 7 February, 201115 yr by Stu vRS

its permanent i charge batteries for rc cars without igntion on

Yep, just tried it.

Permanent indeed.

Suprised me actually, I didn't think it would be.

Thanks for the speedy replies. Only reason I ask is that I was looking to use one of those tiny adapters which change your accessory socket to a usb, but they don't stick out like normal adapters... only problem is they have a built in LED which could lead to problems with the battery.

Thanks for the speedy replies. Only reason I ask is that I was looking to use one of those tiny adapters which change your accessory socket to a usb, but they don't stick out like normal adapters... only problem is they have a built in LED which could lead to problems with the battery.

LED's have very very low power consumption.

You should be fine for weeks, probably months, without starting the engine at least.

However, if the adapter you are talking about uses a transformer (quite possibly since USB is 5V), then it may take a bit more battery life up.

I've got a small USB socket in my 12v socket, no LED. Never unplug it, you won't even trouble a car battery with that, even with the LED.

They won't have a transformer in them, that only works with AC. It will just be a simple voltage step circuit (a couple of resistors basically). So it shouldn't consume any power when nothing is plugged into it

I've got a small USB socket in my 12v socket, no LED. Never unplug it, you won't even trouble a car battery with that, even with the LED.

They won't have a transformer in them, that only works with AC. It will just be a simple voltage step circuit (a couple of resistors basically). So it shouldn't consume any power when nothing is plugged into it

D'oh.

Forgot it was 12V DC. It's getting late at night...(excuses)

Excellent, I was hoping I could leave it plugged in and use it as a usb charging port rather than a 12v socket (don't think I own anything with a cigarette lighter plug anyhow

Excellent, I was hoping I could leave it plugged in and use it as a usb charging port rather than a 12v socket (don't think I own anything with a cigarette lighter plug anyhow

Yep, should be fine.

Did you say the USB adapter you have is flush fitting (i.e. doesn't protude out of the socket much)?

If so, do you have a link to it?

Cheers.

There's this one...

Version 1

but this is the one I have ordered...

Version 2

There's this one...

Version 1

but this is the one I have ordered...

Version 2

Wish I'd seen those first, got an iPhone one from the Apple store, that was a little more expensive... :'(

There's this one...

Version 1

but this is the one I have ordered...

Version 2

Nice one mate, they are pretty smart.

Wish I'd seen those first, got an iPhone one from the Apple store, that was a little more expensive...

Yeah, I have a generic USB 12v charger from ASDA, but it sticks out well far from the socket, not flush like the ones mentioned above.

No worries. Hopefully the one I've ordered will be here tomorrow so I'll happily post an update when it arrives and I've had a chance to use it, might even post a pick of it in my current car

No worries. Hopefully the one I've ordered will be here tomorrow so I'll happily post an update when it arrives and I've had a chance to use it, might even post a pick of it in my current car

Nice one mate, cheers

The cars internal computer will drain more battery than the extra LED lol.

I left my ipod plugged into it for 5 days without starting the car and the battery was flat, but that was with it constantly charging the ipod because i left it on by accident.

if you remeber to unplug whatever it is your charging you'll be fine.

Unfortunately no post today...

Hopefully tomorrow... :wonder:

Postie finally delivered the usb adapter today (version 2 in my earlier post). Looks neat and well finished, but there's one small problem... it's too long!!!!!!!

It sticks out of the socket in my Saab 93 by about 6-7mm. I've tried it in my wife's focus and it sticks out in that car too (I guess the sockets are a uniform depth across most cars)

So, I wouldn't bother buying one from ebay and although it works, it doesn't look very neat, although I suppose it's better than the normal adapters that are about 3 inches long, but it's not what I was expecting.

Just for info, the one I have received is about 45mm long to the sprung tip.

You could try one of these - bought one today and it is very nearly flush - approx 40mm from flange to tip. Bit pricey but I'm still trying to spend my VAT "refund" before anyone does

edit - better post a link

http://www.maplin.co.uk/micro-dc-to-usb-adaptor-274029

Edited 11 February, 201115 yr by SilverBall

OK, silly question maybe, but I've just ordered my new 2012 Fabia Elegance (UK) - can anyone please confirm if it has a 12v socket as I can't see it in any specs or dashboard photos anywhere. I'd like to be able to use this socket to power my iPod. Thanks!

Sorry i dont know the Elegance,

but i would think its in a similar place to the vRS.

Beside the Hand Brake for the '12v socket', 'AUX in' & 'TPMS set' switch.

Under the armrest on yours i would think.

the vRS has a 'input MDI' under the glove compartment.

The estate also has a 12v socket in the boot i believe.

george

Be careful with the USB adaptors. I bought a good quality one, or so I thought. The bottom of it, that is the end that goes into the socket, UNSCREWS! With my pulling in and out of the socket, (because prior to reading this thread I thought the LED light might flatten the battery) the bottom contact point came unscrewed and stayed in the bottom of the socket. I tried getting it out (using a golf tee??? oh well it's all I had at the time) and the metal contact fell out of the screw in plastic piece through the socket into the consol. I managed to get out the plastic bit. The metal contact falling through the socket has connected with something and shorted the socket. It now does not work. I don't know if it will be a fuse? Or the socket needs to be replaced. My car only 4 weeks old :( I will probably ring dealer and see how much it will cost to fix. My car is a 2013 Fabia VRS.

Be careful with the USB adaptors. I bought a good quality one, or so I thought. The bottom of it, that is the end that goes into the socket, UNSCREWS! With my pulling in and out of the socket, (because prior to reading this thread I thought the LED light might flatten the battery) the bottom contact point came unscrewed and stayed in the bottom of the socket. I tried getting it out (using a golf tee??? oh well it's all I had at the time) and the metal contact fell out of the screw in plastic piece through the socket into the consol. I managed to get out the plastic bit. The metal contact falling through the socket has connected with something and shorted the socket. It now does not work. I don't know if it will be a fuse? Or the socket needs to be replaced. My car only 4 weeks old :( I will probably ring dealer and see how much it will cost to fix. My car is a 2013 Fabia VRS.

That is exactly what happened to me! Girlfriend tried getting it with her nail but it went through the hole in the socket. Lucky enough It just blown a fuse so a simple change fixed it.

Be careful with the USB adaptors. I bought a good quality one, or so I thought. The bottom of it, that is the end that goes into the socket, UNSCREWS! With my pulling in and out of the socket, (because prior to reading this thread I thought the LED light might flatten the battery) the bottom contact point came unscrewed and stayed in the bottom of the socket. I tried getting it out (using a golf tee??? oh well it's all I had at the time) and the metal contact fell out of the screw in plastic piece through the socket into the consol. I managed to get out the plastic bit. The metal contact falling through the socket has connected with something and shorted the socket. It now does not work. I don't know if it will be a fuse? Or the socket needs to be replaced. My car only 4 weeks old :( I will probably ring dealer and see how much it will cost to fix. My car is a 2013 Fabia VRS.

 

Its just a fuse you need to replace.  Happend to me- adapter fell apart and shorted the socket. 

 

Can't remeber which number it is you need, but its one of the blue ones. 

Edited 8 October, 201312 yr by Gumby

Number 47 I think it was. If your wondering where your fuses are its underneath the steering wheel.