The MGF Register Forums

Can anyone recommend a usb charging device that replaces the cigar lighter on a Tf. Looking for one that is decent quality and as flush to console as possible I.e no higher then the original lighter
Thanks

If you look on amazon or ebay you can find basic plug in USB chargers through to voltmeter dual USB socket devices. Whilst not flush they don't look out of place and I like to know what the alternator is doing. Unfortunately when I copy a link to them, it includes my account details!

Something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/RAVPower-Charg ... arette+usb

I've mounted a dual USB socket in the plastic triangle bit holding the passengers footwell light.

After throwing the alternator belt up a Norwegian mountain I removed the cig lighter unit & fitted this one that I got on eBay it is useful for charging a phone etc & you can keep an eye on battery voltage, it was slightly tight in the hole but a quick zap with a step drill sorted that, it took the opportunity to hard wire in the sat nav cable as well at the same time it was a bit fiddly as I didn't remove the console & I have hands like JCB buckets
I used a ratchet crimper to join the cables, it's been fitted a few years now with no problems.

That is exactly what I had in mind - I only have the DVM display but yours really looks the part Neil.

Neil Rushton wrote:After throwing the alternator belt up a Norwegian mountain I removed the cig lighter unit & fitted this one that I got on eBay it is useful for charging a phone etc & you can keep an eye on battery voltage, it was slightly tight in the hole but a quick zap with a step drill sorted that, it took the opportunity to hard wire in the sat nav cable as well at the same time it was a bit fiddly as I didn't remove the console & I have hands like JCB buckets
I used a ratchet crimper to join the cables, it's been fitted a few years now with no problems.

image.jpeg

Snap - got one exactly the same

Just done this mod on my MGF using the same product from the bay of E. After removing the OEM cigar lighter and its plastic surround, the opening in the tunnel cover needs opening out slightly (I used a grindstone in a drill) to allow the threaded porting to pass through. I managed to use the OEM electrical connections by splitting the plastic into two halves using a pair of side cutters, then wrapping the exposed parts with insulating tape. The fiddly bit is getting the securing ring back on from underneath (put it over the wires before connecting them) because there's not a lot of room to get your fingers to it through the hole for the ash tray. Works ignition 'ON'. Cool mod, and cheap too!

Old thread I know, but just completed this mod also and very pleased with the result. Thanks for the advice.! A couple of thoughts for anyone else:

Although my lighter socket seemed loose, I was scratching my head about inner vs outer. For me, this entailed prising the metal part up from the orange plastic ring, then out it popped!

I try to keep my mods reversible, so I kept the connector whole, pushed it onto the -ve be rotating it, then ran inserted the +ve lead from the connector to the new socket (more robust than it sounds). This also kept the inline fuse that came with the new socket.

Cheers
Dave
(2001 MGF VVC)