12 v cigarette outlet, and flat spare key

[magothy1]

I think my signature is up to date, 2016 Tradesman 3500, all stock except mud laps. Both of my cigarette lighter type outlets are acting up, I can’t get a connection for my cooler wire. I think the wire is ok, it works when I plug it into the 110 adapter. Is this a common issue ?

Also, being 73 and a tich slow, I carry a spare key in my wallet. I’d like to find a flat metal one instead of the one in the key fob with the chubby plastic end. I had one person tell me blanks weren’t available. Before I over worked my feeble brain with google I figured I’d ask here.

Thanks.

Steve in SC

 

[Flinty]

The size and shape of the key that works in my 97 and 98 12v's is the exact same as the key in my 2018 key fob. Just hand them the key and tell them to use a blank for the older vintage of truck. I got mine duplicated at my local hardware store.

I haven't heard of the cigarette lighter issue you're having. Have you tried using something other than the cooler?

 

[lpennock]

How much current does your cooler pull? What is rated voltage range on the cooler? The wiring is these trucks is tiny for the amperage they claim to support so you could be getting excessive voltage drop which puts voltage to low for the cooler.

 

[Wiredawg]

We had a 2009 Ram 4500 that we used for our 12VDC cooler. Had to quit using it when the plug melted in the socket from excessive heat. Sounds like excessive current may still be an issue. We sold our 12VDC cooler and now keep a small Yeti. Good luck getting yours to work.

 

[magothy1]

Thanks for the above. The plug does get warm. I’ve used it for a couple trips, it’s worked ok. I may look into running a heavier wire that would be dedicated to the cooler. I’m sure the bean counters have wiring set up with the smallest gauge possible. I’ll check the specs on the cooler.

 

[magothy1]

Oh, and thanks for the key advice, I’ll see if I can get to an old time hardware store. I missed that post the first time thru.

 

[Ozymandias]

I'm not so sure about an all steel key, your truck is probably equiped with an anti theft system.

 

[BigPapa]

The wallet key is just to get the door open when you lock your keys in it. At least that’s why I had one.

 

[AH64ID]

Thanks for the above. The plug does get warm. I’ve used it for a couple trips, it’s worked ok. I may look into running a heavier wire that would be dedicated to the cooler. I’m sure the bean counters have wiring set up with the smallest gauge possible. I’ll check the specs on the cooler.

They may use the smallest size possible but it’s likely not undersized for the amperage rating. Undersized wires can cause fires and one vehicle fire would likely cost more than the proper size wire in all the vehicles.

If the plug gets really warm that tells me that either it draws more than the circuit is rated for, or it is a loose connection.

 

[lpennock]

The wiring is undersized to provide reasonable performance at the rated amperage but sized to not burn up at the amperage. For example the 12v line on the 7 way trailer connector will drop below 10.5 V when 7 amps is pulled even though it is a 20a rated circuit. Only way it will supply 20a is at close to a dead short.

 

[AH64ID]

Don’t forget that a 20A fused circuit isn’t designed to push 20A. It’s designed for 14A max continuous.

I also get more than 7A from my trailer connection at 13.5+ volts. Not much, but it will do it.

 

[Timd32]

Looking at the drawing there is no magic on the truck.side, fuses, wires, sockets. For some power outlet locations they are relay controlled with a key on (run or acc) relay.

It is limited power as all the above posts go over.

 

[Topzide]

@magothy1, My FIL had to run a dedicated 12v lighter plug with heavier gauge wire in his 2020 to due the same exact thing! Had issue with circuit dropping out and plug getting very warm. Since having the heavier circuit run, had no further issues. He set his up for the commute to Florida from PA. Keeps drinks and sandwiches handy and cold! The key blank issue is a Y157 blank that is available with and without the plastic head. You could take the plastic head one to a wire wheel and would make it a better choice to fit in wallet as the key blank head is smaller under the plastic! Your not old yet, just experienced!!!!!!

 

[magothy1]

I feel kinda old but when I look at older photos and then look in the mirror, all doubt is gone, I am old. But it beats the alternative, I know too many dead people to complain.

I think the bigger wire is the way to go. I was a shrimper for 40+ years, I can do that. Where would be the best place to get into the cab from the engine compartment ?

 

[lpennock]

I think the bigger wire is the way to go. I was a shrimper for 40+ years, I can do that. Where would be the best place to get into the cab from the engine compartment ?

To the driver side of the master cylinder there is a plastic plate that covers the hole for the Clutch Cylinder in the manual trucks. You can just drill a hole in it and be into the cabin.

 

[Topzide]

Just what Ipennock suggested is the best way to go. I'd add a touch of silicone sealant to the wire as it passes through the plate or use a rubber bushing to help seal it up. A piece of 10ga would be just about right for that setup. Just make sure the outlet has a high current rating and fuse or circuit breaker protect it. I'm sure you'll know that, but always want to put it in just in case. I worked with a gentleman that said he didn't know what old was, he say "I'm not there yet"! He was in his 70's working with a bunch of young bucks! We were in our 30's and he said we kept him feeling young! Sure miss him, but he lived a good long happy life!!!!!!!

 

[dpotter]

I have found 12 volt outlets are not all a standard size, some are very large inside and I have seen fuses blow when plugging in an accessory. A smaller accessory plug may not make good contact in a larger outlet.

 

[BigPapa]

I have found 12 volt outlets are not all a standard size

Unless it's some proprietary thing, the "lighter" style outlets are standard sized under SAE Standard J563_200902.

 

[dpotter]

In theory, you are correct. After 40+ years in the automotive trade, I have seen different size outlets, with the resulting blown fuses. I have personally replaced fuses and shown customers how to properly insert the adapters for phones and gps units, showing them how loose they are and how they ground out and blow the fuse. Maybe the newer models are better.