How do I get 12v outlets working

MikeGB · Feb 7, 2012

I have just found that none of the 12v, cigar lighter type outlets work. Internet searches seem to suggest that a lot of people have this problem but none of the answers I have found get mine working, most suggest that it is fuse 30 under the steering wheel but not on mine. I tried going along the unused fuses and putting a fuse in and 29 seemed to work, the light on my phone charger came on but when I connect the phone it goes off. I also asked the local dealer and they say they can turn them on but there will be a 'workshop charge' which I believe is £50.
Would anyone have any ideas how to get these working ?

Tigeos · Feb 7, 2012

My 12V sockets work fine. If the car is under warranty then I would have thought they should be fixed free of charge. Otherwise all I can suggest is finding a VW specialist like Hazzy Dazs My link though they are a bit far from you.

Old Dog · Feb 7, 2012

Hi Mike, just a quick clarification if you don't mind as it is not specifically mentioned in your post. Are you saying the outlets do not work when the car is running? The outlets do not work when the car is turned off and I just want to rule this last point out then.

Thanks

Tig 170 · Feb 7, 2012

I was about to say the same, they are on a switched live circuit. I'm not sure if the fuse is in the cabin or nr the battery

Jon

Clem · Feb 7, 2012

The ignition needs to be on for any and all of the 4 12V Sockets to work (on mine, anyway).

MikeGB · Feb 7, 2012

None of the sockets work even if ignition is on or engine is running.

shawng · Feb 7, 2012

The chances of the fuse being missing is quite rare. I would suspect that the fuse is blown. Under the dash, check all the 20A fuses. Unfortunately, VW seems to change fuse assignment depending on the exact model, so giving you the right location will be hit or miss.

Clem · Feb 7, 2012

The sooner a Haynes manual becomes available for the Tiguan, the better. VW's handbook info on these things is usually inadequate and incomplete.

Tig 170 · Feb 7, 2012

To be fair, the fuse table layout is in the manual, its more than adequate
Jon

MikeGB · Feb 8, 2012

I have checked all fuses again and tried putting fuses in all the empty positions in both fuse boxes (with ign on) but nothing happening.
Also checked my user manual again, almost page-by-page, but noting like a 'fuse table layout' in there, just a brief bit of basic info on 2 pages.

Old Dog · Feb 8, 2012

Just found this link that may or may not help.

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?56883-Power-sockets-not-working

UPDATE - False Alarm: I just noticed this is not for a Tiguan, but an older Passat (2000).

Cheers!

CovRob · Feb 8, 2012

Might be worth checking to see if they are actually connected!

When my Tig was new the 12v socket in the boot area wouldn't work. I checked everything - fuses, ignition on/off, etc. No power at all. Took it back to the dealers and when they checked, it wasn't wired in to the loom! 2 minute job to connect it from memory, but overlooked on manufacture it seems.

MikeGB · Feb 8, 2012

I found a few posts on various forums saying it is fuse 30, which already has a fuse in and changing it hasn't helped.
The stuff on the vwaudi forum refereed to, mentions finding some outlets were not connected but I can't find a way to get at the centre console ones, there is a flat piece of trim that goes from the front of the console to the bulkhead but I have taken some screws out and there is no sign of it coming lose.

Old Dog · Feb 8, 2012

Clem said:
...how does Tig 170 know what's actually in MY manual? The manuals change almost every year, and are different for different markets, so no poster can make any valid statement as to what is contained in another poster's manual.

Hmmm, maybe, just maybe Tig 170 has the same year and model as yourself Clem, whatever yours is

MikeGB · Feb 8, 2012

Afraid it isn't fuse 31 either on mine.

Tig 170 · Feb 8, 2012

Ignore the yellow circle (it was used in another post), but according to the manual (I can't check the the better half has borrowed it) on mine its the larger yellow fuse circled in red - Warning the photo may be upside down, as either the image in the manual is upside down or the photo is - I suspect its the photo (but can't check at present)

Jon

Pedestrian A · Feb 9, 2012

Have you try the same 12V device on a different car? If it works on other cars, try using a multimeter to see if there is power on the specific fuse.

MikeGB · Feb 9, 2012

Thanks for the testing suggestion Pedestrian A.
I can't find a supply to fuses 30 or 31 even with ign on, only fuse on that row that I can find any power to is 25, there is 9v at fuse 29 but this drops to 0v if any load is put on it.
I also checked continuity and there appears to be a good connection from fuse 31 to the centre contact on the front power outlet.
Anyone know how to get the fuse panel out ? I took some torx screws out but there is something still holding it

How do I get 12v outlets working

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities