All of this time with my 2 Hondas I have assumed that the little Accessory Power Socket would not work for cigarette lighter adapter items. In the manual for my 99 Civic EX it specifically states:

"It will not power an automotive type cigarette lighter element."

But today, for the first time in over 5 years, I plugged my cell phone into it, turned the key to Accessory/On, and it began charging my phone.

I'm confused...is this a misprint in the manual? Is it okay to use it or am I going to blow up my car?

I just got a new iPOD and am now thinking about using an FM Modulator WITH a cig adapter to help conserve battery power.

Please advise. Thank you kindly!

 

No, not a misprint.
No, you won't blow up your car.

The Accessory Power Outlet is for powering 12-volt gadgets that come with an auto-lighter power adapter.

This is an automotive type cigarette lighter element:



It's the part that heats up... your car's power outlet is not intended to fire up a cigarette lighter element. Cigarette lighter element being the key words.

JD

 

Thank you for your help, JD. It's greatly appreciated!