# Choke for electronics

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/choke-for-electronics/76998>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [January 28, 2013, 5:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/choke-for-electronics/76998 "2013-01-28T05:06:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![gblimey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/958977/32.png) [@gblimey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gblimey)\
**Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 5:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/choke-for-electronics/76998/1 "2013-01-28T05:06:22Z")

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Long story but I destroyed the 12v plug for my GPS, and discovered it was more than a plug: there was a fairly elaborate protection circuit inside.  
Can I buy such a thing? Or does anyone have circuit so I can build one?  
I’m literally lost without a GPS, so advice much appreciated.  
Graham.

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**Author:** ![RemcoW](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/remcow/32/2471_2.png) [@RemcoW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RemcoW)\
**Post date:** [January 28, 2013, 5:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/choke-for-electronics/76998/2 "2013-01-28T05:11:44Z")

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Yes.

You may have to buy a new car and tear it out to put in your old car but everything can be fixed for a price.

Seriously, what kind of car is it?

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**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 5:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/choke-for-electronics/76998/3 "2013-01-29T05:56:34Z")

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I’m sure that you can buy the part from the dealer. Provide the year in addition to the brand and model. I suppose it it’s really old, you may have to get a used part. You may want to do that anyway.

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**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\
**Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 6:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/choke-for-electronics/76998/4 "2013-01-29T06:06:55Z")

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Often times if you unscrew the knurled knob at the base of the adapter it will contain a fuse that can be replaced. Can you clarify more?

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**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\
**Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 6:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/choke-for-electronics/76998/5 "2013-01-29T06:07:48Z")

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Do you mean the plug adapter that fits in the cigarette lighter, or the cigarette lighter socket itself? Some power adapters have a step-down circuit and fuse to reduce the 12 volt power to something less, like 9 or 5 volts to the accessory. If the plug adapter came apart, many electronics stores should be able to provide a replacement. Check with Radio Shack, Best Buy, or Frys Electronics. Take the GPS with you, and I’m sure they can find a suitable replacement.

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**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\
**Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 7:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/choke-for-electronics/76998/6 "2013-01-29T07:41:38Z")

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Please describe exactly what you are working with here…An aftermarket GPS that plugs into your lighter socket? Brand? Model?