# Cigarette Lighter Adapter Broke, Replacements Sold Out Everywhere **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [September 23, 2022, 10:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522 "2022-09-23T22:59:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![riverofwind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@riverofwind](https://community.cartalk.com/u/riverofwind)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 10:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/1 "2022-09-23T22:59:28Z")
Hi I have been using an Insten Two-Way Cigarette Lighter Socket Splitter to fit my Craftsman tire inflator into my car’s cigarette lighter receptacle. The tire inflator’s plug is too big for my car’s cigarette lighter receptacle. Not sure if it’s European vs American (I have a 2002 BMW 3 Series) or if it’s cigarette lighter socket vs accessory socket. The splitter/adapter worked beautifully for ~9 months then it broke. Probably cheap made in China type of stuff… but anyways does anybody know of an adapter that achieves the same purpose? I couldn’t find any online. My original thread for this guy is [here](https://community.cartalk.com/t/problem-with-plugging-craftsman-tire-inflator-into-bmw-cigarette-lighter-power-outlet/181601/3). Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 11:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/2 "2022-09-23T23:55:46Z")
Not a clue but how hard would it be to just replace the whole socket with a standard us version. Some assembly required. Otoh that is kind of a high draw for an accessory outlet for phones etc. ---
**Author:** ![riverofwind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@riverofwind](https://community.cartalk.com/u/riverofwind)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 12:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/3 "2022-09-24T00:00:35Z")
I could probably replace the socket but would much rather buy an adapter specifically for the purpose. My mechanic expressed the same concern about amps… the tire inflator has a 15 amp fuse in the plug and the car has a 20 amp fuse for the cigarette lighter circuit. Probably OK? ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 12:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/4 "2022-09-24T00:39:21Z")
check on Amazon they have a bunch of different ones. they even have extensions to use with mini portable compressors for people who have trucks that need the extra length ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 12:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/5 "2022-09-24T00:48:48Z")
My son has this one that he uses in his Acura. he said he likes it and has not had a problem with it. > **[Amazon.com: BESTEK 3-Socket 200W 12V/24V DC Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter with...](https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-3-Socket-Cigarette-Lighter-Splitter/dp/B00XP5C3XY)** > > Buy BESTEK 3-Socket 200W 12V/24V DC Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter with 6A 4-Port Car USB Splitter Charger: Cigarette Lighters & Parts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases ---
**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan2)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 2:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/6 "2022-09-24T02:40:26Z")
If you can’t find one, you may have to resort to alligator clips and connect it directly to the battery. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 3:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/7 "2022-09-24T03:15:22Z")
I suppose from time to time having an inflator might be nice. I can think of one time. But you can buy a nice pancake compressor for $100. Puts out a lot of air and useful for other things. ---
**Author:** ![riverofwind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@riverofwind](https://community.cartalk.com/u/riverofwind)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 3:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/8 "2022-09-24T03:57:49Z")
Thanks guys. The one mentioned by weekend-warrior has a 10 A fuse… I could probably throw in a 15 A fuse for the tire inflator without problems right? I suppose it would be nice to charge my bluetooth Jabra Cruiser 2 which is a visor clip bluetooth guy but I could get by without that if it would present a problem switching from 10 A to 15 A fuse for charging USB. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 2:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/9 "2022-09-24T14:14:25Z")
There’s more than one way to slice this egg. If the adapter has other nice features or uses that makes it desirable beyond interfacing to the inflator, great. But an alternative fix is to simply buy the mating male connector that fits the existing socket in the car and swap that onto the power cable of the inflator. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 5:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/10 "2022-09-24T17:15:52Z")
I guess I’m not clear on this. Is there a euro socket in the bmw that is different than the standard us socket? Seems like it. ---
**Author:** ![PvtPublic](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/pvtpublic/32/13089_2.png) [@PvtPublic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PvtPublic)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 6:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/11 "2022-09-24T18:08:43Z")
> [@bing](#): > > Is there a euro socket in the bmw that is different than the standard us socket? I don’t think so, all my plug in stuff fits equally well in our Toyota, Dodge, and BMW. ---
**Author:** ![riverofwind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@riverofwind](https://community.cartalk.com/u/riverofwind)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 6:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/12 "2022-09-24T18:29:42Z")
> [@bing](#): > > Is there a euro socket in the bmw that is different than the standard us socket? It’s either that or accessor socket vs cigarette lighter socket. See [this thread](https://community.cartalk.com/t/problem-with-plugging-craftsman-tire-inflator-into-bmw-cigarette-lighter-power-outlet/181601) post 2. ---
**Author:** ![PvtPublic](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/pvtpublic/32/13089_2.png) [@PvtPublic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PvtPublic)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 7:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/13 "2022-09-24T19:38:45Z")
> [@pleasedodgevan2](#): > > If you can’t find one, you may have to resort to alligator clips and connect it directly to the battery. Or buy a cord that fits and swap the ends, buy an end that fits, a little solder and a few minutes you are done. Where oh where is a Radio Shack when you need one 😛 ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 7:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/14 "2022-09-24T19:40:27Z")
> [@PvtPublic](#): > > all my plug in stuff fits equally well in our Toyota, Dodge, and BMW. +1 And, I can add that, with Subarus, everything plugs-in the same way whether it is the “cigarette lighter” socket in the dashboard, the “accessory” socket in the center console, or the “accessory” socket in the cargo area. I thought that this was true with all makes, but… maybe it is different in different countries, just like with electrical outlets in a wall. ---
**Author:** ![Renegade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Renegade](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Renegade)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 7:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/15 "2022-09-24T19:58:05Z")
> [@PvtPublic](#): > > Where oh where is a Radio Shack when you need one There is still one here I haven’t been in it for years so can’t say if it is still the same or not. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 9:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/16 "2022-09-24T21:41:56Z")
You can also order on line. I have done it several times. They are still in operation and was surprised to see some stores opening up. ---
**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan2)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 11:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/17 "2022-09-24T23:26:27Z")
I did have a power outlet with curly cord attached. No idea where I bought it. It was good for keeping the 15’ cord out of the way when using the hand vacuum. I know why you want an inside connection. Low tires in the rain would be my reason. I’d rather keep the battery dry. ---
**Author:** ![PvtPublic](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/pvtpublic/32/13089_2.png) [@PvtPublic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PvtPublic)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 11:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/18 "2022-09-24T23:27:54Z")
> [@bing](#): > > They are still in operation and was surprised to see some stores opening up. I found one just 44 miles from me. ---
**Author:** ![riverofwind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@riverofwind](https://community.cartalk.com/u/riverofwind)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2022, 11:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/19 "2022-09-26T23:26:14Z")
@weekend-warrior Does your son use that for a tire inflator? I called Bestek and was told the cigarette lighter portion of the device is limited to 10 A while my tire inflator is 15 A 12 V, and it’s a bad idea to replace the built in fuse with a 15 A one. Also the guy I talked to said they don’t make any devices, inverters included, that are able to supply above 150 W to the cigarette lighter portion of the device. I might just have to get a cigarette lighter to jumper cable converter cable or jerry rig a different size plug on the end of the inflator as recommended in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2022, 11:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522/20 "2022-09-26T23:52:12Z")
me and my son both have this tire inflator. as far as I know he never has had a problem with the adapter. > **[Amazon.com: EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator :...](https://www.amazon.com/EPAuto-Portable-Compressor-Digital-Inflator/dp/B01L9WSTEG)** > > Buy EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator: Air Compressors & Inflators - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-adapter-broke-replacements-sold-out-everywhere/186522.md?page=2)