kimaguire

how to set up cigarette lighter in 2010 lexus 450rh

salimshah

There are 12v plugs [that should fit a cigarette lighter]. Not convenient for sure, but call Lexus to find out the current handling capacity [or Watts = 12 x Current] of the socket.

Radio Shack used to offer 12V sockets with wires. Please add a in line fuse and have it wired up. .. [I would suggest direct to the battery [un-switched]]

Salim
[Do you really need a cigarette lighter? My college room-mate gave up on smoking many times, so I know it is hard. Last time I met him, he was wearing a rubber band around the his wrist and he would give himself couple of snaps when ever he had the urge to light up. I hope his trick worked for him]

fastnoypi

you just need to decide on a switched 12v source for power and tap in. ..ie radio power, dome light, glove box light, etc.. I'm assuming you are just looking for an additional port to plug in accessories. The center console already has a socket style power outlet, you can tap it or just use a dual socket accessory if that's your goal.

RickC5

This is a smoke-free web site! Ha ha! Seriously, cigarette lighters use much more current than any 12V powered accessory, and you need to find a power source than can handle the load. Lots of wiring in newer cars are of a very small gauge that won't handle the load. Perhaps your Lexus dealer can help with this.

Hand-held lighter? Matches?

fastnoypi

all the cigarette lighter circuits i've seen and had in any car are 12v with 10 or 15 amp fuses. They are designed just for a controlled "short" to heat the element coil in less than a minute. Even if you want to use an AC accessory, with an inverter ..you will pop the fuse when you exceed the 10A/15A fuse limit. Current is measured in amps.

Clutchless

I added a 12v power source to my 2010 in the same location as the 2011-2015 models. I used a fuse tap on the same fuse that powers the outlets inside the center console. Ran wire under the dash and drilled a hole in the plastic piece that pops out. Grounded it to a bolt on the floor. I forget if it was a Micro or Mini fuse tap. The index inside the fuse box cover (under dash on driver side) shows which fuse to use. I recall it was at the end of one of the two columns. However that would still be a difficult location from which to reach light up a smoke but it is fine for a phone charger. You would need to find a more ergonomic location higher up on the dash.

salimshah

Another important issue ... Accessories need to be on the switched circuit. If you run them direct [On all the time] during engine startup they will get a voltage spike that can burn the accessory out. [May not be applicable for Hybrid]

Unswitched also has the problem of load being left ON and draining out the battery.

One has to be careful as to where they tap into 12v. It would depend upon the load and the supply strength of the point where the 12v is tapped.


Salim