12v socket problem

[clyfford24]

The 12v socket in my newly acquired 2009 clk is too shallow. There appears to be possibly some sort of insert so that my satnav 12v power supply only goes in part way.
No idea whether it is some sort of official 12v fitment.
It is a disc that appears centre mounted as the disc moves around a centre pivot but reduces the depth of the socket by about 50%.
Had no luck in trying to remove it, or removing the socket mount in the "ashtray" in the centre console.
Any ideas before I spend money at a main dealer?

 

[johncook109]

Hi there. I have just fitted a modified 12v - 5v reducer into the ash tray area so as to run my TomTom speed camera as the original one does not allow for the ashtray to close and cover all the workings. The depth should be 25mm to the folding cover so if its less then its a mod which will have to be removed (phone charger maybe) as satnav`s need the standard 12v plug fitting. With a little fold away bracket fitted to underside of the sliding lid the TomTom sits down there and I only needed to buy an antenna.

 

[Clkrichard]

John please may we have more info on this ? Its a pain having the ashtray flap open because power lead plugs are so deep.

 

[johncook109]

12v Cigar modified plug

Hi there. Now when I say modification I mean you love your Mercedes very much and you want it to look right and your time is free.
So purchase one or two of these:-http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111054702087?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649. You need to dismantle this unit by removing the little screw the USB end and then unscrewing the other end. It all comes apart to reveal the spring power contact, negative earth spring contacts and PCB board. If, like me you required a reduced voltage (5V for the Tom Tom) you may either remove the PCB board and solder externally or purchase this or one similar DC/DC Converter 12V Step Down to 15W 5V 3A Power Supply | eBay. With the board removed carefully and I mean carefully cut down the body at the USB end until it is short enough to fit into the Mercedes 12v socket and allow the ashtray flap to slide close. I then soldered wires to the two contacts and closed up the shortened end with a plastic cap with a hole in for the exiting wires. If you place all the parts in one half and add araldite before closing it all comes out looking quite neat. Its all very Heath Robinson but I have tested it (12v 10A)to the extreme and all is fine, but I am sure people will find various ways to achieve the same result. You will be able to use the exiting wires for removing if required so the end of these could be fitted to any required output plug affair. So for £6.00 and a bit of dexterity you have a cigar plug which is unseen and could be used for any external supply purpose. Hope this is clear enough to help others. PS: I filed a little unseen groove in the cover cap to allow it to close, a*** I know but it just looked neater and if you ever wanted it back to original it would not be noticeable. :bannana::bannana: