12v power point not working

[mthompson]

Hey guys,

I'm hoping you can help me out. I have a 2008 F-250 6.4L. I use the 12v power point on the dash for a monitor and also a cell phone charger. Lately this has been on the fritz, working only intermittently. I changed out the charger for a new one and the problem persists. I checked all the fuses and scraped the connections good....still barely works. (Also the same in the cig lighter)

I've never used a multimeter on vehicle power ports, but I have one with dc capabilities.

Have any of you had a similar problem?

How do I check the power output at the 12v power point? (where to I stick the probes?)

How do I test the fuses for continuity or something?



Any other advice you can give me?


Thanks,

MT

[K1LLsW1TchEd]

the casing is ground and dead center of the the cig outlet is the power. you may have a loose harness or a bad connector. this sounds like a ground issue more than power.

[mthompson]

Originally Posted by K1LLsW1TchEd

the casing is ground and dead center of the the cig outlet is the power. you may have a loose harness or a bad connector. this sounds like a ground issue more than power.

I bet the two outlets are grounded together then, because both have been sporadic. I suppose I have to tear the dash apart to get to the connections in the back....

[K1LLsW1TchEd]

I would try swapping the fuse out for those outlets first. Try that sometimes fuses take a partial crap, its a long shot but try. If not I would say its a ground issue. Crown vics used to act up

[mthompson]

Ok, fuses checked out fine. But I swapped with new. No luck.

The outlets are getting power, 14.1v or so. The ground continuity reads like 24-31 ohms...should be 0 I think. So, I'm guessing you are correct K1LLs....poor grounding issue.

So, now, do I have to remove the dash to check the grounding connections for the outlets? I hope not! Surprisingly, I cannot find anyone with a 6.4L with similar issues or how they solved it.

Thanks,

[K1LLsW1TchEd]

There are ground studs on the passenger and driver side kick panel. Run a ground from either side to the outlets. Try the new ground wire on the outlets

[mthompson]

Originally Posted by K1LLsW1TchEd

There are ground studs on the passenger and driver side kick panel. Run a ground from either side to the outlets. Try the new ground wire on the outlets

I can't find a manual on how to gain access to the back of the outlets. Do you know if they pop out, or do I need to remove the dash. (my guess is they don't pop out with a screw driver anymore).

...back to searching...

[K1LLsW1TchEd]

The whole radio bezel will pop out then you will have better access

[mthompson]

Thanks, just found this:

[K1LLsW1TchEd]

Good deal, keep us posted