2: Replacing the dashboard cigarette lighter

[@SuperPatrick71]

I just put in my USB socket. I did not cut of the original wiring. You can take the individual wires out of the socket and connect them directly to the USB socket. All you have to do is insulate them of course. I dont like to cut in the main wiring loom (i wasn't allowed to do that when i was working at the dealer)

[@peterpieras]

Thank you! Exact the solution for my problem :)

[@artman6789]

good simply explained vid well done bud. Tony

[@Mevi]

Thanks Tony 😊

[@susanwoods174]

Hi mevi, any ideas how I can look for the cause of the terrible vid ration coming from the dash/clipboard area, also the clipboard is a waste of space, do u know of anything I could fix in to replace it maybe use for shallow storage/bit and bobs.

[@Mevi]

I agree, clipboard is rubbish. I took mine out all together which stopped the rattles. (It would also pop up by itself while driving!) Just 4 screws holding it in place- two in the top with the clipboard opened, the other two are behind the stereo under the front edge. When you remove the clipboard, underneath there is a plastic grill that you could zip-tie a shallow basket or similar. I have a mount for fixing a camera for vlogging or driving shots. You could put a reverse camera screen there.

[@susanwoods174]

@@Mevi well, Thank-you Mevi, perfect answer for me. Just want to say, been watching ur vids for a long time but never commented. I must say u explain things very simply for people like me to understand! (thick)!!!!! Thank God for KZbin hey? Happy weekend. 😊

[@Mevi]

@@susanwoods174 ha ha. I've taken this van apart and put it back together so many times now, I'm just glad my van pains benefit someone else! I'm not posting videos on this channel for the foreseeable future, but you'll find me popping up on The Urban Motorhome from time to time as since last June I'm one of the team.

[@susanwoods174]

@@Mevi ooo right, I'll pop over then.

[@chrisandsamlivingthedream]

Exerlent... I've got fit a few 12 volt stuff in camper .. just need get round to doing it lol ... good vid gave me some go for doing it lol cheers Chris & Sam

[@Mevi]

Thanks guys. I don't use a quarter of my usbs and sockets in the back, as I don't have a solar panel yet. I try to charge everything while I drive! 👍

[@peterrider3471]

Would this be the same for a 2017 Peugeot boxer elddis motorhome and what wire do you not use out of the 3 wires

[@Mevi]

The engines and transmission are different, but nearly everything else is FIAT underneath. Aside from the trim, motorhomes are based on a commercial vehicle, so parts will be the same. The wiring should be the same as mine, little changed after the facelift. The *thin* cable is only for the ring of light around the socket that comes on with the dash lighting. Tape that off, it won't create a CANBUS error. A great resource is fiatforum.com - regardless of manufacturer, there are a lot of solutions to problems for your vehicle (apart from the drivetrain). Maybe don't mention it's a Peugeot. 🤭

[@sailorbob74133]

@@Mevi I was wondering what the third cigarette wire was for...

[@desireous]

I'm assuming the yellow wire is live, my inserts have the negative to the left facing yours seem to be to the right.

[@Mevi]

The factory socket has a light that comes on with the dash illumination

[@PeterWinnett]

Could you tell if the Red Triangle light on the dash for the Hazard warning lights should flash when the Hazards are on? Regards, Pete

[@Mevi]

Mine doesn't flash. It only lights up with the rest of the dashboard. The connector on the back of that switch panel doesn't seem to have enough pins for more than illumination and the function of the switches.

[@PeterWinnett]

@@Mevi Thanks very much :) Regards, Pete

[@iknowallyoursecrets]

Great video mate, helped me out a treat :) btw, do you know if there's a way to reset the courtesy lights in these vans? Diconnected my battery the other day while working on the van and now the courtesy light just stays on (when switched to auto)? Cant find anything out there.

[@Mevi]

Mine is basic spec and the interior lights don't connect to the CAMBUS. Do you have a 2014+ or higher spec van? If you watch the video I made about adding another usb with a fuse tap, I also modded the interior light. You will see the inside of the switch has no electronics AT ALL. The clock on higher spec models is changed through the stereo, maybe the lights is an option there?

[@iknowallyoursecrets]

Hi @@Mevi thanks for the reply., mine is basic too, it's 2011. The light comes on when you unlock it or pull the key out the ignition. can't find anything in the manual... worse case I can live with it, I just hate being beaten lol

[@Mevi]

Hmm, strange. Might be a stuck metal contact on the back of the switch and just a coincidence that it happened at the time of the battery coming out. Maybe pop the housing open and take a look. Here's the video where I open mine up kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGTdlpJtgM54qdE My batteries have been disconnected more times than I can count and the timeout works like always.

[@liro7900]

Thank you, i saved 70 € in this way. 👍👍

[@paulbagley17]

any videos on replacing ignition barrel ??

[@Mevi]

Fortunately, not something I've had to do. Try over at fiatforum.com - I reckon you'll find what you need there. Whether you're driving a commercial van or converted motorhome or similar, the base vehicle is pretty much the same across Fiat, Citroen or Peugeot (aside from drivetrain)

[@24578210]

Hi mate just another question have you ever fitted a spare wheel carrier on your fiat Ducato van ?

[@Mevi]

I have. Easy peasy. Mine looked like it had never had a wheel in the trashed carrier that was on there. A few bolts and it's done. No video of it. Don't know why. The winder mechanism uses one of the tools in the box with your jack.

[@Mevi]

I bought mine new from eBay.

[@myhai2222]

How can we do to have permanently 12v there , without ignition on. Thanks a lot

[@Mevi]

you could run a wire from an unused fuse in the fusebox. A fuse tap is the simplest way to do it. I added another socket by the steering wheel. you just have to read up on the fuses that are permanently on. I made a video about that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGTdlpJtgM54qdE alternatively, wire to the battery in the footwell..... MAKE SURE YOU ADD A FUSE! 😎👍

[@myhai2222]

@@Mevi thanks thanks . I will take a look. I see what i can do ,because its annoying

[@robertschulke1596]

Keep in mind that the USB sockets, even with nothing plugged in, consume a bit of power.

[@Beire64]

Hi, Someone asked me that after the usb socket upgrade he wanted to know how to fix the lights at the part where the ventilation knobs are mounted. Seems that only one half lights on that "plate" work. Is there any fixing manual for this issue? Thanks.

[@Mevi]

The lights behind the heater controls are tiny lightbulbs that are accessed from behind. It is VERY hard to get to the lights to change them. I haven't needed to change the lights, but I have had to replace the fan switch in my van. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLTgGaDmZ2ir8U

[@Mevi]

This is a link to the FIAT workshop CD-ROM. You will need a Windows PC to run the software. It's made for technicians, so is not simple drive.google.com/file/d/1aRr0BCTz0HxKriwSVWe1CDplzouKaAH4/view?usp=drivesdk

[@Beire64]

@@Mevi Thanks for the CD-ROM. I will pass it to the guy who asked about the lights.

[@Beire64]

@@Mevi Okay, had a look at the youtube movie about the replacement of the fan switch. It looks as a hell of a job to do. And about the lights -> The guy from who the car is went to the garage today to ask for a spare set of the light bulbs to replace the one(s) that is broken. In the garage they told him it was a very difficult and time consuming job. The ligths cost almost nothing but they charge a few 100€'s for the replacement job because of the difficulty. HUH???

[@Mevi]

@@Beire64 to replace the switch took me maybe 2 hours, but it could be done quicker without taking so much apart and without the cameras!!

[@Whatdapak]

Great video tutorial. Just what i was looking for.

[@ryanedgeworth3966]

What wire is live?

[@hazelseppanen8765]

No need to cut wires. Release tabs on fittings and the connectors are already attached. Then plug to new fittings.

[@cirkuscederstrom]

Do you know what the third cable is for?

[@Mevi]

the original factory fitted socket glows when the driving lights are turned on - that extra wire powers the light.

[@Mattlawton-ft6ew]

​@@Mevicigarette 🚬 lighter is 12 volt socket that what I use

[@richardwood5340]

Great vid, Ive got a 04 reg ducato m/home, facia is very similar and I want to do same mod as you have, do you know if the panel detaches in the same way as yours.

[@Mevi]

Sorry, I don't know. Darran (Urban Motorhome) has an older Ducato moho, but I've not spent any time inside the cab. FIAT reused the IVECO engine from the older Ducato, so it wouldn't surprise me if there were a lot of other parts and assemblies that carried over into the newer model. Handy tip: If you feel like any plastic part needs to be pried up, cover the soft plastic with a piece of gaffer tape before you dig in with a screwdriver or trim removal tool. 😁

[@24578210]

Hi mate where did you get the usb chargers from I’ve looked everywhere,Mike

[@Mevi]

Amazon is where I got these. 2+ years later, I've changed to plain 12v sockets and use high quality plug in USB chargers that are suited to modern devices. I have phones that have fast charge capability, an iPad that can take huge wattage from usbc. A tyre inflator and vacuum. A charger for my work laptop. Also see my video where I use a fuse-tap to add a socket to the right of the steering wheel. Saves trailing usb cables. For me, it makes a lot more sense to have general purpose 12v socket. If you plan to buy a mix of 12v sockets or USBs, it can work out cheaper to buy a set (like the one I bought linked below) and use the parts. I paid only £9 back then. They've put up the price to £15 so shop around and don't buy this one!!! www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00Y4HRFTY/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_DCFQEbR9E3EZ1

[@richardadair22]

I’ve done exactly same as your video and mine isn’t working 🤷‍♂️

[@Mevi]

Had you checked the fuse? F44 is a 20amp fuse, in the fusebox next to the steering wheel.

[@davidmathews8697]

If you did go limp. You haven't uploaded the video. How will we know?! Unless you do live video

[@Mevi]

I have an arrangement... If I die before I can post, the heiress to my kingdom will upload the video. 😉

[@livefreeordie4850]

David good point.

[@Ifyoudonttakeitucantfakeit]

The one but that’s vital you just can’t see! Wiggle,,,,,what!

[@Orkney_Pirate]

Mate thanks loads! I have been looking for a vid that shows how the dash comes off and was delighted to find yours. Cheers!!

[@Mevi]

John Gow Photography you're welcome. Thanks for the sub. 😊

[@Orkney_Pirate]

Hey Mevi. Which of the spare yellow wires is ignition, bold yellow or yellow blue stripe?

[@Mevi]

John Gow Photography there are 2 yellow cables per 12v socket. The thicker solid yellow cable is your live. The thinner striped one is for the dash lighting of a socket if needed, I believe.

[@simonsimpson4695]

Very useful. Just as I was thinking to ask. It was answered. Bit puzzling to see 3 wires going into a thing which should only have two! Well done, indeed! It was also a perfect location for my reverse camera monitor. Added an extra set of USBs and used the switched 12v to power the monitor.

[@crpth1]

In the past 35 years I´ve added additional power sockets literally to all my vehicles, including some van conversions. And in the process, in later years, have used several of the same USB sockets. So I´m confident enough to say you just used a lame excuse, to limit yourself to low output 5V USB sockets. The "cigarette lighter" socket not only works perfectly well as a normal 12V socket. But allows some decent amperage to an array of other accessories. Just some food for taught. ;-) Upon assembly, instead of going around butchering the original wire loom. With small screw driver or pin, press tab on connector, remove them from the plug. Add some insulation, I prefer heat shrink sleeve, but tape is just fine. Connect them to your new socket. Enjoy. Cheers

[@Mevi]

This is an 18 month old video. At the time, 5v was all I was using in the cab, charging a phone, camera batteries and other small gadgets. I've put in 2 new 12v sockets in the cab since. The original cigarette lighter had to go, whatever. Fiat put very shallow lighter sockets in their vehicles, the Punto was the same. Nothing else stays in, but it DOES light cigarettes. Fiat put in an ashtray, but no cupholder! I covered this in later videos and also that I had come to a similar conclusion about all those (unused) USB sockets in the back of the van too. 12v sockets with a usb charger is more useful than just permanent usb.

[@alalbatross6549]

cut wires one by one to avoid bridging vires with crimping too.

[@Mevi]

This circuit comes on with the ignition, but good advice regardless. Thank you.

[@muskymcg]

Just what I needed,ta bud....

[@Mevi]

Glad it could help. Cheers Musky. 😊

[@ryanedgeworth3966]

@@Mevi can you remember what colour wire was the live? And whats the name of the led pads you got?

[@Mevi]

The thick yellow is the positive, the black is the negative (ground). The *thin* yellow would have been for the glowing ring around the factory fit socket that comes on with the dashboard lighting. The LED pads were bought so long ago that they don't appear on my purchase history anymore. You can probably find better options now. 😎

[@F13RYPH03N1X]

Could you list the parts you used, I'm going to do this straight away.

[@Mevi]

The exact listing isn't available anymore, but this is an identical part. There are cheaper listings, but I chose this one as a starting point as the listing has option of fast charge versions if you have a compatible phone. Also this one comes with extra lead and a fuse which might give you peace of mind. www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07TZM8PRL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aIC.DbWEE4EPH In a later video, I use a fuse tap to install another socket to the right of the steering wheel, above the fuse box. I've since swapped a few of these USBs to plain 12V sockets as they are more versatile. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGTdlpJtgM54qdE

[@CiaranGallagher77]

Done exactly this but it's not going live do you happen to know what fuse it is ? And is it a shared fuse ?

[@Mevi]

F44 in the fusebox to the right of the driver, assuming yours is RHD. Manual says should be a 20amp fuse. I don't believe it's shared. It's page 162 in the electronic manual which you can find in my shared resources Google Drive. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aR2mvfo_5IUx0QIuMMjqpkoYhAHMmKyq

[@juliainman9389]

F15 under bonnet box in the 2012 model...

[@twxo720]

Please help, after cutting the plug/wires how do u pair them up? Really lost at that step.

[@Mevi]

Thick yellow is positive, black is negative. The thin yellow is unused (powers the light on the original cigarette lighter). Once crimped, your wires connect to the spade connectors that should be marked + and -

[@twxo720]

@@Mevi thankyou so so much! highly appreciated

[@outaboutoutdoors9789]

Hi Mevi Do you know where is the fuse for the cigarette lighter? in which fusebox? Many thanks

[@Mevi]

It's the one in the cab. The book says it's Fuse F44, 20A fuse. Here's a link to download the owners manual. I've shared it on my Google drive for you: drive.google.com/file/d/1BCmbZiNgCB6rv1qMkjtDXHPaJE1CI4GS/view?usp=drivesdk

[@MrGrahamxyz]

It depends on the year that your van was built. Some have the cigarette lighter socket fuse F44 20A in the fuse box in the dashboard, later models have it in the fuse box under the bonnet F15 10A.

[@williamclough1581]

Dose the lighter port and the spair lighter port run off the same fuse .iv fitted one on my spair and I don't have any power to it only my cigarette lighter port.i might need to change the fuse .do they have a fuse in if it's blank also.my van is relay 2020

[@Mevi]

In my 2011 van, they share the same 20A fuse F44. I did a quick Google and it looks like after the 2014 facelift, they moved the cab 12v sockets to TWO SEPARATE fuses... In the fusebox inside the engine bay. F14 & F15 I wasn't able to find a manual for the 2019 facelift. That's the one to search for.

[@AnthAmy]

Awesome video man thank you so much!

[@Mevi]

Happy it helped. The socket in the rear is identical. 😊

[@AnthAmy]

@@Mevi After watching, and watching your others I went for 1x 12v and 1x usb, but I checked the van and the cap says 12v DC so it might of been ok that one, but still changing regardless, just because it's easy and helps in future :)

[@Mevi]

There's another video of mine a few episodes later where I drill a hole for a brand new 12V socket for my phone. It's installed beside the steering wheel using a fuse tap. That has been far more useful than the ones in the centre of the dash which get used by a passenger or for charging "stuff".

[@wizardorlegend]

Just what I’m about to do. Thank you.

[@Mevi]

Also check out the video where I use a fuse tap to add in a third socket. It's actually the socket I use the most. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGTdlpJtgM54qdE

[@andyjm7122]

How did you know which colours to crimp?

[@Mevi]

Black is always negative/ground. I have a cheap multimeter too - always useful to have one and they can be found online or at Aldi/Lidl for a reasonable price.

[@andyjm7122]

@@Mevi thanks man, so did you remove any fuses when doing this?

[@Mevi]

@@andyjm7122 I didn't.... Not that I actually checked, but both sockets there only come on with the ignition. I kept the original fuse rating, which saved me when one of those USB adapters failed. I kept the other one, but I have come to prefer using a 12V socket with a good quality plug in USB charger.

[@andyjm7122]

@@Mevi good to know, cheers man :)

[@WimGodden]

Where did you buy the USB chargers ?

[@Mevi]

Amazon - amzn.eu/3icRvwc (it's not a paid link) - I even reviewed it there! 😃

[@WimGodden]

Thanks. I converted my Ducato to a camper van as well. Might post a video some time, although I don't have one of the conversion itself. Quick warning : the door locks are extremely easy to break. Mine was broken into with a screw driver, which takes about 20sec. I fitted electronic locks on the inside.

[@Mevi]

Thanks, that's great advice Wim. I've seen solenoid type electronic door bolts that are huge and would have bought one if I had the cash. The Ducato is made of very thin steel and the plastic handles are weak. Security is really important for van drivers, especially in the UK. I've put deadbolts in the rear and sliding doors kzbin.info/www/bejne/goLHeZSEfKajlZY and I need to get around to putting them in the cab doors. Once they are all in, it wouldn't matter if I didn't use the remote locking at all. Definitely post a video. Give the video a good name and you will get a ton of views - I will be one of them. 😊

[@livefreeordie4850]

Wim sorry to hear mate.

[@oldboy1690]

Awesome off to eBay now to buy one for my van.

[@Mevi]

If you buy one of those triple 12v socket sets, the type that includes a socket, usbs, and other stuff in a plastic face plate, you pay less for each component. In a later video, I add another socket over on the driver's side and use a fuse tap to wire it into an unused circuit.

[@oldboy1690]

Nice one I'll hunt it down. Though I've already bought one on eBay.

[@Mevi]

For reference, I bought a couple of these. (It's not a paid link- I don't do affiliate- so it's safe to click) Motor Car Truck Boat DC Digital Voltmeter Three Hole Panel DC 12V Cigarette Lighter Power Socket Dual USB Port GPS Port Power Supply Charger www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00Y4HRFTY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_d3.uCbTG8CR23

[@oldboy1690]

I'll be ordering one for my big van build later in the year. Cheers.

[@Mevi]

Woohoo! Greg Virgoe is THE van builder, if you haven't already subscribed. 😎