When I bought my car I noticed that the accessory power outlet or lighter (I don't know which but I do know there was no lighter or ashtray in the car) housing in the dash was really loose. I plugged my phone charger into it once and it was so loose and wobbly I was afraid the whole thing would rip out when I unplugged the adapter. I unplugged it very carefully and now I don't plug anything in there.

At one point I went to the dealership to get a few things fixed (it's a much longer list now as mentioned in another post) the problem with the outlet among them but they wanted to keep the car the entire day (instead of the hour I was quoted on the phone) so I had to leave without getting anything fixed.

Anyway, here is my question. When I explained my concerns about the accessory power outlet being loose and wanting it fixed, the service guy got really huffy with me and said "That is a CIGARETTE LIGHTER ONLY! You should NEVER plug ANYTHING else into that! You should only plug things into the accessory power outlet at the back of the console."

I was very taken aback. I said "Surely, you must be joking, there is no way that people are using the outlet in the BACK SEAT to charge their cellphones and whatnot."

He got really pissy and told me, "Yes, if it's not convenient for you, maybe you should not be charging your phone in the car. That is a cigarette lighter ONLY."

I said, "Um, ok, how come there was no lighter in it and there is no ashtray? It's just a HOLE in my dash?"

Mr Grumpy says, sighing, "I have no idea. I guess I'll try to find you a lighter."

I said, "I don't smoke and never will, I really don't want a lighter in my car. Can't you give me a plug for it instead? Like is on the outlet in the back?"

Him, growing even more snotty. "No. It's a different size. You can have a hole or you can have a lighter."

I think he is full of ****. Anyone else think so?? I just want to be prepared for tomorrow. I really hope I don't see that same guy because he really was a jerk a few months ago.

 

thats where my cellphone charger is plugged into, has been for 2 years no problems here. Mine is loose too due to me trying to remove it and broke a clip

 

I had my radar plugged into it before I wired it direct. I have even plugged an inverter into it. That guy is an ASS, and you can tell him I said so.

 

ROFLMAO!! I'll be sure to mention that!

 

That's putting it quite nicely!!

I had my portable DVD player plug into the "lighter" last week, played the whole time.

 

Oh I've known all along it was an easy fix, I just can't believe he went off on me like that or that they seriously expect their customers to never plug anything into that outlet.

I really, really want some sort of plug or cover for it as well and I don't want a lighter!

 

Hey Violet....

To my knowledge the same front "recepticle" is used for the cigarette lighter.

However, the Smokers Package is an extra cost option. When ordered they provide the lighter, for that recepticle, and a "mickey mouse" ash tray that fits into one of the console cup holders. The recepticle is in all the HHR's....as far as I know.

If you have an Owners Manual you might check and see what it says. This forum also has an ONLINE copy of the Owners Manuals, for each of the 3 years of the car.

Here's the link....

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/general-hhr-4/online-owners-manual-3074/

 

You can get a little cover for it at Wal-Mart in the auto section by where they keep all the electrical items. They have a convenient "no smoking" graphic printed on them too

My cig lighter is fairly loose as well after using it to support my iPod cradle. One of these days I need to pop the panel off and see if it's a clip or something that can be tightened back up.

 

Cool! I'll check those out. Thx!

 

The front 12 volt plug is the same as the rear. Mine came with a black plug on a tether, the same as the rear. I use mine for chargers of all sorts, but I am careful when removing as some chargers are poorly designed.

Try a different dealership???