Hey there, I'm a recent 2001 XJ8 owner. (Base, not L) I realized my cigarette lighter in the front console doesn't work, and I asked the previous owner and he said it hadn't worked for him either (he had it 2 years).

This trim only has 1 cigarette/cigar lighter (accessory socket), since there isn't one in the back of the center console.

I checked the fuse (In my case, #5 and 25A in the trunk) and that's not the issue. Used a power meter on the socket and scraped the pads to ensure corrosion isn't the issue and I got nothing.

I haven't taken apart the center console yet, but I'm exploring my options. HERE'S MY QUESTION: I'm aware the 2001 has an auxiliary power 12v connector near the battery in the trunk and near the glove box up front. HOWEVER, I'm not familiar with the connector or of the pin-out in order to wire up my own cigarette lighter or even USB hub. (See picture of connector)


Looks like there may be a cap on it, so if I had to guess, it's a hooded male connector with 3 prongs.

Yes, I am aware I'll need an in-line fuse, that's fine by me. I just want to charge my phone.

Thanks in advance! I'm sure someone else has had similar questions.

 

I'd assume power, earth & illuminate (off the dash lights) a couple of mins with a voltmeter would answer which is which.

 

I'd check the electrical guide for your MY car and cross it against the wire colors for reference.

Though I would probably try and pull the center console to check connections going to the cigarette lighter, maybe it wasn't reconnected during a service.

You can also look into retrofitting the VDP rear center air vents that come with an extra socket, and I think the wiring for it is already there on your car. I have one I can sell you if you're interested...

 

You're probably right. I'm just not super excited to open up the center console before I know what I'll need in case the wires ARE connected.

Ideally, I want to identify the name of that 12v connector so I can find some kind of adapter online and run the wiring behind the glovebox and radio.

I'm also installing one of those CD Changer to Bluetooth kits, so I want to handle everything in one go. I have a baby and a job, so finding time to work on the car is tough. I want to be efficient.

All the best,

 

Missed the last part. That's a great suggestion. I'll check behind the center console and see if there's a wire there.

If so, I'd consider buying it off you.

All the best,

 

Easy enough to pull the console cubby insert and look at the harnesses at rear climate vent.

Remove the lid and cubby box fasteners, lift it out.
Should be +,- and illumination wires.

 

Hi, I posted this in another thread. Just scroll down and there are some photos and instructions. The front aux connector is a little less accessible in the X308. You need to pull out the trim at the bottom of the A-pillar on the passenger side (UK car so on the left). It’s simple and neat if you take the time to thread the cables through behind the glove box and center console.


https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ighter-281521/

 

On my X305 at least, the 3-way Faston 250 accessory sockets provide +, -, and ignition switched (or maybe ACC?) power, nothing to do with lighting. You may have to populate the relay socket in the boot fusebox to get switched power.


I have my dashcam connected to the front socket (using constant and switched) and my battery maintainter connected to the socket in the trunk (constant only).

 

Hey Nilanium, I just opened up the center console and it DOES have the wiring for the VPD rear vents. I'd absolutely buy the vent/socket piece off you.

Feel free to PM me to exchange details.

The connector I can only assume is the cigar lighter connector for the VPD trimp rear vent.

 

Thanks for the idea motorcarman! It was super simple, I added an aftermarket cigarette lighter in the cubby, and it looks perfect. I may post pictures later.

For everyone else's knowledge, there is a 3 wire connector (see below) that is negative (black), positive (grey/green), and a high gauge illumination wire (red). I confirmed that the red and grey/green are only active when the accessory or ignition is on.

Really easy job, and I can still replace the rear vent assembly afterwards.