Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Will my iPhone charger work in a 56 clipper cigarette liter?

If the car is stock then 56 had negative ground and it should work. The only caveat is the modern plug may be slightly different in size or configuration to the old lighter sockets or the socket may be worn. Several have had no problems but others have mentioned the connection was marginal or erratic with the brand of charger they had.

Is it going to hurt the car?

Is it going to hurt the car?

Is it going to hurt the car?

Not unless you get a direct short between the center voltage contact and the ground at the shell. You have to examine your plug to check a few things.

The usual intermittent contact problem seems to be the modern plugs are a bit shorter than the socket and perhaps slightly less diameter. Plugs having a large outer shoulder to grip or a short distance between the tip contact along with a stubby body on the plug seem to have the most problems. Either condition prevents plug going deep enough in the socket to connect. The plug diameter being small so it is loose & plug doesn't stay in or the side contact doesn't make a good connection is the other thing some have reported.

If you look down inside the Packard socket you will see a "button" or rivet in the very center. Out to the side are 3 equally spaced tabs. In the lighter function, those tabs are the actual contact for the voltage side but in the plug application the center rivet has to be the contact. If the plug is constructed in such a way the contact button on the plug will not extend far enough to contact the rivet securely and the tabs hit against a stubby body and can't push aside, there is intermittent or at the worst, no connection. The rivet may also be oxidized or covered with old tobacco byproducts from the lighter. If that is the case, that crud can be very hard to clean enough off so there is a good connection.

The other issue is the side contact on some plugs. If it is flimsy or placed far enough forward toward the tip, when the plug is pushed in to make contact with the rivet the side contact can touch one of the tabs at the same time it touches the shell. If that happens then there is a direct short. That has not been a big problem but on cheap plugs it can happen.

You will need to change your cigar lighter for a modern one if you want iPhone charger to work properly. You can pick up a replacement lighter at your favorite auto parts store. You may be able to use the original knob with the new lighter.

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