cigarette lighter
 

tried to charge up my cell yesterday and after an hour and a half nada. took the ashtray out and discovered that the lighter is not attached. there are two clips for wires in the ashtray but no wires in the compartment.

how does this work? osmosis?

Obviously you have the latest in wireless cigarette lighter technology!!!
There are contacts on the drivers side of the ash tray that supply power.

the plug feeding the cigarette lighter is hot (has 12 volts) all the time, be careful in connecting them you don't short them out, it may be recommendable to disconnect the battery before messing with them.
BTW I believe you will find that US appliance plugs won't fit or won't fit the MB socket well, the sizes are different for some reason.
I plan on installing a remote cigarette lighter socket somewhere on my car. I haven't decided where to mount it yet.

so what, it takes power when driving and heats/powers like a battery when in use?

The lighter is powered through contacts on the left side of the ash tray. The connection is made when the ash tray is opened. Power is available in when the ignition switch is any position except "OFF." There are no wires connecting to the ash tray itself.

okay. the wife is taking me out to the car to show me i am a doofus. :ban:

hi i am the wife,

he is not as strong as he looks or maybe he does not have that delicate touch to operate the charger.