Cigarette Lighter vs. Accessory Outlet
 

I noticed in the owner's manual, and couldn't find a reference about this here, that the cigarette lighter and the accessory outlet in the center console are described differently.

Pointedly, on page 6-43 of the manual, it mentions "Don't use the lighter socket for plug-in accessories..." Whereas the accessory socket (which looks pretty much the same to me) specifically lists 120W (DC 12v, 10a) accessories.

Is there really a difference? Or is this some CYA on Mazda's part?
I don't smoke, so the lighter element is pretty useless to me, and I'm wondering if I should consider that as a second power source, or if there really is something different about it that I should be aware of...

...Paul

After blowing the fuses with a bad power inverter I noticed that the cigarette lighter has a 10amp fuse and the "power outlet" has a 15amp fuse.

Perfect, that's exactly what I was interested in knowing. :)

...Paul

lol i read the manual when igot home so i had plugged in my v1 hhahahah boy was that a mistake it took me like 5 minutes and my fingers going pink to pull that sucker out.. i dunno why it jammed..

Dumb question -- what's a "v1"?

...Paul

Valentine 1.... radar detector.

corrrreeeeeeeect

Accessory outlet?
 

i am trying to plug in my car charger to the "accessory outlet" on my 04 mazda rx8. the light on my charger is red (on), however it must not be supplying enough juice since my phone does not charge. ive got other accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter (permanently plugged in & hidden in console). yes, the phone works & charges in other vehicles. any suggestions or ideas?

hardwire the charger into your car

Ok, I'm sure I'm gonna get my head set on fire for askin this, but where is this accessory outlet that everyone is talkin about? Is it behind the tray that sits next to the cig lighter?

I know I could look around in the car, but I'm at work right now and kinda curious about this, as I've never noticed an acc. outlet anywhere...

Thanks

Slide the armrest cover all the way back then tilt it to the right.

wow... I'm serious amazed by the fact that I've never had any clue that it was there!! Duh!

Don't feel bad I had my 05 for over a year before I found it by accident :).

hmm..
 

I got my XM radio plugged into the cig lighter and have had no problems. I imagine that the XM radio isn't pulling many amps to be an issue. Right?

Just bought my 8 two weeks ago, working out the kinks and bugs as we speak. Unfortunately I do not have a manual for it. Is there any possible way that someone can tell me which fuse controls the arm rest accessory socket. Don't feel bad either, only reason I located it was when I started removing parts to detail the cracks and crevices! Thanks for the aid!!!