Subaru charger

Whats the problem with the Subaru?
Is the lighter socket smaller than domestic vehicles?
I had use of a Forester for sometime and as far as I was aware it was 12v from the lighter socket.

We have a 2003 Subaru Legacy, and used the Belkin 3Gen charger for 3 hours (first time) last weekend with no incident. Don't know if I was just lucky? Or perhaps the USA imported versions have the correct voltage?

Hmm, for Subaru to adopt a completely different voltage from a worldwide standard is a bit odd, not that I don't believe you. Think of all the accessories you can't use because they get fried!

I drive a 2000 Subaru Legacy GT wagon and use the Belkin charger with my 30GB ipod every day. Not a single problem.

Well...my brother drives a 2002 Subaru WRX. I haven't used any chargers for the ipod in it yet, but i've charged my celphone without anyproblems. We didn't get a warning about the voltage either...maybe you got an imported model?

I know some foriegn car makers import their cars instead of making it in the U.S or in Mexico...but usually they convert everything to U.S. and State specs before they are sold.

Try charging something else in it first. I'd hate to hear that you fried a 400 dollar iPod.

There is one other car electrical system in the world but I don't think anyone has built a car with it for 30 years or more. All modern cars have a 12v NEGATIVE EARTH system. There are some rather old, classic cars that use a slightly different voltage and a positive earth but the Subaru sure isn't one of them!

If you're not picking up charge from the car its probably a problem with the charger not fitting quite right into the socket. Best advice is to wiggle it a lot and if that fails, you can buy an extension lead that might bridge the gap and be more reliable.

Graeme

I don't doubt you...its just strange to hear that Subaru would even release a 24V output in the U.S.

Although, many automobile electronic manuals always say to check the voltage before installing, meaning that there are 24V systems around. Let us know what you find...i hope you don't fry your iPod.

I've never heard of any car that is specifically marketed for the US to have anything other then standard 12V power sockets installed.

However, it appears that some of their sockets were designed for Cigarette Lighters, while other were designed to power accessories.

:eek: D'OH !!!

That's what I did to my brand new 2005 Outback. Dang.

I took out the cigarette lighter and tried to plug a phone charger into to the dash. Pushed too hard (although it didn't seem like it) and the dash case around it popped in and slipped a little--now it's out of alignment.

I only tried that because the really cool socket in the armrest, clearly labeled "12V Charger" had a Belkin FM transmitter in it already. I felt forced to buy it as I went on a long trip last weekend and didn't have time to put in a wired FM modulator (or the interest to pay for it.) Worked OK on the road but audio quality was lacking, as I expected.

:confused: Does anyone make an auxilliary-in kit for Subaru stock stereos? I've been looking and don't see anything. new dash is just too cool looking to tear it up for a new head unit.

--By the way, kdavies, the '05 Outback wagons also have a 12V socket in the back left, perfect for coolers. If you don't have $25-30K laying around, I'll bet your dealer or other car stereo/toy shop could convert your smaller lighter plug or add in another one for 12V stuff.