Cigarette Lighter Polarity?

[bowdeeni]

Borrowed a gadget off a mate last week - "Gtech Performance Meter" was really looking forward to see what I can get my T350 to do 0-60 and Qtr Mile. Nice dry day, straight bit of clear road, plugged it in.... Nothing! The actual lighter works so there is power but can't get the meter to light up!!

Having taken a closer look today I discovered that the polarity of the lighter socket was opposite to my other cars?? So easy job, swap the connectors over, and sure enough the gadget works!

Only problem now is the lighter doesn't work

This doesn't bother me as I don't smoke but am concerned I might be creating other potential problems for myself! Any ideas??

[GreenV8S]

Cig lighter is just a resister so it should work either way round? Unless you've dislodged a wire or blown a fuse somewhere along the way. I'd be a little concerned about having it wired up the wrong way round if you plan to plug other things into it, because some electronic gadgets might not take too kindly to reverse polarity. Mine has +12v in the middle and the outside is earthed, is yours the same?

[bowdeeni]

Is the same now (+12V in centre and earthed outside) but was the other way around originally???