Will a cigarette lighter bluetooth device work?

I've got an adapter which I plug into the aux input on my radio and use to play music and use my phone for calls etc. It's not fantastic but does the job.

Alternative would be to fit a different head unit with built in Bluetooth.

MKO, I don't know what kind of device you have but I have a device that plugs into the cigarette lighter that lets me use my phone in the car via Bluetooth. It will also play the phone call through the stereo as well as transmit music on a memory card through the FM radio. It isn't the greatest device but it works. It does not activate any Bluetooth that came with the car.

It's worth considering a retrofit - $55 isn't so bad (ok, ok, plus the cost of OBDeleven or VCDS and the time it takes to install, or the cost of getting someone to do it for you).

If your lighter socket Bluetooth thing doesn't work, try turning it around in the plug - you won't get a connection from every angle. Also note that the lighter socket is only powered when the ignition is on.

MKO said:

I have a 2009 EOS Lux, US. Can I set up bluetooth without a complete retrofit? Will those cigarette lighter bluetooth devices work? I have one but can't seem to set it up.
I'm sorry if this has been asked...but couldn't find specific cigarette lighter question.
Thank you.

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Yes they work - they are usually FM transmitters which send the audio to your FM radio . I tried that but the problem is that when you switch off the car, the cigarette lighter power goes out but your radio still runs resulting in radio static until you remove the key . I eventually ditched them for a RCD330 and was so happy with that , I even upgraded to wireless CarPlay using a Carlinkit USB dongle which works a treat ! Check out the RCD330 - if you get a NoName Visteon manufactured version , it was plug and play installation with no VCD coding required .

MKO said:

I have a 2009 EOS Lux, US. Can I set up bluetooth without a complete retrofit? Will those cigarette lighter bluetooth devices work? I have one but can't seem to set it up.
I'm sorry if this has been asked...but couldn't find specific cigarette lighter question.
Thank you.

Click to expand...

I purchased one and I used the back seats electric lighter plug to plug it in. I've had it for 4 years it has worked perfectly and the sound is rather good in my car. This is the listing on Amazon:

MKO said:

I have a 2009 EOS Lux, US. Can I set up bluetooth without a complete retrofit? Will those cigarette lighter bluetooth devices work? I have one but can't seem to set it up.
I'm sorry if this has been asked...but couldn't find specific cigarette lighter question.
Thank you.

Click to expand...

Mine has an aux input and an ipod input.
I bought an "Audi USB" adapter which converts the iPod interface to a USB connector. I use the USB connector to power a bluetooth adapter and then connect the aux cord from the bluetooth adapter to the aux in inside my console.

This allows the bluetooth adapter to be powered when the keys are on, and the Logitech bluetooth adapter connects quickly to my phone when I start the car.

I'm pretty happy with this relatively cheap workaround to allow me to play music through my stereo. It DOES NOT allow me to take phone calls, sadly. I keep a cheap set of BT earbuds in my car for when I need to take calls.

The unfortunate thing about automotive tech is that I keep my cars a long time and manufacturer BT is not great, particularly for these older vehicles. I looked into replacement of the factory radio and decided against it because that thing is tied into so many other parts of the car tech. Not worth it.

I bought one for wifey so she could use her phone hands free which I'd discourage anyway whilst driving. These things need to work fit and forget. There's the possible problem of not pairing to a portable device when you first get in the car, then mine like others uses an F.M frequency and there's no easy way to keep polling an F.M frequency to be active when a call comes in if you have selected MP3 playback or another FM station.

I think I'll just replace her head unit with an Android that has all the latest spec. BT and is set up for receiving and making calls. I also like the idea of voice recognition for auto dialling numbers hands free. There was an Android App to do it some years ago using local processing, but now it requires a mobile internet server connection and works like Alexa.

berrebi555 said:

I purchased one and I used the back seats electric lighter plug to plug it in. I've had it for 4 years it has worked perfectly and the sound is rather good in my car. This is the listing on Amazon:

Amazon.com: (Upgraded Version) Bluetooth FM Transmitter, Sumind Wireless Radio Adapter Hands-Free Car Kit with 1.7 Inch Display, QC3.0 and Smart 2.4A Dual USB Ports, AUX Input/Output, TF Card Mp3 Player : Electronics

Amazon.com: (Upgraded Version) Bluetooth FM Transmitter, Sumind Wireless Radio Adapter Hands-Free Car Kit with 1.7 Inch Display, QC3.0 and Smart 2.4A Dual USB Ports, AUX Input/Output, TF Card Mp3 Player : Electronics

www.amazon.com

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I keep forgetting about the rear outlet. Great idea.

I used that socket for a while to run a Chinese electric fan defogger. But 20 Amps isn't enough and the skinny fan motor noise got on my nerves.