Cigarette lighter light

[rv213]

I want to make a light using the cigarette lighter, or accessory socket, in my truck. I have an old cell phone car charger and I would like to clip the wires and solder a bulb or LED to the end.

Can I simply use a voltmeter to measure the chargers output (V and I)?
Assuming I can find a bulb or LED rated greater than the output, can I just solder directly to leads?

I would hate to damage the truck by shorting something out. My instrument panel lights went out and I can't see the speedometer at night. I changed the bulbs but that didn't work and have been using the interior light. Would like a cheap convenient solution and this idea seemed easier than tapping into another power source.

Thanks,
Roberto

 

[flatulent]

Try measuring all of the fuses with an ohm meter. I suspect that this is the problem. It is common for auto fuses to blow by having a very narrow gap that you cannot see without a microscope.

 

[jonw0224]

If you don't have an ohm meter, you can never go wrong replacing the fuse. Your auto manual should show you where they are and which one is the interior lights.

-Jonathan