Hello,
I am trying to set up my phone to use as a SatNav in my Fiat 500 2009 1.4 Sport.
When I plug my phone into the usb slot via the cable provided with my phone, it does not charge. My phone is picking up that it is connected to a 'pc', but nothing else happens. The charging light does not come on and on the settings my battery is still discharging.
I have an android Sony Xperia T.
Can anyone advise me what to do?
If not I will have to order a cigarette lighter charger, but seeing as the technology is there surely it should work?

Thank you

Katie

I've had the same problem.
The USB standard is for 5v 0.5A (500mA) Many current phones need more than 0.5A. Despite using a USB connector, my Nokia's mains charger is rated at 0.65A. With the lower current, the phone will not charge as there is not enough push to charge it.

As you've guessed, you need a charger to power from the 12v socket.

portland_bill said:

As you've guessed, you need a charger to power from the 12v socket.

Click to expand...

And make sure it's a high enough rated charger (not a cheap 0.5A one or you'll have the same problem).. I now use the Avantree TR202 (2.1A) after a couple of cheap-as-chips no-name chargers either failed or failed to charge. It does the business and even puts a charge into the phone whilst I'm using it as satnav, even the standard manufacturers (Samsung) car charger couldn't manage that.

You might be able to force it to charge by finding a USB lead with the data lines removed or not present.. (not one with them shorted as that usually tells phones to fast charge)

I've had one android device that didn't charge if the data lines were connected and the current was low (which is the problem with B&M.. the data lines are used as it tries to read USB devices for music which is why it shows as connected to a PC), but with a modified lead (I just bared the cables sheath in the middle to find the inner cables and snipped the data lines), it would charge albeit very slowly..