Power Outlet fuse keeps blowing - what to check?

GREYRAY

MEMBER
DODGE RAM

I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi engine.
In February I bought a new laptop that I connect to either the cigarette lighter or a power outlet via a Targus 150 watt Mobile Power DC to AC Converter. This Targus device is supposed to trip off if the draw is over 150 watts. The laptop (Dell) is rated for 150 watts, so it's not supposed to draw more than that.

This setup worked fine until October when the Power Outlet fuse blew. I replaced the fuse and made sure no other devices but the laptop/Targus setup were attached. Fuse blows after 15 to 30 minutes. Same in the Cigarette Lighter.

A mechanic told me I could get away with going from the standard 20amp fuse to 25amp. So I tried that with the same result.

So I'm wondering how to proceed. Is there something else I could be checking. I'm not really savvy enough to get a meter and check draws, etc.

Thanks for your advice.

1 Reply

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Sounds like it could be a problem with the power inverter. Might not be the lap top that is drawing all the current. Cant keep going up in fuses, the system is only designed to carry so much load, go up any more on the fuse and it could fry the wires.