how to fix cigarette lighter in car

Question

DelDiana · Accepted Answer

Fixing a car cigarette lighter, more accurately called a 12V accessory power outlet, usually involves checking a few simple things first. The most common culprit is a blown fuse, which is a cheap and easy fix. If that's not it, the problem could be a faulty lighter socket itself or a wiring issue. Always disconnect the car's battery before performing any electrical work to prevent short circuits or injury.

Start by locating your car's fuse box. The owner's manual will have a diagram showing its location (often under the dashboard or in the engine bay) and which fuse corresponds to the accessory outlet. Pull out the suspected fuse and check if the thin metal strip inside is broken. If it is, replace it with a new fuse of the exact same amperage rating.

If the fuse is intact, the issue is likely the socket. Use a multimeter to check for power. With the car's ignition on, touch the multimeter's probes to the center contact and the outer metal sleeve of the socket. You should get a reading of about 12 volts. No power means there's a break in the wiring between the fuse box and the socket. If there is power, the socket itself is probably faulty.

Replacing the socket is straightforward. They are typically held in place by a retention clip or a nut from behind the dashboard. Disconnect the wiring harness, remove the old unit, and plug the new one in. For complex wiring problems, consulting a professional mechanic is the safest bet.

Common Issue	Symptom	Likely Fix	Estimated Cost (Parts)	DIY Difficulty
Blown Fuse	No power to any device plugged in	Replace fuse	$5 - $10 for a pack	Very Easy
Faulty Socket	Device doesn't fit snugly, intermittent power	Replace entire socket unit	$15 - $30	Easy
Broken Wiring	No power, even with new fuse	Repair or replace wiring harness	$20 - $100+	Moderate/Difficult
Corroded Contacts	Power only works at certain angles	Clean contacts with electrical cleaner	$10 for cleaner	Easy
Faulty Device	Other outlets work with your device	Test with a known-working device	N/A	Very Easy

McTimothy · Answer

Check the fuse first, seriously. It’s almost always the fuse. Grab your car’s manual, find the fuse box—usually under the steering wheel—and look at the diagram on the lid. Pull out the one for the "cigarette lighter" or "auxiliary power" with the little plastic tool. If the metal wire inside is snapped, just pop in a new one with the same number. That five-minute fix will save you a huge headache.

DeDiana · Answer

As someone who's been there, I recommend a process of elimination. Start with the simplest possibility: test the device you're trying to plug in with another outlet, like in a different car. If it works there, the problem is in your car. Then, move to the fuse. It's a simple, inexpensive component designed to fail first to protect the rest of the system. Only after ruling out the device and the fuse should you consider the more involved task of dealing with the socket or wiring.

StSimon · Answer

My approach is all about safety and tools. Before you touch anything, disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery. You'll need a fuse puller and a multimeter. The fuse box diagram is your best friend. If the fuse is good, the multimeter is essential. Set it to DC voltage, touch the probes to the center and side of the empty socket. No reading? You've got a wiring break. A reading means the socket is dead. Replacing it usually just requires gently prying out the old one.

CoreyLynn · Answer

Look, you don't need to be a mechanic for this. If your phone charger won't work, first jiggle it. If that does nothing, it's 90% chance a blown fuse. Buy an assortment of fuses at any auto parts store; they're cheap. Find your fuse panel, swap the dead one for a new one with the same color and number. If that doesn't fix it, then the actual socket is broken. At that point, you can decide if you're comfortable prying it out or just taking it to a shop. It's a quick job for them.