How to Remove a Pressed-In Cigarette Lighter?
3 Answers
The cigarette lighter consists of two parts: an outer ring and an inner ring. When in use, press the inner ring in, and it will automatically pop back to its original position once the temperature is reached. You can then pull it out by gripping the outer ring. Alternatively, you can directly pull out the lighter when the inner ring is pressed in. Below are the usage instructions for a car cigarette lighter: 1. The power voltage of the car cigarette lighter is 12 volts, and it has a separate fuse. When removing it, try to pull it out vertically and avoid shaking it side to side. 2. The outer layer of the lighter is made of iron, and the central heating wire part is the positive pole. Insert the lighter and press it to lock it in place for heating. 3. If the lighter is not promptly reinserted into the socket after use, the high-temperature lighter stored in the moving car can easily cause a fire if it comes into contact with flammable items. 4. The maximum power of the lighter is 120KW. 5. If using the lighter for an extended period, try to keep the engine running to avoid excessive power consumption. 6. After parking, unplug any external devices. Once the engine is turned off, quickly remove external devices to prevent them from being damaged by a strong current during the next startup.
I've encountered the issue of a stuck cigarette lighter several times. Initially, I was also anxious to pull it out, but the safest approach is actually to let it cool down first. When the cigarette lighter is pressed in, it heats up, and the expansion from the heat makes it harder to remove. Plus, it's easy to burn your hand if it's too hot. Wait for about 15 to 20 minutes until the temperature drops, and it will be much easier to handle. You can wrap the head of the cigarette lighter with a clean cloth and gently pull it outward—avoid using excessive force, as slight wiggling from side to side might be more effective. If it still doesn't budge, try using a small pair of pliers to grip it and apply a bit more force. Don’t forget to check if the cigarette lighter socket has accumulated dust or is blocked by debris; regular cleaning can reduce such troubles. If all else fails, drive to a nearby repair shop—they have professional tools and can fix it in minutes. Avoid forcing it yourself and risking damage to the car's interior components.
From a mechanical perspective, a stuck cigarette lighter is usually caused by internal spring failure or metal components deforming due to heat. When you press it, the spring compresses and heats up, and should automatically pop out, but if it's aged or dirty, it may get stuck. For handling, first let it cool for a while—about ten minutes—as the temperature drops, resistance will decrease. Then, wearing gloves or wrapping the head with a soft cloth, slowly pull it out in a vertical direction. Keep the engine turned off during the process for safety. If this happens frequently, the cigarette lighter unit may need replacement or the socket may require cleaning. New parts can be purchased at auto supply stores, and you can learn to install them yourself. It's recommended to test the cigarette lighter by pressing it once every week when starting the engine to ensure the spring is functioning properly.
