How to Repair a Faulty Car Cigarette Lighter?
3 Answers
Here are the common causes of car cigarette lighter failures and their corresponding solutions: 1. Loose connection, where the lighter cannot lock in place after being pressed, preventing it from receiving power. Solution: Use a non-conductive object like a bamboo stick to gently push the spring plate outward to restore it to its original position. 2. The cigarette lighter is faulty and cannot be used. Solution: Purchase a replacement lighter of the same type online or at a physical store. 3. Improper use causes a short circuit in the wiring, blowing the fuse. Solution: Refer to the fuse location diagram on the inside of the fuse box cover to locate the cigarette lighter fuse, use a fuse puller to remove the blown fuse, and replace it with a new one.
A few days ago, the cigarette lighter in my car suddenly stopped working, so I tried fixing it myself. First, I checked the fuse box inside the glove compartment, looking for the 15A fuse labeled 'cigarette.' I pulled it out to see if it was blown—a replacement costs about five yuan. If the fuse was fine, I used a flashlight to check if there were any coin fragments stuck in the socket and cleaned them out with tweezers. If the socket was loose, I had to remove the center console panel and tighten the metal clips. If all else failed, I’d take it to a repair shop to test the circuit—some shops can fix it in ten minutes for around a hundred yuan. To avoid issues, it’s best not to plug in a car fridge and a power bank at the same time, as exceeding the power limit can easily blow the fuse.
I follow three steps to repair the cigarette lighter. First, measure the voltage: After starting the car, use a multimeter to test the positive and negative terminals of the socket. A normal voltage is around 12V; if the reading is 0, it might indicate a blown fuse or wiring issue. Next, check the fuse box, locate the corresponding fuse position, and replace it directly. Finally, inspect the metal contacts of the socket for oxidation or blackening, and clean them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If none of these steps work, it could be a loose wiring harness connector, requiring the removal of the trim panel to reconnect the wires. DIY repairs can save at least 200 in labor costs, but if you lack the tools, visit a professional auto repair shop and have them check the generator voltage as well, since excessive voltage can damage the circuits.
