What are the reasons for the Audi cigarette lighter not working when plugged in?
3 Answers
Audi cigarette lighter not working when plugged in due to: 1. Insufficient battery power; 2. Poor grounding of the working circuit or control circuit; 3. Blown fuse. Taking the 2021 Audi S8 as an example, it belongs to the full-size car category with body dimensions of: length 5302mm, width 1946mm, height 1483mm, wheelbase 3128mm, fuel tank capacity 82L, and trunk capacity 505L. The 2021 Audi S8 is equipped with a 4.0T twin-turbocharged engine, delivering maximum horsepower of 571PS, maximum power of 420kW, maximum torque of 800Nm, matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
I've encountered this issue a few times with my Audi where the cigarette lighter doesn't respond when plugged in after long-term use, mainly due to blown fuses. The fuse acts like a little guardian, disconnecting when the current overloads to prevent circuit damage. The cigarette lighter fuse in an Audi is usually located in the fuse box under the dashboard or inside the glove compartment—it's not hard to find, labeled as 'cig lighter' or something similar. Replacing it with a matching new fuse generally solves the problem. Another possible reason could be loose or oxidized contact points inside the socket, or dirt blocking the connection. If you're handling it yourself, be careful not to force anything and damage the components. Circuit aging is common in older cars, where frayed wires can cause short circuits or breaks, leading to unstable voltage. Be mindful not to plug in high-power devices, like high-wattage chargers, to avoid overloading. A non-functional cigarette lighter can be a big inconvenience—like not being able to charge your phone or having your navigation cut out while driving, which is dangerous—so address it promptly when discovered. I usually keep a few spare fuses in the car for quick replacement in emergencies.
I enjoy working on my car myself, and checking the Audi cigarette lighter is straightforward. First, check if the fuse is blown. The fuse box is located near the driver's footwell, with icons on the cover. Locate the fuse for the cigarette lighter, pull it out, and see if the wire in the middle is broken. If it is, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage. If the fuse is fine, use a multimeter to test if the socket has 12V voltage. No voltage might indicate a short circuit or an open circuit. Audi wiring is well-made, but sometimes connectors loosen or corrode, causing poor contact. If the socket itself is faulty, you can replace it yourself—just buy the right model online and install the new one. For power supply, check if the battery or alternator is providing stable output by measuring the input current at the socket with the ignition on using a multimeter. Don’t ignore small issues—fix them early to avoid cascading failures. Keep a toolkit in your car with essentials like wrenches and screwdrivers for quick, cost-effective repairs. Replacing a fuse is cheap, just a few bucks, and saves time compared to visiting a shop.
