What Causes a Car Cigarette Lighter to Lose Power?
2 Answers
The reasons for a car cigarette lighter losing power are: 1. The cigarette lighter fuse is blown; 2. The cigarette lighter plug is loose; 3. The cigarette lighter is damaged. The cigarette lighter has a separate safety device, and the correct method of use is to insert and remove it vertically. Avoid pulling it out with shaking movements, as frequent shaking can easily cause the cigarette lighter fuse to loosen and short-circuit, which can quickly burn out the fuse and external devices. When the vehicle is turned off, external devices connected to the cigarette lighter should be unplugged as soon as possible. Otherwise, when the vehicle starts, the high current surge can easily burn out the devices, especially MP3 players and USB drives, which are particularly prone to issues. Therefore, it is advisable to unplug these devices after parking and reconnect them only after the car has started.
I often encounter the issue of the cigarette lighter not working while driving, mainly because the fuse has blown. That little thing in the fuse box protects the circuit from overload. After locating it in the manual, try replacing it with a new 15A or 20A fuse. Another common reason is a dirty socket or poor contact—dust buildup can make charging devices unresponsive. Once, my old car's vibrations caused a loose connection, and I fixed it by checking and reinserting the plug a few times. Also, avoid using high-power devices like car refrigerators, as excessive current can blow the fuse. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the socket to prevent water accumulation and rust. If the problem persists, it might be due to a short circuit or relay issue. Remember, the cigarette lighter only works when the ignition is on—no power if the car isn’t started. A quick check at a repair shop can save time and hassle. Keeping this small component in good condition ensures your navigation works smoothly, making driving safer and more convenient.
