What Causes the Cigarette Lighter to Have No Power?
2 Answers
Causes of the cigarette lighter having no power: If other electrical devices in the car are functioning normally but the cigarette lighter is not working, it means the cigarette lighter has no power. When you find that the cigarette lighter in your vehicle has no power, you can first borrow someone else's cigarette lighter to test the connection. If it works, the issue lies with the lighter itself, and you can simply replace it. If it still doesn't work, the problem is likely with the cigarette lighter's fuse, which you can replace yourself. The cigarette lighter operates at a power voltage of 12 volts, matching the vehicle's battery voltage. Typically, the cigarette lighter has a dedicated power line connected to it, separate from other circuits, and thus has its own fuse. The correct usage method involves inserting and removing the lighter vertically without shaking it, as frequent wiggling during removal can lead to loosening, short circuits, and damage to the fuse or external devices.
Last time I was driving, the cigarette lighter suddenly lost power and I couldn't charge my phone. There could be several reasons, the most common being a blown fuse. There's usually a small broken piece in the fuse box under the dashboard – it melts when overloaded to protect the circuit. Secondly, rust or dust may clog the internal contacts of the socket, blocking the current. I've tried gently cleaning the socket holes with a toothbrush, which sometimes helps. Additionally, the heating element of the cigarette lighter itself may age and fail, or the wiring may short-circuit, causing power loss. For example, my car once short-circuited after getting wet in the rain. I recommend checking the fuse location in the manual first. If replacing it doesn't work, don't risk fixing other components yourself—just go to a repair shop to save time and money. After all, cigarette lighter issues may affect the vehicle's power system safety and shouldn't be ignored. Don't operate while driving; find a safe place to park and check to prevent unexpected failures from worsening. In short, simple maintenance can avoid many troubles.
