What to Do When the Cigarette Lighter Doesn't Pop Up?

[LeFinn]

If the car cigarette lighter cannot pop out, it may be a fuse issue, and a new fuse needs to be replaced. If the car cigarette lighter has not finished heating, it will not pop out; if it's a spring issue, it can also cause the lighter to fail to pop up. Long-term use of inserting and popping the cigarette lighter can easily loosen the spring. In this case, simply pull out the lighter and check the spring.

[DelaneyMarie]

Once my cigarette lighter got stuck and wouldn't pop out, so I figured out a few practical solutions. First, try pressing the lighter all the way down again, wait about ten seconds for it to heat up a second time, and see if thermal expansion can push it out. If it still doesn't pop up, use a flashlight to check inside the socket for any obstructions like coins, tobacco crumbs, or cookie crumbs. Gently remove any debris with plastic tweezers to avoid scratching the metal contacts. Next, check the fuse box under the steering wheel, locate the cigarette lighter fuse, and use a specialized fuse puller to inspect for any signs of melting—replace it with a fuse of the same amperage if needed. For prevention, avoid stuffing random items into the cigarette lighter socket and have the mechanic clean the contacts during regular maintenance.

[VanWeston]

I recently encountered an issue with the cigarette lighter not popping out. First, check if the fuse is blown—this is the easiest step: locate the vehicle's fuse box, refer to the manual to find the cigarette lighter's corresponding position (usually marked with a cigarette icon), pull out the fuse, and inspect the copper wire under light to see if it's broken. Next, clean the cigarette lighter socket by gently wiping the internal and external metal contacts with a small alcohol pad to remove grease and oxidation. You can also borrow a friend's vehicle cigarette lighter for a replacement test to rule out a fault in the lighter itself. Lastly, avoid pressing too hard when using it, and consider replacing the unit every three to five years, as the internal spring may lose its elasticity due to aging. A DIY fix takes about 15 minutes—no need to waste money.

[DiEvan]

When the cigarette lighter gets stuck, I follow a three-step approach. First, physical clearance: After turning off the engine and cutting power, use a thin screwdriver wrapped in cloth to gently remove debris from the socket gaps. Second, activation test: Press the lighter and wait for half a minute—if the heating coil glows red but remains stuck, it indicates a faulty spring mechanism requiring replacement. Third, circuit check: Inspect if the fuse is blown, especially in vehicles equipped with car chargers or inverters that may cause overload. For prevention, use compressed air to clean the socket regularly, and before long trips, ensure the lighter pops out smoothly, as it's connected to the vehicle's entire electrical system.