What to Do When the Cigarette Lighter Won't Pop Out?
3 Answers
The solutions for a cigarette lighter that won't pop out: 1. The fuse may be faulty and needs to be replaced with a new one; 2. The cigarette lighter requires heating for about 10 seconds. If it hasn't finished heating, it won't pop out; 3. The spring mechanism may be causing the issue, preventing the lighter from popping out. In this case, you can try manually pulling it out and then replacing the spring mechanism. A car cigarette lighter is an electronic device similar to a multi-socket power outlet for household use. It connects to the car's power supply via a plug and provides multiple cigarette lighter sockets. The lighter is designed for the convenience of drivers who smoke. However, it is recommended that drivers avoid smoking while driving to prevent interference with normal operation.
I encountered the cigarette lighter not popping out while driving, which is quite common. Usually, it's because a lot of dust or dirt has accumulated in the cigarette lighter socket, causing it to get stuck, or the fuse has blown. You can first try gently tapping around the cigarette lighter, but avoid hitting it too hard to prevent internal damage. Then, check the cigarette lighter fuse in the vehicle's fuse box—if it's blown, replace it with a new one. If it still doesn't pop out, turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for it to cool down before pulling it out. Keeping the cigarette lighter socket clean is crucial; wiping it with a cloth every time you refuel can prevent this issue. The cigarette lighter components are also prone to aging, and older vehicles may need the entire socket replaced. Remember, forcefully pulling it out might damage the circuit—it's safer to visit a professional auto repair shop where they can handle it quickly with tools. This is especially important at night when suddenly losing power for charging devices like power banks can be troublesome.
My experience with frequent car repairs tells me that DIY fixes are practical when the cigarette lighter won't pop out. First, turn off the engine power to avoid electric shock, then gently push the edge of the lighter with small pliers or a wooden stick to try loosening and ejecting it. If it's stuck too tightly, it might be due to internal spring rust or dirt blockage, requiring removal of the interior panel for inspection. For cleaning, spray some rust remover or wipe the interior with alcohol swabs. Don't overlook checking the fuse—a blown fuse is a common cause; just locate and replace the corresponding one in the fuse box. An aging lighter may have unstable output, and repeated attempts increase wear risk, so it's advisable to keep a spare USB charger handy. Prevention is better than repair; include lighter cleaning during regular maintenance.
