Where is the cigarette lighter fuse located in a classic Ford Focus?
3 Answers
Ford Focus cigarette lighter fuse is located in the passenger compartment fuse box, which is inside the glove compartment on the passenger side. The cigarette lighter operates at 12 volts, matching the vehicle battery voltage. Typically, the cigarette lighter has a dedicated power line connected to it, separate from other circuits, hence it has an independent fuse. Common mistakes when using the cigarette lighter include: 1. Not unplugging external devices during startup: External devices connected to the cigarette lighter can easily burn out due to the high current surge when the vehicle starts, especially MP3 players and USB drives which are particularly prone to issues. 2. Not unplugging external devices when turning off the engine: Depending on the vehicle's settings, some cigarette lighters remain powered even after the vehicle is turned off, leading to unnecessary battery drain if external devices are left plugged in for extended periods. 3. Wiggling during plug insertion/removal: Excessive movement when plugging or unplugging can deform the curved spring contacts of the device's plug, resulting in loose connections and intermittent power issues. 4. Frequently bumping the cigarette lighter plug while operating the vehicle, causing it to become loose.
I've driven a classic Focus, and the cigarette lighter fuse is usually located in the fuse box near the driver's left foot, behind the plastic cover on the left side of the pedal. You'll need to remove the cover first, and inside, there are multiple fuses. The one for the cigarette lighter is typically labeled CIG LTR or something similar, mostly 15A or 20A models. If the fuse is blown, the cigarette lighter won't work, possibly because you connected a device that draws too much power, like an overloaded car charger. When checking, turn off the engine and use a fuse puller or small tweezers to gently remove it. If the metal wire inside is broken, replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage. Remember not to use a higher amperage fuse randomly, as it can damage the wiring. I recommend keeping spare parts handy so you won't panic if something goes wrong on the road.
Last time the cigarette lighter in my classic Ford Focus suddenly stopped working, so I went looking for the fuse. The fuse box is located near the driver's side footwell. After opening the panel, you can see a row of small fuse blades. The cigarette lighter fuse is easy to find, usually in the first few rows, labeled as 'Cigarette Lighter' or 'CIG,' and it uses a standard 15-amp fuse. The reason it blew was simple—probably because I had been using a phone charger plugged in for too long, drawing too much power. When replacing it, remember not to have the car key inserted; just pull out the old one and put in the new one. If you can't manage it yourself, it's quicker to get help at a repair shop. This incident reminded me to regularly check the cigarette lighter socket for debris, as it could easily cause a short circuit.
