Where is the fuse for the car cigarette lighter located?
3 Answers
The fuse for the car cigarette lighter is generally located on the lower left side of the steering column (may vary depending on the vehicle model). Actual structural damage to the cigarette lighter is rare, and it is more likely for the fuse to be the cause of the malfunction. Additional information: 1. If the cigarette lighter stops working, you can open the power cover near your feet and replace the fuse. 2. Regularly check if the retaining spring is deformed. Due to frequent use of the cigarette lighter, it may not stay in place when pressed or fail to heat up. When the heating element of the cigarette lighter reaches the required temperature, the retaining spring can deform due to the high temperature, causing the lighter to pop out. If the cigarette lighter does not stay in place when pressed, it indicates that the retaining spring has been stretched and deformed. In this case, first turn off the power and use tools to adjust it—never use your hands directly.
I've replaced the cigarette lighter fuse myself before, and its location isn't actually that hard to find. Most cars have a hidden fuse box in the cabin, possibly behind the panel under the steering wheel - you'll need to pry it open with some force. Some vehicles hide it behind the glove compartment on the passenger side, requiring removal of the divider panel to access it. The fuse distribution diagram is usually printed on the back of the box cover. Look for the position marked as cigarette lighter or 'cigarette lighter' in English. Pull out the corresponding numbered fuse - if the filament is broken, you'll need to buy a replacement with the same amperage rating from an auto parts store. Keeping spare fuses in your car is quite useful. Last time my car vacuum cleaner's high power draw blew a fuse, so now I avoid plugging in high-power devices randomly.
A veteran driver with twenty years of experience tells you that the location of the cigarette lighter fuse varies from car to car. Most of the cars I've driven have it under the lower left side of the cabin—just open the small cover to see a colorful fuse matrix, and the blue one labeled 15A is usually for the cigarette lighter. Recently, a friend’s new car had the fuse hidden in a compartment of the center armrest, making the search quite frustrating. The key is to learn how to read the electrical section of the vehicle manual—it’s more reliable than guessing. Before replacing it, make sure to turn off the engine and disconnect the power, then use plastic tweezers for careful handling. It’s also advisable to check the cigarette lighter base for rust while inspecting the fuse. I once encountered a case where a southern car owner misdiagnosed a fuse issue due to rusted metal contacts causing poor connection.
