Why does the cigarette lighter in the Sagitar not pop up?

[LeDaniel]

The cigarette lighter in the Sagitar not popping up is usually due to poor contact. The reason is that when the heating element of the lighter is pressed down, it cannot reach the internal connector, thus failing to heat up. Fan Jie, a technician from Shuangdong Road FAW repair shop, explains that the poor contact of the cigarette lighter's heating element is mainly caused by frequent use. If it is pressed down too often, it can affect the internal fuse, causing it to shrink inward. Over time, this can also lead to premature aging of the fuse. More related information is as follows: 1. Cigarette lighter socket: The cigarette lighter socket is not just for lighting cigarettes; it also serves as a power interface for charging. Some can even connect to dedicated sockets, providing much higher power than the car's USB port. 2. Note: Many car owners are unaware of the power function of the cigarette lighter and only use it as a tool for lighting cigarettes, which is somewhat 'overkill' and can easily lead to rapid aging. When poor contact occurs, car owners should replace the internal fuse as soon as possible and reduce the frequency of using the cigarette lighter, avoiding smoking in the car whenever possible.

[LeWeston]

My car's cigarette lighter got stuck last time too, took me a while to figure it out. The most common issue is the aging spring inside—after prolonged use, it loses elasticity and can't pop up. Another possibility is small objects like coins or receipts falling in and jamming the metal contact. Also, if beverages or juice have been spilled into the socket, the sticky sugar residue can cause the lighter to stick. My own method is to first disconnect the power, then use needle-nose pliers to gently grip the lighter, twist it a few times, and pull it out. If that doesn’t work, you might need to remove the center console panel to check if any circuit connections are loose. A word of caution: never yank it forcefully, as breaking the plastic clips will make things worse. Generally, replacing the entire cigarette lighter assembly at an auto repair shop costs just around a hundred bucks—not worth the risk of DIY.

[LeAshley]

I've studied quite a few cases of cigarette lighter pop-up failures. The issues mainly fall into mechanical and electrical aspects: Mechanical problems could be caused by deformed slots or spring failure, especially in vehicles where the lighter is frequently used to power dash cams. On the electrical side, you should check the 12V socket fuse, usually located in the fuse box under the driver's side dashboard, labeled F38 or F44. Another often overlooked cause is modifications, such as adding voltage reducers or triple splitters, which can overload and melt the socket due to prolonged use. My suggestion is to first remove the lighter head and test the socket voltage with a multimeter. It should read 12V normally; if there's no power, it's likely a fuse issue. To save money, you can buy a replacement lighter assembly online for just a few dozen bucks, but installing it yourself requires removing the center console trim.

[NovaLee]

There are roughly three reasons why the cigarette lighter won't pop up: foreign objects stuck inside, weakened spring, or electrical circuit failure. Last time I dealt with my friend's Sagitar, upon disassembly, I found a coin inserted by a child stuck in the spring slot. Remember to remove the key to cut off power before cleaning, and use a plastic pry tool to gently remove the object. If it's a spring issue, you can buy a replacement spring on Taobao for about ten yuan and replace it yourself, just make sure to choose the correct model. If there's no reaction at all when plugged in, it's likely a blown fuse—refer to the manual for the fuse box location diagram. For modified circuits, pay special attention to check if the aftermarket wiring has short-circuited. This issue is actually quite common; repair shops usually fix it within half an hour. It's not recommended to force it open yourself, as damaging the base would be counterproductive.

[MaggieRose]

I've encountered this issue many times and noticed that the cigarette lighters in Volkswagen vehicles are particularly prone to getting stuck. The most common cause is prolonged use of USB adapters, which can deform the socket, especially during summer when high temperatures soften the plastic. Some owners also have the habit of extinguishing cigarette butts directly on the lighter, causing excessive heat that weakens the reset spring. Here's a step-by-step solution: First, try twisting and pulling it out. If that doesn't work, disconnect the power and remove the panel. Focus on two key areas: the retaining clip at the bottom of the lighter and the spiral heating element base. For DIY repairs, prepare a T20 Torx screwdriver and a plastic pry tool, as Volkswagen interior clips are quite fragile. If the socket appears blackened, it indicates short-circuit damage and requires a complete replacement. For maintenance, it's recommended to unplug external devices for a few days each month to extend the socket's lifespan.