How to fix cigarette lighter in car
Introduction
The cigarette lighter in your car is a small but important part. It helps you charge your phone, power devices, or even light a cigarette. But what if it stops working? Don’t worry! Fixing the cigarette lighter in your car is not too difficult, and you can do it yourself.
In this guide, we will show you how to fix a cigarette lighter in your car in a few simple steps. This guide is for anyone, even if you don’t know much about cars. You will find clear, easy-to-follow instructions that will help you get your cigarette lighter working again.
Why Is Your Cigarette Lighter Not Working?
Before we begin fixing it, let’s talk about why your cigarette lighter might stop working. There are several reasons:
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Blown Fuse: The most common reason the cigarette lighter stops working is a blown fuse. The fuse is a small part that helps protect the electrical system of your car. If it burns out, the lighter stops working.
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Faulty Socket: Sometimes, the socket where you plug the cigarette lighter might be dirty or damaged.
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Broken Lighter Element: The part inside the cigarette lighter that gets hot may break or wear out over time.
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Wiring Issues: There could be a problem with the wires that connect the cigarette lighter to the car’s power system.
What You Will Need to Fix the Cigarette Lighter
Before we start fixing the cigarette lighter, here is a list of things you will need:
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A fuse tester or multimeter (to check the fuse)
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Replacement fuse (if the fuse is blown)
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A screwdriver
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Clean cloth or a cotton swab
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Replacement lighter socket (if the socket is damaged)
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Wire cutters and strippers (if you need to fix any wiring)
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Car manual (to find the fuse box)
Now, let’s get started with the steps!
Step 1: Check the Fuse
Most of the time, the reason your cigarette lighter stops working is because of a blown fuse. A fuse is a small, important part of your car’s electrical system that protects it from power surges. If the fuse burns out, the cigarette lighter won’t work.
How to Check the Fuse:
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Find the Fuse Box: Every car has a fuse box. This is where the fuses are kept. It’s usually under the dashboard or near the driver’s side.
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Locate the Cigarette Lighter Fuse: Look at your car’s manual to find out where the cigarette lighter fuse is located. It’s usually labeled as “Cigarette Lighter” or “Accessory.”
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Remove the Fuse: Use a fuse puller or tweezers to remove the fuse carefully. If you don’t have a fuse puller, a small screwdriver can work too.
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Check the Fuse: Look at the fuse closely. If the metal inside the fuse is broken or burnt, the fuse is blown. You need to replace it.
Step 2: Replace the Fuse
Once you have confirmed that the fuse is blown, it’s time to replace it.
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Buy the Right Fuse: Go to an auto parts store or online and buy a replacement fuse. Make sure the new fuse has the same amperage (strength) as the old one. The amperage is usually written on the fuse itself or in your car’s manual.
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Insert the New Fuse: Place the new fuse into the same spot where the old fuse was. Make sure it’s secure.
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Test the Cigarette Lighter: Turn on the car and check if the cigarette lighter works. If it does, you are done! If not, move on to the next step.
Step 3: Clean the Socket
Sometimes, the cigarette lighter won’t work because the socket is dirty. Dust, crumbs, or other debris can block the socket and stop the lighter from making a proper connection. Cleaning it is easy.
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Turn off the Car: Make sure the car is turned off before you clean the socket.
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Clean the Socket: Use a clean cloth or cotton swab to clean the inside of the socket. Be gentle and make sure there is no dirt or debris inside. You can also use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the cloth to clean the socket more effectively.
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Test the Cigarette Lighter: Once the socket is clean, try the lighter again to see if it works.
Step 4: Check for Damaged Wiring
If the fuse and the socket are fine, but the cigarette lighter still doesn’t work, there could be a problem with the wires that connect the lighter to the car’s power system.
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Remove the Lighter: If you know how, remove the cigarette lighter from its socket. You may need to unscrew it or pull it out carefully.
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Inspect the Wires: Look at the wires that connect to the cigarette lighter. If any wires are loose, broken, or damaged, this could be the problem.
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Fix the Wires: If you see damaged wires, you will need to repair or replace them. You can use wire cutters and strippers to remove the damaged section of wire and then connect the new wire securely.
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Test the Cigarette Lighter: Once the wires are fixed, test the cigarette lighter again. If it works, you have successfully fixed the issue.
Step 5: Replace the Cigarette Lighter Socket
In some cases, the cigarette lighter socket might be broken and need to be replaced. If the socket is cracked or damaged, it won’t work, even if everything else is fine.
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Remove the Old Socket: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws around the socket. Gently pull the socket out of the dashboard.
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Install the New Socket: Place the new socket into the same spot where the old one was. Make sure it fits snugly and is secure.
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Test the Cigarette Lighter: After the new socket is installed, test the cigarette lighter again. If it works, you are done!
Step 6: How to fix cigarette lighter in car
Once you’ve finished all the steps, it’s time to test the cigarette lighter. Start the car and insert the cigarette lighter into its socket. If the lighter heats up, your job is done!
If it still doesn’t work, there may be a deeper electrical issue in the car. You may need to take your car to a mechanic to get it checked.
Tips for Keeping Your Cigarette Lighter Working
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Don’t Overload the Socket: Avoid plugging in too many devices at once. This can cause the fuse to blow and damage the socket.
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Keep the Socket Clean: Regularly clean the cigarette lighter socket to prevent dirt and debris from building up.
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Use the Right Fuse: Always use the correct fuse for your car’s cigarette lighter. Using the wrong fuse can cause damage to your car’s electrical system.
Conclusion
Fixing a cigarette lighter in your car is not hard, and you can do it yourself with just a few tools and some patience. Start by checking the fuse, then clean the socket, and check the wiring if needed. If all else fails, replace the socket.
By following these steps, you should be able to get your cigarette lighter working again in no time. If you’re not comfortable with any of these steps, don’t hesitate to ask a professional for help.