This is a quick guide on how to fix a cigarette lighter in a car so if you want straight forward fix cigarette lighter in car, then this is the guide for you. Imagine driving on a long drive, when you notice that your phone’s battery is flashing the red low battery light, and you say to yourself, ‘No problem, I’ll just plug it into my car charger.
But only to realize that your cigarette lighter socket in your car, which also serves as a charging port, is unresponsive and has gone bad. Very frustrating, Right?
Well not worry as that is what this article if for as we look at steps on how to fix a cigarette lighter in car.
Let’s delve into the intricacies of why it happens and how you can fix it yourself, saving both time and money. But before then let’s look at why you need to fix it even if it is not a major issue for your vehicle.
Why Should You Care?
Well cigarette lighter ports originally were just meant to light up cigarettes but gone are those days when they were just for lighting cigarettes. In today’s vehicles, this little socket is a lifeline for powering up all the necessary useful gadgets that make our lives easier on the road. Imagine a road trip without your GPS or a car full of bored kids with dead tablets. Doesn’t sound fun, right?
Why Do You Need to Fix Your Cigarette Lighter?
The cigarette lighter in your car can be a source of many inconveniences and problems in your car if stops working. Though we all have different reasons for wanting to fix the lighter port, below are some of the common reasons why may want to fix them.
- Avoid expensive mechanic repairs down the road.
- It is very convenient to have the socket working correctly(you can charge your gadgets wherever you are).
- It is easy to fix minor faults like blown fuses, sockets, and so on in your car and a cigarette lighter is not an exception.
Common causes of a bad cigarette lighter in car
Some of the common causes of a bad or malfunctioning cigarette lighter in a car can range from small and trivial issues to slightly complex ones. Often, it could be as simple as a blown fuse. Other times, it could be due to a loss of power supply to the socket or something as simple as a gum wrapper stuck inside. Whatever the reason, the solution is usually within your grasp.
Diagnosis and how to fix a cigarette lighter in car step by step
#1. Checking and Replacing the Fuse
The heart of the problem often lies in a blown fuse. Located in the fuse box of your car, this is usually a simple fix. Grab your car’s manual (yes, the one gathering dust in the glove compartment) and locate the fuse box. Once you find the fuse responsible for the cigarette lighter, inspect it. If it’s broken or burnt out, replacing it is straightforward. Remember, always match the amp rating of the new fuse to the old one.
#2. Dealing with a Stubborn Fuse
If the new fuse blows immediately, it’s a sign of a deeper problem, possibly a short circuit somewhere in the wiring. This might require a bit more elbow grease or, in complex cases, a professional’s touch.
#3. Cleaning the Lighter Socket
Sometimes, the issue isn’t electrical but physical. The socket can become a haven for all sorts of debris – from crumbs to small pieces of paper. A good cleaning can often restore it to working order. Just be sure the car is off, and use a non-conductive tool to gently remove any debris.
#4. Inspecting the Lighter Itself
Pull out the lighter portion and inspect it. Signs of burns or corrosion can indicate that the lighter itself is the problem. Replacing it is usually as simple as popping into an auto parts store and picking up a new one.
#5. Testing the Electrical Pathway
With the aid of a multimeter, you can test the socket for power. Set the multimeter to measure voltage and touch one probe to the center of the socket and the other to the side. A healthy reading should be around 12 volts. Anything significantly lower indicates a problem with the socket itself.
#6. The Role of Plugged-In Devices
In our eagerness to turn our cars into mobile charging stations, we often overload the lighter socket with various devices. Sometimes, unplugging these can resolve the issue. It’s also a good practice to check the devices themselves – a faulty charger can sometimes be the culprit.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Stay Safe: Always ensure your car is off and the keys are out of the ignition before attempting any repairs.
- Spare Fuses: Keeping a small assortment of spare fuses in your glove compartment can save the day.
- Regular Cleaning: Make it a habit to regularly clean the lighter socket, preventing build-up that can cause issues down the line.
Conclusion
A non-functional car cigarette lighter can range from being a minor inconvenience to a significant hindrance, especially in today’s device-driven world. However, with a bit of know-how and some basic tools, most issues related to it can be resolved at home. This not only saves you a trip to the mechanic but also gives you a deeper understanding of your car’s inner workings. Remember, when dealing with car repairs, safety is paramount. If you’re ever in doubt, seeking professional help is the wisest course of action.
