This is a quick guide on how to fix a car cigarette lighter. If you want to easily repair a car cigarette lighter, this guide is for you. Imagine you’re driving on a long trip and you notice your phone battery flashing red, and you think, “No problem, I’ll just plug it into my car charger.”
But then you realize that your car’s cigarette lighter socket, which also serves as a charging port, is unresponsive and broken. Very frustrating, isn’t it?
Well, don’t worry, because that’s the purpose of this article, as we look at the steps to fix a car cigarette lighter.
Why Should You Care?
Originally, cigarette lighter sockets were only for lighting cigarettes, but the days when they were just for lighting cigarettes are long gone. In today’s vehicles, that small socket is a lifeline for powering all the necessary useful gadgets that make life on the road easier for us. Imagine a car trip without your GPS or a car full of bored children with dead tablets. That doesn’t sound fun, does it?
Why Do You Need to Fix Your Cigarette Lighter?
Your car’s cigarette lighter can be a source of many inconveniences and issues in your car if it stops working. Although we all have different reasons for wanting to fix the cigarette lighter port, below are some of the common reasons why we might want to repair them.
- Avoid expensive mechanical repairs later on.
- It’s very convenient to have a properly working socket (you can charge your gadgets wherever you are).
- It’s easy to fix minor faults like blown fuses, sockets, etc., in your car, and a cigarette lighter is no exception.
Common Causes of a Faulty Cigarette Lighter in a Car
The most common causes of a faulty or broken cigarette lighter in a car can range from minor, insignificant issues to slightly more complex problems. Often, it might just be a simple blown fuse. Other times, it could be due to a loss of power to the socket or something as simple as a stuck gum wrapper inside. Whatever the reason, the solution is usually within your reach.
Diagnosis and How to Fix a Car Cigarette Lighter Step by Step
#1. Checking and Replacing the Fuse
The problem is often a blown fuse. Located in your car’s fuse box, it’s usually a simple fix. Grab your car’s manual (yes, the one gathering dust in the glove box) and locate the fuse box. Once you’ve found the fuse responsible for the cigarette lighter, inspect it. If it’s broken or blown, replacing it is straightforward. Remember to always match the amperage of the new fuse to the old one.
#2. How to Handle a Stubborn Fuse
If the new fuse blows immediately, it’s a sign of a deeper issue, perhaps a short circuit somewhere in the wiring. This might require a bit more effort or, in complex cases, professional help.
#3. Cleaning the Cigarette Lighter Socket
Sometimes, the problem isn’t electrical but physical. The socket can become a haven for all sorts of debris, from crumbs to small bits of paper. A good cleaning can often get it working again. Just make sure the car is off and use a non-conductive tool to gently remove the debris.
#4. Inspecting the Lighter Itself
Remove the lighter element and inspect it. Signs of burning or corrosion might indicate that the problem lies with the lighter itself. Replacing it is usually as simple as going to an auto parts store and buying a new one.
#5. Testing the Electrical Circuit
Using a multimeter, you can test the socket’s voltage. Set the multimeter to measure voltage and touch one probe to the center of the socket and the other to the side. A correct reading should be around 12 volts. Any reading 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 cigarette lighter socket with various devices. Sometimes, unplugging them can solve the issue. It’s also wise 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 box can save the day.
- Regular Cleaning: Make a habit of regularly cleaning the cigarette lighter socket to prevent any buildup that could cause problems later.
Conclusion
A non-working car cigarette lighter can be a minor inconvenience or a major obstacle, especially in today’s device-dominated world. However, with a bit of know-how and some basic tools, most issues related to this problem can be resolved at home. This not only saves you a trip to the mechanic but also gives you a better understanding of your car’s inner workings. Remember, when performing car repairs, safety is paramount. If in doubt, seeking professional help is the wisest course of action.