Having a cigarette lighter in your car can be incredibly useful, whether you need to light a cigarette, power your phone or GPS, or charge your electronic devices. However, if your cigarette lighter stops working, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Luckily, fixing a cigarette lighter in your car is usually a quick and easy process that you can do at home with just a few simple tools. In this article, we’ll show you how to fix a cigarette lighter in your car step-by-step.
Step 1: Check the Fuse
The first thing you should do if your cigarette lighter isn’t working is to check the fuse. The fuse is usually located in the fuse box under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. Check your owner’s manual to find out where the fuse box is located and which fuse controls the cigarette lighter. Once you’ve located the fuse, check to see if it’s blown. If it is, replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage rating.
Step 2: Check the Wiring
If the fuse isn’t the problem, the next thing to check is the wiring. Sometimes the wiring can become loose or disconnected, which can cause the cigarette lighter to stop working. To check the wiring, you’ll need to remove the cigarette lighter from the dashboard. This can usually be done by gently prying it out with a flathead screwdriver. Once you’ve removed the cigarette lighter, check the wiring to see if it’s loose or disconnected. If it is, reconnect it and test the cigarette lighter again.
Step 3: Check the Cigarette Lighter Element
If the fuse and wiring are both fine, the problem may be with the cigarette lighter element itself. Sometimes the element can become dirty or corroded, which can prevent it from making a good connection. To clean the element, use a small wire brush or sandpaper to remove any dirt or corrosion. Once you’ve cleaned the element, test the cigarette lighter again to see if it’s working.
Step 4: Replace the Cigarette Lighter
If none of these steps work, you may need to replace the cigarette lighter. This can usually be done by purchasing a replacement cigarette lighter from an auto parts store or online retailer. To replace the cigarette lighter, simply remove the old one and install the new one in its place. Once you’ve installed the new cigarette lighter, test it to make sure it’s working properly.
Conclusion
Fixing a cigarette lighter in your car is usually a quick and easy process that you can do at home with just a few simple tools. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly and easily. If you’re still having problems after trying these steps, you may want to consult a professional mechanic or auto electrician to help you diagnose and fix the problem.