Cigarette Lighter - Electrical Diagnostics

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by RedSkyV8, May 31, 2012.

  1. RedSkyV8

    RedSkyV8 Well-Known Member

    The cigarette lighter unit is not working in my car. I am not a smoker, but I would like to be able to use my GPS to find my way to and from some new shows this year.

    So, here are my questions. Is there a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to determine whether the lighter element itself is dead and needs to be replaced or if there is an electrical issue in the holder assembly in the dash that is a more difficult fix?

    Assistance is always appreciated.

    Marshall
     
  2. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    If you can get behind the cigarette lighter and unplug it, then use a test light to see if it has power at the plug. If it has power, it's the socket, if not, check wiring and fuses.

    If you can not get behind the cigarette lighter easily, you can very carefully stick a test light down into the plug and touch the metal dot in the back of the plug and DO NOT let the side of the test light contact the rest of the cigarette lighter casing. Like a higher voltage version of the game of Operation. It won't kill you but leaves the potential to pop fuses in best case scenerio and burn you in worse case.
     
  3. GS Jim

    GS Jim Platinum Level Contributor

    Hi Marshall, It's usually the element that goes bad. See if your GPS unit works when you plug it in. If not it's probably the fuse. If that's not it and nothing else works I have some new sockets. Let me know and I'll send you One.
    PONCH
     
  4. 2791 lark custo

    2791 lark custo Gold Level Contributor

    Leave it not working I have read stories hear on V8Buick about people having fires start there. If you don't smoke and it's not a concoarse car leave it not working some people even remove the fuse.:Smarty:
     
  5. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    This being said. Keep in mind when these cars were built the cigarette lighter wasn't designed for continuous duty power. I ran a fused wire from the battery to an aftermarket power port that I mounted to a stock bolt at the bottom of the dash.
     
  6. RedSkyV8

    RedSkyV8 Well-Known Member

    Thanks to all for your collective wisdoms!!!!

    I will see if the GPS will work, which seems like a quick and easy diagnostic for the element. And, obviously, I should have checked the fuse. I was guessing that the cigarette lighter was not on a separate fuse, but upon reflection, it makes sense that it would be (on a separate fuse).

    On my previous collector car, a 1965 Mustang Fastback, the fuse block itself would get hot with an extended electrical draw such as leaving a door open (courtesy lights in interior) for an extended period of time. So, I am not surprised to hear of a potential fire hazard traced back to the cigarette lighter unit.

    Thanks Again,
    Marshall
     
  7. GSX 554

    GSX 554 Gold Level Contributor

    Correct but also remember sometimes there is a small round circuit breaker where the wire plugs into the socket. Also dont forget the GROUND wire from the socket. If there is no ground wire sometimes there is a braided wire grounging the entire ash tray assembly. This is mostly on bigger seriers cars that have the lighter in a slide out tray with the ash trays. If its the light5er in the dash it will have a separate ground wire.
     
  8. gstewart

    gstewart Well-Known Member

    i removed the fuse. i too had heard of fires caused by the lighter assembly. anyhow, i am a non-smoker.
     
  9. drspencer

    drspencer Well-Known Member

    Doesn't the cigarette lighter share a common fuse with the courtesy lights?

    Thanks
     
  10. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member


    It isn't the socket that starts fires, it's the actual element in the removable portion. All you have to do is gut the element. That way, you can still power other things with the lighter socket.

    Yes it does, so if the interior lights work it isn't the fuse. Clock, lighter, courtesy, glove box, and trunk light, all on the same 20 Amp fuse. Top fuse on the left of the panel.
     

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  11. stagedgs

    stagedgs 1967 GS400

  12. stagedgs

    stagedgs 1967 GS400

    BlueSeaSystems.com - PN 1045


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  13. Mister T

    Mister T Just truckin' around

    To continuously run 12 volt accessories safely, you require something like this -> http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...N0225_-1_-1&pt=N0225&ppt=C0335#itemDetailTab_

    The Volvo VN 670 big rig I drive has four similar such power ports. Two are in continuous use while I'm working. One for my Coleman Power Chill cooler, and the other for my satellite radio adapter. A third gets used for my lunch box stove to heat meals and burgers. Never had a problem with overheating as these are designed for this purpose.
     

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