Your cigarette lighter is an essential tool in your car, and it can be frustrating when it stops working. If you’re experiencing problems with your cigarette lighter, one of the first things you should check is the fuse. Blown fuses are a common cause of non-functioning cigarette lighters, and they’re relatively easy to replace. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to change a cigarette lighter fuse so that you can get your lighter up and running again in no time.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a new fuse that is the same amperage as the blown fuse, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a flashlight. Once you have your tools and materials, you can follow these steps to replace the fuse:
1. Locate the fuse panel. The fuse panel is typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Once you’ve found the fuse panel, open it up and locate the fuse that is labeled “cigarette lighter.”
2. Remove the blown fuse. Use the needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the blown fuse from the fuse panel. Be careful not to touch the metal contacts on the fuse, as this can damage the fuse.
3. Insert the new fuse. Take the new fuse and insert it into the fuse panel in the same orientation as the blown fuse. Push the fuse in until it clicks into place.
4. Close the fuse panel. Once the new fuse is in place, close the fuse panel and tighten the screws that hold it in place.
5. Test the cigarette lighter. Turn on the ignition and try to use the cigarette lighter. If the lighter works, then you’ve successfully replaced the fuse. If the lighter still doesn’t work, there may be another problem with the lighter or the electrical system.
Identifying The Location Of The Fuse
Before you start looking for the fuse, it is important to know what type of vehicle you have. The location of the fuse box can vary depending on the make and model of your car.
Once you have identified the type of vehicle you have, you can start looking for the fuse box. The fuse box is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. It is typically a small black box with a clear plastic cover. However, some vehicles have multiple fuse boxes. If you cannot find the fuse box under the dashboard, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the location of the fuse box.
Once you have located the fuse box, you need to identify the fuse that is responsible for the cigarette lighter. The fuse that is responsible for the cigarette lighter will be labeled "CIG" or " Lighter". If you cannot find the fuse that is responsible for the cigarette lighter, refer to the fuse box diagram located on the inside of the fuse box cover.
If you are still unable to find the fuse that is responsible for the cigarette lighter, you should consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.
Gathering The Necessary Tools
To begin the process of changing your cigarette lighter fuse, it is essential to gather the necessary tools and materials. These include:
Tools
- Phillips head screwdriver: A small, cross-headed screwdriver used to remove the screws holding the fuse box in place.
- Fuse puller: A specialized tool designed to safely remove fuses from their sockets without causing damage.
- Flashlight: Optional, but helpful for illuminating dark areas under the dashboard.
Materials
- New cigarette lighter fuse: A replacement fuse with the same amperage rating as the blown fuse.
- Spare fuses (optional): It’s a good idea to keep a few spare fuses in your vehicle in case of future replacements.
Removing The Fuse Panel Cover
1. Locate the Fuse Panel
The fuse panel is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. It may be covered by a plastic panel that can be removed by pulling it straight up or by pressing a release button.
2. Identify the Fuse for the Cigarette Lighter
The fuse for the cigarette lighter will be labeled on the fuse panel cover or in the owner’s manual. It will typically be a small, cylindrical fuse with a metal cap.
3. Remove the Fuse
Use a fuse puller or a pair of needle-nose pliers to grasp the fuse and pull it straight out of its socket. If you don’t have a fuse puller, you can use a small screwdriver to gently pry the fuse out.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for removing the fuse:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the fuse panel. |
| 2 | Identify the fuse for the cigarette lighter. |
| 3 | Use a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers to remove the fuse. |
Locating The Cigarette Lighter Fuse
Locating the cigarette lighter fuse in your vehicle can be a simple task if you know where to look. Here are the general steps you can follow to find the fuse:
- Read your vehicle’s owner’s manual. The fuse box location and layout are usually detailed in the manual.
- Identify the fuse boxes. Most vehicles have two fuse boxes: one located in the engine compartment and another in the passenger compartment.
- Open the fuse boxes. There should be a cover or panel that you can remove to access the fuses.
- Find the cigarette lighter fuse. The fuse will be labeled or you can refer to the owner’s manual for the specific location.
- Inspect the fuse. A blown fuse will have a broken filament inside the glass casing.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of step 4:
Find the fuse using the fuse box diagram
- Locate the fuse box diagram inside the fuse box cover or in the owner’s manual.
- Look for the fuse labeled as “cigarette lighter” or “power outlet.” The diagram should indicate the fuse’s location in the fuse box.
- Follow the diagram to find the corresponding fuse slot and remove the fuse using a fuse puller tool.
Note: The fuse box diagram and fuse labeling may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific information on your vehicle.
Disconnecting The Battery
1. Safety First
Before touching any electrical components, always disconnect the battery negative terminal. This will prevent any electrical shocks or accidental shorts.
2. Locate the Battery
The battery is typically located under the hood of your vehicle. It is a black box with two terminals, one negative and one positive. The negative terminal is usually marked with a minus (-) sign.
3. Loosen the Negative Terminal Bolt
Using a wrench or socket, loosen the negative terminal bolt. Do not remove the bolt completely, just enough to disconnect the cable from the terminal.
4. Disconnect the Negative Cable
Once the bolt is loose, carefully pull the negative cable from the terminal. You may need to slightly wiggle the cable to loosen it.
5. Additional Safety Precautions
To ensure complete safety while working on the vehicle’s electrical system, consider the following additional precautions:
| Additional Safety Precautions |
|---|
| Wear insulated gloves and safety glasses. |
| Work in a well-ventilated area. |
| Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies. |
| Avoid touching any exposed metal while the battery is disconnected. |
6. Reconnect the Battery
Once you have completed your work, reconnect the negative cable to the terminal and tighten the bolt. Ensure that the connection is secure.
Testing The Cigarette Lighter
Before you begin, it’s important to test the cigarette lighter to make sure it’s not working properly. To do this, follow these steps:
- Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position.
- Press the cigarette lighter button.
- If the lighter does not pop out, or if it pops out but does not glow, then the fuse is likely blown and needs to be replaced.
If the lighter works properly, then the fuse is not blown and you do not need to replace it.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Blown fuse | Replace the fuse |
| Faulty wiring | Repair or replace the wiring |
| Damaged cigarette lighter | Replace the cigarette lighter |
How To Change Cigarette Lighter Fuse
The cigarette lighter fuse is a small, but important part of your car’s electrical system. It protects the lighter from overheating and causing a fire. If the fuse blows, you’ll need to replace it in order to use the lighter again.
Here’s how to change a cigarette lighter fuse:
- Turn off the car and remove the key from the ignition.
- Locate the fuse box. It’s usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
- Open the fuse box and locate the fuse for the cigarette lighter. It will be labeled “CIG” or “LIGHTER”.
- Pull the fuse out of the fuse box using a pair of needle-nose pliers.
- Replace the old fuse with a new one of the same amperage.
- Close the fuse box and turn the car back on.
- Test the cigarette lighter to make sure it’s working.
People Also Ask About How To Change Cigarette Lighter Fuse
What is the amperage of a cigarette lighter fuse?
The amperage of a cigarette lighter fuse is typically 10 or 15 amps.
Where is the cigarette lighter fuse located?
The cigarette lighter fuse is usually located in the fuse box under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
How do I know if the cigarette lighter fuse is blown?
If the cigarette lighter fuse is blown, the lighter will not work. You can also check the fuse by looking at it. If the wire inside the fuse is broken, the fuse is blown.
