5 Easy Steps: How To Replace Car Lighter * flexco.com

Is your car lighter not working? Don’t worry, you can replace it yourself in just a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Firstly, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a new car lighter, a flathead screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Once you have your tools, you can start the replacement process.

First, you’ll need to remove the old car lighter. To do this, use the flathead screwdriver to pry open the plastic cover around the lighter. Once the cover is open, you’ll see the lighter’s socket. Use the pliers to grip the socket and pull it out of the dash.
Next, you’ll need to install the new car lighter. To do this, simply insert the new lighter’s socket into the dash and push until it clicks into place. Once the lighter is in place, you can replace the plastic cover. Finally, test the new lighter to make sure it’s working properly.

Replacing a car lighter is a simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following these steps, you can save yourself time and money by doing it yourself.

Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials

Replacing a car lighter requires several essential tools and materials to ensure a safe and efficient procedure. Gathering these items in advance will streamline the process and prevent unnecessary delays.

Essential Tools:

Tool	Description
Flathead screwdriver	Used to pry open the panel covering the lighter socket
Phillips screwdriver	Required for removing the mounting screws holding the lighter socket
Electrical tape	Necessary for insulating exposed wires
Electrical connectors (optional)	Facilitates connecting the new lighter without splicing wires

Materials:

Replacement car lighter
Heat-resistant wire (optional)
Fuse (if applicable)

Additional Tips:

* Choose a replacement lighter compatible with your vehicle’s electrical system.
* If the original lighter has a built-in USB port, ensure the replacement includes this feature.
* Consider upgrading to a high-quality lighter with additional functionality, such as LED illumination or a power indicator.
* Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or electrical hazards.

Safety Precautions

Before attempting to replace the car lighter, it is crucial to observe the following safety measures:

1. Park Safely

Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake to ensure stability.

2. Power Down

Turn off the engine and remove the keys from the ignition to prevent accidental engagement of electrical systems.

3. Disconnect Battery

If the fuse box for the lighter is located in the engine compartment, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent electrical shocks.

To do this, locate the negative terminal on the battery (usually marked with a black or blue cover). Use a wrench to loosen the nut securing the negative cable, and remove the cable from the terminal. Be careful not to touch any metal surfaces while the battery is disconnected.

Terminal Color	Designation
Red	Positive
Black or Blue	Negative

Removing the Fuse

1. Identify the fuse box: The fuse box location varies depending on the car model, but it’s typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side or in the engine compartment. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for precise instructions.

2. Locate the lighter fuse: Once you’ve identified the fuse box, refer to the fuse diagram provided on its cover to find the fuse responsible for powering the car lighter. Usually labeled as “CIGAR” or “ACC,” this fuse is typically a 15-amp or 20-amp glass-type fuse.

3. Extract the fuse: To remove the fuse, you’ll need to use a fuse puller tool (found in most fuse boxes) or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Gently grip the fuse holder and pull it straight out, taking care not to damage the fuse or its contacts.

4. Inspect the fuse: With the fuse removed, inspect it closely for any blown or broken elements. If the fusible element inside the fuse appears broken or disconnected, it needs to be replaced.

5. Insert a new fuse: If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage rating. Align the prongs on the new fuse with the contacts in the fuse holder and insert it firmly until it clicks into place.

6. Reinstall the fuse box cover: Once the new fuse is installed, put the fuse box cover back on securely.

Accessing the Lighter Assembly

Accessing the car’s lighter assembly typically involves the following steps:

Locate the lighter assembly: Identify the lighter’s position on the dashboard or center console.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal: To prevent short circuits, disconnect the negative battery terminal using a wrench.
Remove surrounding trim: Using a trim removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver, gently pry loose any trim pieces covering the lighter assembly.
Detach lighter assembly: Locate the screws or clips that secure the lighter assembly in place. Using a screwdriver or socket wrench, carefully remove these fasteners.

**Detailed Instructions for Detaching Lighter Assembly:**

Vehicle Type	Procedure
Most Vehicles	Unscrew the screws securing the assembly to the dashboard or console.
Some GM Vehicles	Press down on a release button located on the side of the lighter.
Certain Ford Vehicles	Locate a tab or lever near the assembly and pull it to detach the lighter.

Inspect and clean electrical terminals: Once the assembly is detached, inspect the electrical terminals for any corrosion or damage. Clean them using a contact cleaner and a soft cloth.

Disconnecting the Old Lighter

1. Locate the Fuse Panel

Identify the fuse panel, typically located under the dashboard or in the engine bay. Consult your vehicle’s manual for its exact location.

2. Identify the Lighter Fuse

Locate the fuse responsible for the car lighter. This information is usually indicated on the fuse panel cover or in the vehicle’s manual.

3. Remove the Lighter Socket

Retrieve a flat-head screwdriver or a socket wrench. Carefully pry or unscrew the lighter socket from the dashboard to expose the wiring.

4. Disconnect the Wires

Inside the socket, you’ll find two wires: a red wire for power and a black wire for ground. Use a pair of pliers or a wire stripper to gently disconnect the wires from the socket.

5. Remove the Lighter Assembly

> Once the wires are disconnected, carefully remove the entire lighter assembly from the dashboard. This may involve unclipping or unscrewing it.

Tip:
If the lighter assembly is seized or difficult to remove, apply some penetrating oil to the attachment points and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to remove it.

Preparing and Connecting the New Lighter

Gather Materials

Before beginning, ensure you have the following materials:

New car lighter
Trim removal tool or small flathead screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Electrical tape

Disconnect Battery

For safety, always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before working on electrical components.

Remove Trim Panel

Locate the trim panel around the lighter socket. Carefully use the trim removal tool or screwdriver to pry it loose. Avoid damaging the trim or interior.

Disconnect and Remove Old Lighter

Unplug the electrical connector from the old lighter. Then, use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the mounting screw and detach the lighter from the dashboard.

Prepare Wires

Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the wires on the new lighter. Twist the exposed copper strands together to create a secure connection.

Connect Wires and Secure Lighter

Insert the twisted wires into the electrical connector on the new lighter. Ensure the wires are securely connected and wrapped with electrical tape. Then, slide the lighter back into its housing and tighten the mounting screw.

Reinstall Trim Panel

Reattach the trim panel around the lighter socket. Snap it into place firmly.

Reconnect Battery

reconnect the negative terminal of the battery and test the lighter to ensure it is functioning properly.

Reinstalling the Fuse

Once the new lighter socket is installed, you will need to reinstall the fuse. To do this, locate the fuse panel on your vehicle. This is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.

Open the fuse panel and locate the fuse that corresponds to the lighter socket. The fuse will be labeled with the number of amps it can handle. Replace the old fuse with a new fuse of the same amperage.

Close the fuse panel and insert the new lighter socket into the dash.

Test the lighter socket by plugging in an accessory such as a cell phone charger. If the accessory does not work, the lighter socket may not be properly installed. Check the connections and make sure the fuse is properly seated.

Here is a table with the steps for reinstalling the fuse:

Step	Description
1.	Locate the fuse panel on your vehicle.
2.	Open the fuse panel and locate the fuse that corresponds to the lighter socket.
3.	Replace the old fuse with a new fuse of the same amperage.
4.	Close the fuse panel.
5.	Test the lighter socket by plugging in an accessory.

Testing the New Lighter

Once you have installed the new lighter, it’s essential to test it to ensure it works correctly. Here’s how:

1. Insert the Lighter into the Socket

Insert the new lighter into the cigarette lighter socket in your car.

2. Check the Fuse

If the lighter doesn’t turn on, check the fuse associated with the cigarette lighter circuit. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual to locate the correct fuse and replace it if necessary.

3. Use a Test Light

If the fuse is good, use a test light to check if power is flowing to the socket. Connect the test light’s lead to the center terminal of the socket and the other end to a grounded surface. The light should illuminate if power is present.

4. Test the Continuity

If the power is not reaching the socket, use a multimeter to test the continuity of the wiring. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the socket. There should be a reading below 1 ohm if the wiring is continuous.

5. Examine the Socket

Carefully examine the socket for any physical damage, such as loose or burned terminals. Repair or replace the socket if necessary.

6. Check the Ground

Ensure that the ground connection for the lighter is secure and free of corrosion. Clean the ground point and retighten the connection as needed.

7. Use a Different Lighter

If all else fails, try inserting a different lighter into the socket to eliminate the possibility of a faulty device. If the second lighter works, the issue lies with the original lighter.

8. Advanced Troubleshooting

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to perform more advanced troubleshooting, such as checking the wiring harness, the ignition switch, or the electrical system components responsible for powering the cigarette lighter.


Failure to light	Check fuse, power flow, continuity, socket, ground
Dim light or intermittent operation	Check socket, ground, wiring harness
Sparks or overheating	Loose or damaged connections, faulty lighter

Finding the Right Replacement

To begin, you need to find an appropriate replacement for your car lighter. This can be done by consulting your vehicle’s owner’s manual or by searching for the make and model of your car online. When selecting a replacement, make sure that it has the same size and voltage as your original car lighter.

Removing the Old Car Lighter

Once you have the correct replacement, you need to remove the old car lighter from your vehicle. This can typically be done by pulling or prying the lighter out of its socket. In some cases, you may need to use a screwdriver to loosen the mounting screws before you can remove the lighter.

Installing the New Car Lighter

With the old car lighter removed, you can now install the new one. To do this, insert the new lighter into the socket and push it in until it clicks into place. In some cases, you may need to tighten the mounting screws to secure the lighter in place.

Troubleshooting Issues

Faulty Wiring

If the new car lighter does not work when you plug it in, it could be due to faulty wiring. Check the wiring connections to the lighter socket and make sure that they are secure. If the wiring is damaged, you will need to repair or replace it before the new lighter will work.

Blown Fuse

Another possible cause of a non-functioning car lighter is a blown fuse. Locate the fuse panel in your vehicle and check the fuse that is responsible for the car lighter. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage.

Dirty Socket

Over time, the car lighter socket can become dirty and dusty. This can prevent the lighter from making good contact with the socket. To clean the socket, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe away any dirt or debris.

Damaged Socket

If the car lighter socket is damaged, you will need to replace it. This is a more complex repair that should be performed by a qualified mechanic.

Faulty Lighter

If you have checked all of the above and the new car lighter still does not work, it could be a defective lighter. Try plugging the lighter into a different socket in your vehicle to see if it works. If it does not work in any socket, you will need to replace the lighter.

How to Replace a Car Lighter

Replacing a car lighter is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. Follow these steps to get the job done right

Tips for Longevity

1. Choosing the Right Lighter

When choosing a replacement lighter, it is important to select one that is the correct size and shape for your vehicle. You should also consider the type of lighter you want, such as a traditional lighter or a USB lighter.

2. Disconnect the Battery

Before you begin working on the lighter, it is important to disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical accidents.

3. Remove the Old Lighter

Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the bezel around the lighter. Then, use a pair of pliers to grasp the lighter and pull it out of the socket.

4. Install the New Lighter

Insert the new lighter into the socket and push it in until it clicks into place. Then, replace the bezel and reconnect the battery.

5. Test the Lighter

Turn on the ignition and test the lighter to make sure it is working properly.

6. Inspect the Wiring

If the lighter is not working, inspect the wiring to make sure there are no loose or damaged connections. Repair or replace any damaged wires.

7. Replace the Fuse

If the wiring is intact, the fuse may have blown. Replace the fuse with a new one of the same amperage.

8. Clean the Socket

Over time, the socket can become dirty or corroded. Clean the socket with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

9. Avoid Overloading

Do not overload the lighter socket by plugging in too many devices at once. This can cause the fuse to blow or damage the wiring.

10. Eject the Lighter Safely

When you are finished using the lighter, be sure to eject it safely. Press the release button and pull the lighter straight out of the socket. Do not twist or turn the lighter, as this can damage the socket.

How To Replace Car Lighter