Lighter problem and removal help

svxcess · #1 10-09-2003, 05:30 PM

I decided to install a new Optima battery today. Before disconnecting the old battery I plugged in a portable 12V power source into the cigarette lighter to preserve the memory of my radio, alarm, etc.

After I installed the new battery I disconnected the power source from the lighter prior to turning on the ignition and starting the car. When I plugged in my plug-in voltmeter into the lighter there was no power. I checked all of the fuses; all OK. The fuse that controls the lighter (#3) also controls the power mirrors and the heated mirrors. Both of these are working so the fuse is OK.

I checked the wiring diagram in my manual. The green wire/red stripe (+) that goes to to the back of the the lighter has power. I used a circuit tester, attaching the neg lead to the metal ring surrounding the lighter and the pos lead to the center: No power

I can't believe that the lighter just gave out. It was working perfectly before I put the power source plug in and I figure any electrical overload would have popped the fuse. Everything else in the car works perfectly. My 92 lighter worked perfectly for 10 years; this is only a 96.

Before I try and tackle the removal and replacement, can anyone advise the best way to do this. Could something have slipped off, become bent, etc. Any shortcuts to getting the d**n thing out?

Does anyone have a spare lighter assembly they are parting out? They run about $40.00 new.

Ron Mummert · #2 10-09-2003, 07:32 PM

It just needs a jump start, John. Lick your index finger real good, & stick it in the lighter hole while turning on the ignition. Now... you won't really care if the lighter circuit works or not.

You got that old, scuzzy Suby battery all shined up & ready for my inspection yet? Doesn't Rufus have a lighter module lying around in the mud somewhere?

Glad to be of help.

Ron (pointing out other people's parts).

Trevor · #3 10-09-2003, 08:16 PM

Quote:

[i]Originally posted by svxcess [/i
I checked the wiring diagram in my manual. The green wire/red stripe (+) that goes to to the back of the the lighter has power. I used a circuit tester, attaching the neg lead to the metal ring surrounding the lighter and the pos lead to the center: No power . [/B]

If you are sure you made a reliable test ( often rust caused by heat in a lighter socket can result in what appears to be contact not in fact being reliable).

In the event that your test was reliable and showed no actual voltage the fault must be in the supply hardware i.e. connections, wiring, fuses etc. You obviously Know what you are about and should sniff about a little more as you have a rather weird fault.

mohrds · #4 10-10-2003, 02:37 PM

I believe (Lwin would know best) that you can access the wires to the lighter from the area exposed when you remove the ash tray. The lighter threads together so it isn't too difficult to take out and clean/test assuming you can reach behind and hold it while you turn the sleeve from the top.

Doug

#5 10-10-2003, 03:50 PM

Sell the car if the lighter doesn't work!! It's
all downhill from here!!

Aredubjay · #6 10-10-2003, 04:03 PM

I've had experience with the lighter. You've got to have some pretty small hands and patience to work on that sucker. But, it can be done.

John,
First thing to try is bending the tabs on the lighter toward the center. Mine didn't work after using a phone charger plug in. I took the key and pried the tabs back in to hold the plug tight and it started working again. I still have the old assy, so if you need to know what it looks like, just send me an e-mail. I'll take pix. I just deleted the ones I took for sith. I've got a better camera now, anyway.

svxcess · #7 10-20-2003, 09:18 AM

I ordered a new lighter assembly and Mike Wirt(rufus) and I removed the old one and installed a new one this weekend. Rufus managed to get it out of the dash with the audio door up and only the ashtray removed, using a pair of 90 degree needle nose pliers to grap onto the screw off nut on the back. About 15 minutes of time after a couple of false starts.(Since his 92 parts car has its interior gutted it was easy to see how everything went together. There is no way to get the plastic panel that surrounds the lighter out of the dash without removing the entire center of the dash_ there are 2 screws holding it in, but only one is accessible from the outside.

After getting the old one out we compared it to the new one. Evidentally there is a fusible link on the back of the lighter which blew. It is a short black wire.

......

I have never seen this before and am not sure why it it would blow instead of the fuse. In the picture you can see the shriveled portion of the wire. We did a continuity test between both ends and it read open

I have installed many lighter and 12V receptacles in vehicles and I have never seen this wire on a lighter assembly. Does anyone know the purpose of this wire link?

michael · #8 10-20-2003, 01:41 PM

I'm also looking for a lighter assy. I broke it during removal. I need the whole ball of wax but I would settle for the illumination ring and lighter assy. minus the woodgrain.

lee · #9 10-20-2003, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by svxcess
...snip...After getting the old one out we compared it to the new one. Evidentally there is a fusible link on the back of the lighter which blew. It is a short black wire.

I have never seen this before and am not sure why it it would blow instead of the fuse. In the picture you can see the shriveled portion of the wire. We did a continuity test between both ends and it read open

I have installed many lighter and 12V receptacles in vehicles and I have never seen this wire on a lighter assembly. Does anyone know the purpose of this wire link?

So that Subaru can charge $6.45 million (US, not Canadian) to change it out?

I just ran a loop of straight wire in place of the fusible link on mine (about 10 months ago) works fine - so far!

Michael - if you find one let me know - I would be interested in the woodgrain only. I want to see how a tranny gauge would look there, but not enough to destroy mine then find out I think it sucks.

michael · #10 10-20-2003, 03:34 PM

I thought about that myself but ended up putting it in place of the open door indicator

Bwana · #11 10-20-2003, 07:44 PM

So there's no cure if I broke the woodgrain part off? The whole assembly pops out and i can get behind it quite easily, but it doesnt stay in place, and interferes with the operation of the stereo cover door.

Earthworm · #12 10-24-2003, 07:41 PM

Is there supposed to be a nut that holds the lighter assembly together? Some time ago I removed my cell phone charger from the socket only to find that the socket came with it. I haven't bothered to fix it yet and was going to ask about this after I caught up on reading threads or found a suitable thread to post the question in.

If there is a nut can someone show me where it is on subaruparts.com? I've looked but can't seem to find it.