Lighter/power socket in car not working

noelphobic

as the title says, really. I don't smoke but I do use it for my sat-nav, charging my phone and tyre pump. I thought at first that my phone charger wasn't working but pushed the cigarette lighter in and it hasn't come out again.

I read somewhere that it could just be a blown fuse. If that is the case is it easy to fix? I wouldn't be able to do it myself but I might be able to find a friend or relative who could. Otherwise, is it something that would be expensive to get fixed at the garage/dealer?

Strider590

Fuse = 50p, the location of the fuse box depends on the car, but should be in the roof of the glove box or behind a panel by the drivers knee's.

It's all written in your owners manual and it's a simple fix...... Even more simple than changing a wheel (also in your owners manual). It really is intented for even the simplest of simpletons to be able to do.

I wouldn't be able to do it myself

Maybe if you try to succeed once in a while, you might surprise yourself?

noelphobic

Strider590 wrote: »

Maybe if you try to succeed once in a while, you might surprise yourself?

ouch! Harsh but fair!:o

Strider590

Well, it's an "attitude" that really is the reason why people get ripped off at garages.

You might take it in to replace a fuse, but come out with a £400 bill for new brake's, tyre's, etc etc (which may or may not be needed, but it's nice to check these for yourself and know for sure)

http://www.ehow.com/video_112724_fix-faulty-car.html

Lot's of guides out there with a bit of Googling.

noelphobic

if it was due for its service/MOT then I would ask them because they might not charge me much more, but I would imagine it would be pricy if I took it in specifically for this to be fixed.

I'm still not that confident though, as I think I have some kind of mild dyspraxia - changing a light bulb is an achievement for me

adouglasmhor

It's easier than changing a light bulb mate. If your a that uncoordinated should you be driving?

Lum

Here's a handy guide for you.

http://www.carbasics.co.uk/how_to_replace_a_blown_fuse.htm

Three things that guide doesn't mention

1) There are different sizes of fuse, but if you just locate the blown one and take it into any car parts shop (even Halfords at a push, if you want to get ripped of and pay £1 for your replacement fuse) they'll be able to find the right type for you.

2) When you find the fuse box, the cover will often have a little diagram on it saying what each fuse is for. You are probably looking for the "accessory" or "acc." fuse.

3) Look at the picture of the fusebox in that guide. See the red thing in the bottom right, that looks like a pair of plastic tweezers. If your fusebox has one of these (it might not be red) then use it. It's much easier to remove the fuses with this.

And yes it's safe to drive the car after removing a blown fuse.

fattybumble85

My car didn't even have a fuse for the lighter! It was super easy to correct though, the panel was behind the steering column, I made a note of the wattage, bought another and fitted it! Ta da! Really is a simple job.