Hi,

I rarely use the cigarette lighter but as I went to use it to power a small light I found that it has stopped working. Not sure how long it has been like this. I am thinking it may be a fuse?

But have no idea which one it is...they all *seem* fine. The car is a 1999 Punto 1.2i ELX (3 door).

Anyone help?

Thanks,

Paul

When my lighter stopped working, it took the stereo out with it.

So if they both don't work...then it's a fuse.

Or if you have had an aftermarket stereo put in...it could be down to that maybe.

Stereo is working fine and I have not touched it in years...

Thanks.


Paul

Also takes out the roof clock and interior lights (inc boot light) central door lock/unlock power etc.

The fuse is 4th from left on the top row.

Fuse box behind oddment tray, drivers side, right of the steering wheel.

Otherwise you might just have to wiggle the connector in there to get it to work.

Sounds like it's just the lighter not working.

You can get a replacement from halfords..I think it was about a fiver, maybe a little more.

With that, you get the actual lighter...and also a new socket bit too.

Thanks... so how easy is it to change?

Do I have to dismantle anything or can it be changed from the front?

Paul

Sorry, I don't know, as it was only the push in bit that was broken on mine...causing blown fuses.

I don't reckon it would be too hard...I think it was just a little plug (like stereo speakers have)

I found it to be a massive ballache trying to remove the lighter without breaking anything in the gt style center console, piece of **** in the standard s/sx ashtray though

First things first, make sure it's not a loose connection. Waggle the wire from the back, make sure it's pushed right the way in, there's a retaining clip there iirc, so you'll know when it's safely in place.

If this doesn't solve your problem, take out the entire ashray section of the console (4 screws underneath i think) and THEN remove the lighter socket. Don't try doing it while the ashtray's still in place, makes life more difficult!

Try bending the flexible metal a bit, can fix the problem Need to shape it so that it's not too tight (can't push plug in) and not too loose (plug doesn't flop out). As with many things in life, getting an opening with the perfect tightness to push things into can be difficult.


edit - elx? that's got the nice console right? You'll need to remove the allen key bolts near the handbrake to get that off then. Still easier than trying to fiddle about with it when it's stuck in place imo.

Itll be a fuse, interior lights useually go with it as well.

And my hazard lights on my cinque, which was annoying, still dont know how it got through that MOT!!!!!

Thanks all.

It appears not to be a fuse as I checked them all and everything else is working fine. I will try MrDT's suggestion after lunch. I hope its just a loose connection..

Fingers crossed!

Paul