Request type	Example
Car Parts	Clutch kit
Car Parts + Car parts maker	Clutch kit JP GROUP
Car Parts + Automaker	Clutch kit CADILLAC
Car Parts + Number of article	Clutch kit Z12
Number of article	RB501
Number of article + Car parts maker	C70170 JP GROUP
OEN	RB501
OEN + Car parts maker	JP GROUP

Cigarette lighter in car not working: how to fix it

01 August 2025

8 Views

Practically all modern cars have a handy cigarette lighter in the passenger compartment. While it may no longer be used to light cigarettes, the power socket is particularly useful for powering gadgets, such as car sat navs and mobile devices. It’s a nuisance when it stops working and you’ve got a long car journey ahead of you. Luckily, a faulty cigarette lighter is normally simple to repair.

Why is my cigarette lighter not working?

Why is my cigarette lighter not working

There are a few reasons why the 12V socket may not be working in your car. In many cases, the cause of a malfunction is an electrical fault of some kind, such as a blown fuse, damaged connection, or a short circuit. Other cases typically involve contamination or damage to the socket.

Before checking and replacing parts, make sure that the charging cable being plugged into the socket isn’t faulty. If it is, you can save time and get a new cigarette lighter phone charger at a reasonable price, for example.

You should also check whether any moisture or dirt has got into the socket. You may be able to clean it out gently with a cotton bud (q tip) and an electrical contact cleaner.

How to fix the cigarette lighter in a car

If the cigarette lighter in your car is not working, it may be possible to fix it in one of the following ways:

By replacing the car fuse

First of all, you’ll need to check whether the socket’s fuse has blown. This tends to happen after a few years of extended use. Luckily, it is very simple and cheap to replace. All you need to do is locate the fuse box and pull out the corresponding fuse. Its location can be found in the vehicle owner’s manual.

If the wire or metal filament inside the clear casing is broken, it means it has blown. Buy and install a new car fuse to get it working again.

By replacing the socket

If the fuse and other possible factors have been ruled out, it is time for a car cigarette lighter replacement. While socket defects are rare, they do emerge from time to time. It is generally recommended to get the repair done by a professional mechanic or automotive technician as handling the car’s electronics can be complicated and risky.

Make sure to test the cigarette lighter socket at regular intervals and after each repair attempt, i.e. after it has been cleaned or a new fuse has been installed.

TOP products on the subject: