capo

Need help troubleshooting front cigarette lighter problem on my 1999 Lexus ES300 where the fuse blows (behind coin box) if anything is plugged in i.e. lighter, cell phone charger, etc. I think the lighter socket itself may be the issue but need help identifying root cause and repair/removal/replacement tips. Thanks!

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

1st thing to check is inside the cig lighter itself. Many many times I;ce seen a small metal object get in them and cause a short. Many times it;s a dime or a small piece of foil from a candy/gum wraper.

capo

Checked the cigarette lighter socket and found nothing inside, however did notice that it could be easily pulled out about 2/3 of the way. I thumped around on the ashtray assembly just in case some small object had fallen behind it then pushed the socket back down, which seated it in a way that it could not be removed as easy as prior. Turned on ignition, checked voltage with meter and got ~14V. Plugged a couple items in and it now works. My guess is the socket assemble was loose i.e .not seated properly so when a plug was inserted in it may have allowed it to short somehow OR something awry underneath the socket which all the moving about fixed. Thanks!

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

Glad to hear. hopefully you'll never have the issue again.