For some reason both front and rear cig lighters do not seem functional (wife cannot recharge phone). I've checked fuses #9 & 10 in front driver's side fuse panel and they seem okay. Any ideas?

 

Cigarette lighters not working is a long term plagued problem which has haunted Lexus. Really easy to burn out/blow. Only OEM replacement will fit. Need to replace both of the lighters (approx $40 each).

 

Happy to replace the lighters but really don't need the lighters...just the power source. Are you saying the receptacle isn't working or just the insert? Help! LOL

 

My front one doesn't work either (need to charge phone). Where do the fuses locate? Thanks.

 

I believe the fuses (#9&10) are located on the driver's side kick panel. Just beside the parking brake. I looked at both and they appear in proper working order hence my question.

 

Funny, sort of the same thing happen to me. My front went out but the rear works. I just took it to Lexus under warranty. The SA said that the front blows pretty often as it was intended as a Cig Lighter, not a power charger as the current pull from various gadgets can vary. I went WTF, to heat up the cig lighter must take more power than charging my cell phone. I've used the rear to power a portable compressor with no issue.

 

The cigarette lighter probably does draw more amps than a typical cell charger, but only so it gets up to the ideal heat faster. It sure doesn't need a lot of draw to get to that heat. Even at the same amps as a cell phone charger (which is usually ~1A) you can generate quite a bit of heat pretty quickly.

It's not just the draw that can cause problems, either. Fuses help protect against too much current, but there are many other ways to cause problems with a power source.

 

Does the one in the glove box operate?

 

Thanks. I looked under the hood and found nothing LOL

 

Check #32 passenger side kick panel, front cig. lighter

 

In most cases the entire recepticle does need to be replaced. This has been a long plagued issue dating back to the first gen LS. They blow very easily. From the various threads of research I have been through, this is my opinion. Not sure if the same applies here to the LS430 as I only have a humble first gen LS.

 

I'll check #32 on passenger side.

 

This makes sense to me. The cig lighter draws more current, but only for a few seconds. Charging a cell phone or other device may draw less current but it lasts for a longer period of time.

It's the same principle as why the red and green traffic lights burn out quicker than the yellow - because they're on for a longer period of time.

 

#32 was blown! Thanks, VQT.

 

You are welcome