barncat

I would like to use the lighter base for an Ipod and found that the lighter fuse was blown. Replaced it (at passenger wheel-well) and still no luck. Is there another fuse I am unaware of? Also, the lighter doesn't engage or lock in. Is this normal with a blown fuse? Checked other Lexus model forums and apparently there are more fuses for the lighter in the other models. I'm going to see if the fuse I replaced blew also when I get a chance. They're not too easy to get to for a big, old guy! PROBLEM SOLVED---SEE MY REMARKS BELOW IN #6

VVTiBob

According to my owner's manual for 2002 models (pg 318) there is a second fuse covering the cigarette lighter. Driver's side panel, fuse #2. And you're right...getting to the panels in the footwell area is a real pain in the ***!

If you have your owner's manual all of the fuses and what they protect is there. If you don't have the manual, the info is available online at the Lexus Owner's website

VVTiBob

Here's the PDF on cigarette lighter fuses Should be the same for your 03.

barncat

OK, VVTiBob, thanks for the info. I figured the second fuse on the driver's side would be ok since everything else it controls works but I checked it and it's ok. I went back to the 15 amp fuse on the passenger's side and it had burnt out again. Soooo...I'm thinking something is kicking it off. The car was well maintained but I don't know if the cig lighter was even used. Certainly the ash-tray was not. I guess a short would be the answer unless something in the lighter itself is kicking it off. Tracking down a short is beyond my capabilities. Any other suggestions would be appreciated! Are these fuses a standard size or must I get them at a Lexus dealer?. They seem smaller than blade fuses I have used in the past.

VVTiBob

Re: fuse size. You can get them at most autoparts stores. But take it with you to compare there are some physical size differences.

barncat

Well, it took 3 blown fuses before I figured out what was wrong and here's a great lesson for all the Forum members out there. When I shined a trouble light into the lighter base I saw that there was a penny lodged perfectly in the bottom of the base. That was why the lighter wouldn't engage and why I kept blowing fuses. The previous owner probably never used the lighter and didn't care that it didn't work. I can't believe someone might have done it on purpose unless they didn't want smoking in the car. The penny fit so well I had to use a very thin piece of metal to work in behind the penny to remove it. I think the only reason I spotted it was because of the copper color rather than silver. Problem solved!!

Jabberwock

good catch - thanks for sharing.

sebtown

That happened to me in the early 80's when my kid put one in the lighter of my wife's Mazda. It was the first thing I thought of as I read your post! Thanks for the memory!!!