Cigarette Lighter: Description and Operation

An instrument panel cigar lighter outlet is standard factory-installed equipment on some models. Models equipped with the optional smoker's package will include a cigar lighter knob and heating element. Models without the smoker's package are equipped with a snap fit plastic cap and the outlet is treated as an extra accessory power outlet. The outlet is installed in the instrument panel accessory switch bezel, which is located near the bottom of the instrument panel center bezel area, below the heater and air conditioner controls.

The cigar lighter outlet is serviced only as a part of the accessory switch bezel unit. If the base is faulty or damaged, the accessory switch bezel unit must be replaced. The cigar lighter knob and heating element unit is available for service. This component cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

The cigar lighter base or receptacle shell is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in the bottom of the shell is connected to battery current. The cigar lighter receives battery voltage from a fuse (f13) in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) through the ignition switch, only when in the Accessory or On position and through a fuse (f19) in the fuseblock.

The cigar lighter knob and heating element are encased within a spring-loaded housing, which also features a sliding protective heat shield. When the knob and heating element are inserted in the receptacle shell, the heating element resistor coil is grounded through its housing to the receptacle shell. If the cigar lighter knob is pushed inward, the heat shield slides up toward the knob exposing the heating element, and the heating element extends from the housing toward the insulated contact in the bottom of the receptacle shell.

Two small spring-clip retainers are located on either side of the insulated contact inside the bottom of the receptacle shell. These clips engage and hold the heating element of the cigar lighter against the heat up. When the heating element is engaged with the contact, battery current can flow through the heat.

When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated, excess heat radiates from the heating element causing the spring-clips to expand. Once the spring-clips expand far enough to release the heating element, the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heating element to pop back outward to their relaxed are pulled out of the receptacle shell, the protective heat shield slides downward on the housing so that the heating element is recessed and shielded around its circumference for safety.