2003 Explorer Cigar Lighter isn't working, can someone please help?

Hey there!!
I have a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT (just purchased) and the front Cigar Lighter won't work. I replaced the socket and the lighter (the thing you push in that gets hot) and I also checked the fuse (#24) and it wasn't blown. Can anyone please help me? I don't know what else to try and do, and I was curious how much it would cost to fix and everything. I'm hoping that I can fix it myself.

Any information would help me greatly!! Thank You so much!!
-Godzgrl (Jesse)

Hi Jesse

I would try a new fuse to make sure that it isn't the problem. If you take one from another spot, Make sure it has the same Amp Rating. Try it now.

Make sure your connections on the cigar lighter are pushed on tightly.

What you need to do is get a 12 volt test light. It has a metal probe, light bulb and a ground wire. You connect the ground wire to something metal and touch the probe to something to check for voltage- wire, battery terminal etc. It lights up when you have 12 v.

Use the 12 Volt test light to check for voltage. Going to the socket is a 12 volt wire that connects to the bottom of the socket. The other wire is the ground.

Connect the test light's ground wire \ clip to something metal inside the truck. Next probe the wire to the bottom of the socket. If it lights up you have 12 volts. The ground wire or it's connection to the truck's chassis is bad.




Dean

Hi, I am having the same problem. Yesterday it was working and then suddenly quit after parking for a couple of hours. I have tried switching the fuse with no success. Using a multi-meter I do not seem to be getting 12V to the socket. It also is a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT and neither the front nor rear socket seems to work. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

Without studying a factory wiring diagram or paying somebody, one option is to run a wire and fuse to the lighter from the battery. Make sure the wire is the correct gauge and amp rated for the fuse used, if you don't it will melt and possibly start a fire.

Dean

Try checking the main fused that located in the black box under the hood for a blown fuse. I had a similar problem with my 92 when I plugged in my cellphone power adapter. The problem was the black plastic ring around the center pin of the connector was too large and when inserting the adapter it would cause you and I to insert it at an angle and the adapter would short the fuse in the black fuse box under the hood. That fuse was a higher amperage than the fuses under the hood. If I recall correctly it was a 30Amp fuse. Hope this helps. Let us know the results.

Thanks! the main fuse does indeed look blown. I will have to run to the store and buy replacements, but all indications show this should fix it. I appreciate the help.

Mike

Just a follow up. I did replace the main fuses and the problem is no longer. Thanks very much.

I'm having the same problem with my 2003 Explorer. I changed the small fuse (#24) under the dash on the driver's side and it wasn't the problem. I checked the higher voltage fuses under the hood and nothing looked blown... but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Can you tell me which one you replaced that fixed the problem?

Thanks.