Vehicle is 1990 Buick Century (Limited), 3.3L V6.
The cigarette lighter does NOT work anymore. Fuse is fine, wires are intact.
I've removed the tray/lightbulb/groundwire (?) from the dash, but I CANNOT get the element (cylinder shaped device that 'heats' up the lighter) out of the tray. Short of pliers & a hammer, I've gotten nowhere. Really don't want to hit a junkyard while it's still winter. But I REALLY need the lighter socket to power my XM Radio. Please don't give me alternate options/sources (i.e. "cut this wire & that wire to make it work") for powering the XM Reciever. Thanks. Will post additonal details if I've left anything out.
2007-03-04 21:14:33 · 6 answers · asked by lewisthomasp 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
there will be a clip at the back of the lighter(behind the dash)if you can get your hand under dash you can feel it
2007-03-04 21:27:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hello, I have a 1990 Buick Century and just recently had to replace the cigarette lighter. It's a bit of a pain (because of the location), but not at all that complex of a job. The end of the cigarette lighter/cylinder (I believe) has a bolt attached to the end of the cylinder body, which passes through the ash tray chassis, which is then secured to the back of the ash tray by a washer and a nut. I would suggest going to your local auto store (Pep-Boys, Napa or otherwise) and find a replacement lighter for your car, you can then take a look at the mounting hardware, some of them even come with installation instructions. I also recently discovered that the fuses for the cigarette lighter are under the glove compartment. Hope this helps.
2007-03-06 05:18:20 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, the heating element of the lighter is in the part that is inserted into the socket - the one that actually lights up a cigarette, and most likely it's the part that has failed. You can buy an element (make sure it's a correct size - take the old one with you) for a couple of bucks at any store. In the worst case scenario, the socket is damaged, and in this case you should buy them together for $4-$5. To remove the socket, you need to pull the panel it's installed in out. There is a nut that holds the socket in the panel, and it can only be removed from the inside.
2007-03-12 01:45:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
removereplace 2000 ford focus cigarette lighter socket
2016-03-16 04:40:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have the tray out, you are almost there. Put your finger into the element socket on solid metal. Don't let your finger squeeze into the slots. With a pair of pliers gently unscrew the back housing off the center cylinder. The socket is a two piece unit that screws together to hold itself against the tray. I hope this helps.
2007-03-04 21:26:52 · answer #5 · answered by shopteacher 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have a voltmeter disconnect the wire from the back of the lighter and put your meter between the wire and ground. You should have 12V. If so, then the problem is with the center contact of the lighter. With the wire still disconnected, try and pry the center contact up or towards you.
2007-03-04 22:05:38 · answer #6 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your local buick dealer and see if they have conversion kits for adapting the lighter to a power source. If there isn't such a thing they might be able to assist you in making the lighter into one.
2007-03-04 21:37:23 · answer #7 · answered by MOMMY585 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It should push in, twist and pull out like turn signal bulbs. Unless it is rusted and old and nasty, you should just move it around to get a feel for how it moves and exploit the movement.
2007-03-05 08:48:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋