My cigarette lighter is stuck in the down position. If I try to pull up on it, the entire lighter assembly comes out about halfway, but the heating element stays locked in the down position.

Anybody know how to get it out of there, before I break everything?

 

1. Remove the fuse (left side in front of driver's door)
2. Hold socket down, pry up lighter.

The whole assembly comes out fairly easily, though it can be tough to get back together if you have the OEM auxillary gauges.
If it were me, I'd just remove the whole assembly and extract the lighter while outside the vehicle. Then figure out how it got stuck!

 

Hi, I fixed it originally by prying the sides, but now, several months later, the lighter is blowing the fuse constantly.
Can anybody explian or post a link as to how to remove that cigarette console. I have looked but can't find instructions.

Thanks.

 

quick fix, take out the cigarette lighter, and put in the plug from the back socket in there.

 

Ive tried to take out the lighter, but it only raises about an inch from the console. Is there a DIY with the removal process?


Thanks.,

 

It's just a press fit, so likely the wires are the resistance you're finding.
I don't have a DIY, but there are screws underneath the cupholders and at least one underneath the power mirror switch panel. With those out, IIRC the panel will just lift up and the wires can be accessed underneath.
Note that this is for an '04. I can't recall if the '05+ front console is different.

 

Excellent info!
I'm assuming the extra power outlet located in the boot is for newer models? I have an 03 MCS and have never seen the extra outlet.

I'll work on this tomorrow and get back.

Thanks

 

Eric,

Yes, there were two screws, in in the cup-holders and two under the mirror switch. With the console lifted I was able to get the lighter out and fix it. I also bought a two way slitter at Radio Shack. All is good now.

Thanks for the info.

 

The rear power outlet was in '02 and '04+ cars, but was mysteriously deleted from '03 cars. Glad to hear you're back up and running.
So did you get a new lighter or manage to fix it?

 

I just removed the lighter, cleaned it, bent the sides with a flat head and all good.
Having the splitter now is great. The location of the lighter is horrible for plugging and unplugging electronics.