Cigarette Lighter: Testing and Inspection

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIRBAGS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Remove the cigar lighter knob and element from the cigar lighter receptacle shell. Check for continuity between the inside circumference of the cigar lighter receptacle shell and a good ground. there should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, go to Step 3.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Check for battery voltage at the insulated contact located at the back of the cigar lighter receptacle shell. If OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter knob and element. If not OK, go to Step 3.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument panel accessory switch bezel. Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the cigar lighter wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as required.
4. Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the ACCESSORY or ON positions. Check for battery voltage at the cigar lighter relay output circuit cavity of the cigar lighter wire harness connector. If OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter receptacle (instrument panel accessory switch bezel unit). If not OK, refer to Cigar Lighter Relay Diagnosis and Testing for further diagnosis.