Apparently, there is some kind of fuse-like thing built into the cig lighter than can blow under load. I was airing up my tires and my air compressor quit, because the front cig lighter went dead. My rear cig lighter also used to work, but that died a while back as well.

I did check the wiring behind the front one, and @Snowy21 checked my fuses. All seems to look good...



What should I do? Is there an easy way to fix this or just replace the entire assembly?

Thanks!

Hi Farmerjon,

There is a fusible link at the back of the cig. lighter holder. It blows when a heavy load is been drawn.

You can remove the 8 mm nut at the back of the cig. lighter holder. Keep a track of the series of items placed in the bolt. If you want, I can get two fusible links shipped out to you.

PM me your address (sorry, I missplaced your address!)
Let me know.

nissanh

Hello, This just happened to my 98 as well, compressor blew the outlet. I checked all the fuses, which look good, yet still not working. What was the solution? Did you replace the entire outlet? Thanks!

Hello Ghill - if you look back at my first picture, at the "brass" metal between the black plastic and the whitish/yellowish plastic, there is a fuse in there (not a standard fuse). @nissanh was extremely kind and found me some - called "fusible links" according to his post. Easy enough to replace, just need one of these:



Most partouts might have one, if you tell the seller where to look and how to take it apart (see nissanh's instructions above), but may have to find a way to have them bench test it. Or see eBay. I'd advise getting several while you're at it, as the back port can have this issue and it's great to carry a spare onboard for when you're airing up and things blow.

eBay link: 12V Cigarette Lighter Power Socket Fusible Link/Thermal Fuse Toyota Subaru Honda 822422725169 | eBay

Good luck!

Had the same issue in my '98. I just went ahead and replaced the sockets with these https://www.amazon.com/Cigarette-Lig...36231218&psc=1

If you want to replace them with OE, the part number is 85530-06010. They typically run anywhere from $15 to $20 each.

If I had to replace mine again, I'd go with the ones that @norcalassassin linked to. Hard to beat $8 each.

Would it be unsafe replacing the stock socket with a fusible link, with an aftermarket one that doesn't have a fusible link?

The fuse is there to prevent frying the wire further up the wiring harness which could get expensive.
You might want to consider using one of these if you must plug in high amp tools or the like into a cigarette lighter. It clamps on directly to the battery posts.

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I was just going to suggest the same thing. The cig lighter isn't mean to carry a heavy load, it's more for small electronics. An air compressor should be run off the battery itself.

thats what I got too. just go direct to battery with its own fuse, then you wont overload your ports/lighter . mine packs small enought to fit in the same bag as compressor.

Yea I was only asking whether it was safe to replace stock 12v that has a fusible link, with an aftermarket one that doesn't because i replaced my stock one with a voltage meter that has 2 usb plugs for my phone. Want to make sure I'm safe not having that fusible link anymore

If you have just the 2 USBs and the voltmeter then I wouldn't worry about it. USBs should never pull enough current to damage any wiring.

Since I don't plan on running anything with high amps I just took the assembly apart bypassing the cigarette lighter fuse.

To do this start by disconnecting the quick connect then simply pry up on the top assembly after taking the 7mm nut off. Remove the plastic washer between the two pieces and reassemble. This bypasses the fuse and works great if you need an instant fix.

Hope this helps someone out