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How do I repair my car’s cigarette lighter socket?

The other day, I tried to charge my phone using the cigarette lighter plug charger, but it didn't work. I've determined it's not the plug itself at fault so it's probably the socket—how do I repair my car's cigarette lighter socket?

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Andrew Biro · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry to hear things aren’t working properly! If the problem is with the socket, the first thing you’ll need to do is check the cigarette lighter fuse—if you need help finding it, consult your owner’s manual.
Once you locate the fuse, use your fingers or the fuse gripper tool found in the fuse box to pull out the fuse—if the metal looks burned or broken, the fuse has blown and will need to be replaced. Buy a new fuse of the same amperage, install it, and check the cigarette lighter again.
If the fuse looked fine or replacing it didn’t solve the issue, use a multimeter to test the cigarette lighter socket and see if it is conducting electricity—you’ll need to switch the ignition on for an accurate reading.
If the multimeter’s reading is well below 12 volts, you’ll need a new socket and potentially some internal wiring. It would be best to have a professional look at the car if this is the case.
Hope this helps!
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