Cigarette lighter keeps blowing fuse

1984 OLDSMOBILE 98
161 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JASON RINDERKNECHT
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The lighter in the dash, of my car keeps blowing the fuse I want to replace it, but don't know how to get to it without taking the whole dash apart.
Jan 27, 2021 at 5:47 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good evening,

The old cars secured the 2 ways.

One was just clips. You use a small screwdriver and pry it out and the wiring comes with it.

The other way is it has a retainer nut behind the lighter to release it. If it has that, you can reach up under the dash and access it. The nut most of the time is only hand tight and turns counterclockwise to release it.

Roy
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Jan 27, 2021 at 6:05 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Did you respond?

I got a email but nothing came through.

Roy
Jan 27, 2021 at 7:48 PM
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JASON RINDERKNECHT
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No way I can reach my hand under, I guess it may have been the one with the clips, but something is bent or rusted. I can't pry it out without cracking the plastic woodgrain faceplate.
Jan 28, 2021 at 7:13 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Does it turn if you try and twist it?

Roy
Jan 29, 2021 at 3:36 AM
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JASON RINDERKNECHT
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No, the one I bought to replace it screws in, but I can't get the old one to move. Also, someone before me tried prying it out or something and there are 2 prongs inside that i think are supposed to be outside.
Jan 29, 2021 at 4:13 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The one you have is a universal lighter.

If it has prongs on it, that is what is holding it from coming out.

Roy
Jan 29, 2021 at 4:15 PM
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