2002 Dodge Neon Cigarette lighter malfunction

THEJUDE

MEMBER
2002 DODGE NEON
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

Hi,
I use my cigarette lighter hole for the plug in to run my GPS, cell, hand's free charger, etc. I have just purchased a 3rd one (this one has 3 plug-ins but I use only 1 or 2 at a time) because they seem to quit working rather quickly. When I went to charge my cell, it lit up but went out immediately. So I plugged in the actual cigarette lighter and it does not work (it wouldn't even stay pushed in). Is this a fuse problem or something else? If it's a fuse, is it something I can do or do I need to go to a mechanic? I don't know what size fuse or where they are even located. Can you explain this to me in a simple way that I can understand? I rely it on 100% for my GPS as I travel a lot and need it desperately. I appreciate your help with this.
Thank you, Judy

4 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

There should be a fuse/relay center under the hood next to the battery. Check fuse #14. It is most likely blown.I would suggest if you are going to plug that much stuf finto the lighter, you may want to have a shop wire in a second one that can handle the amperage draw better than the factory one

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Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 AT 8:41 AM

THEJUDE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I thought it was at the end of the dashboard on the left side. That's where I looked and #14 says it is the remote start thing. I'm more confused than ever now. Okay, I located the fuse/relay under the hood (thank you) but when I pulled the fuse, it looks fine. Apparently, I didn't blow the fuse. Maybe I need to replace the cigarette lighter. How do I do this? Is there a way to test it first?

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Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 AT 9:04 AM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Requires atest light to see if the contact at the bottom center has power

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Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 AT 2:34 PM

THEJUDE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you so much for all your help with this. I went to a different Auto Zone about 15 miles away (the one near me weren't helpful at all. They told me to bring it to the dealer). After I explained what was going on and your suggestions, this nice young man came out and checked ALL the fuses. Seems one was bent slightly and he tweaked it and everything is working great again. I did have to purchase another plug in thing because apparently it whatever happened blew the fuse thing in that (it was real cheap anyway). Not only did he check all the fuses and fix that problem, he replaced a head light bulb for me that I probably did something too while I was checking fuses.

Thank you again for all your help. I will highly recommend your website and as soon as I get my tax refund, will send additional donation. This is the best website and you are the best. Thank you for your patience and help!

Judy

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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 4:20 PM