Refilling Cigarette Lighters: A Step-By-Step Guide To Replenishing Fuel

Cigarette lighters are a handy tool to have, whether you're a smoker or not. They can be used to light cigarettes, of course, but also to power other devices such as phone chargers. However, like all tools, they need to be maintained and sometimes refuelled. Here's a step-by-step guide to replacing the fuel in your cigarette lighter.

First, you need to identify what type of lighter you have. Is it a disposable lighter, a long-stemmed lighter, a butane lighter, or a Zippo lighter? Each type has a slightly different refuelling process.

For a disposable lighter, you'll need to open the refill valve by turning the lighter upside down and inserting a push pin into the hole. Then, purge the remaining air and fuel, being careful to point the lighter away from your face. Create a seal on your butane applicator with rubber grommets, insert it into the refill valve, and fill the lighter with butane.

Long-stemmed lighters are a little more complex. You'll need to remove the case screw and loosen the outer seam of the case with a screwdriver. Then, pry open the case, remove the lighter insert, and disassemble a new disposable lighter to replace the old lighter's jet.

Butane lighters are refuelled by first purging the lighter to release air and remaining fuel. Then, set the flame height adjuster to the lowest level and shake the can of refill fluid. Secure the tip of the refill bottle into the refill valve and fill the lighter for about five seconds.

Finally, for Zippo lighters, use authentic Zippo lighter fluid or a premium brand of lighter fluid intended for similar lighters. Remove the insert from the case, lift the felt pad, and squirt in the lighter fluid. Be careful not to overfill the lighter, as this can be dangerous.

Always exercise caution when refuelling a lighter, and ensure you work in a well-ventilated area.

Locate the fuse box

To locate the fuse box of a cigarette lighter, you can start by checking your car's owner's manual. If you don't have access to the manual, you can search the vehicle manufacturer's website or contact your car dealer. Fuse boxes are typically located under the hood, beneath the steering wheel, or in the trunk.

Once you've found the fuse box, you'll need to identify the fuse for the cigarette lighter. This can usually be done by locating a diagram or legend on the fuse box cover that identifies all the fuses and their corresponding components. If the fuse box doesn't have a diagram, you can refer to the owner's manual or consult a mechanic.

If you're having trouble locating the fuse box or identifying the correct fuse, it may be helpful to reach out to a professional mechanic or a car enthusiast forum for more specific guidance.

Check the fuse

If your car's cigarette lighter socket is not working, the most likely cause is a blown fuse. Before attempting to replace the fuse, you must first locate the fuse box. The fuse box is typically located under the hood, beneath the steering wheel, or in the trunk. You can also refer to your car's owner's manual to pinpoint the exact location.

Once you've located the fuse box, you need to identify the fuse associated with the cigarette lighter. This information can usually be found on the legend or diagram on the cover of the fuse box. If the legend is missing or unclear, consult the owner's manual for guidance.

After identifying the correct fuse, the next step is to test for continuity using a multimeter. Plug the multimeter's black test lead into the "COM" jack and the red lead into the "VΩ," "VΩmA," or a similar jack. Touch one probe to one end of the exposed part of the cigarette lighter fuse and the other probe to the other end. If the multimeter indicates a lack of continuity, the fuse has blown and needs to be replaced.

To replace the fuse, gently pull it out using the removal tool provided in the fuse panel or a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers. Make sure to choose a replacement fuse that matches the original in size, colour, and labelling. Firmly press the new fuse into place, ensuring it is even with the surrounding fuses.

Finally, test the new fuse with the multimeter and try using the cigarette lighter socket. If the multimeter indicates continuity, but the socket is still not working, there may be a wiring problem that requires the attention of a licensed mechanic.

Check the wiring

To check the wiring of a cigarette lighter, you must first locate the fuse box. This is typically found underneath the hood or the dashboard, or inside the glove box on the passenger side.

Once you've located the fuse box, you need to identify the fuse responsible for the cigarette lighter. Look for letter labels near the fuses or on the fuse box cover. You may need a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the fuse box cover.

With the cover off, you can now identify the fuse for the cigarette lighter. Check the legend (diagram) that identifies all the fuses in the box. Find the one marked "cigarette lighter" or something similar.

Now, use a multimeter to test for a current (continuity) in the fuse. Plug the multimeter's black test lead into the "COM" jack and the red lead into the jack labelled "VΩ", "VΩmA", or similar. Turn on the device and set the dial to check for continuity. Touch one probe tip to one end of the exposed part of the cigarette lighter's fuse, and the second probe to the other end.

If there is no continuity, the fuse has blown and needs to be replaced. If there is continuity, the fuse is likely not the problem, but you can replace it anyway, just to be sure.

To replace the fuse, use the tool included inside the panel, if available, or a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers to grasp the exposed top of the fuse and pull it straight out. Find a matching replacement fuse in the panel or at an auto parts store, making sure it is an exact match in size, colour, and labelling. Press the new fuse firmly into place, lining up the prongs with the holes in the correct fuse slot.

Finally, test the new fuse with your multimeter, and then try out the cigarette lighter to confirm it is working. If it doesn't work, you may have a wiring problem that should be addressed by a licensed mechanic.

Clean the cigarette lighter plug

To clean the cigarette lighter plug, you'll need to remove the plug from the socket. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Turn off the car's engine: Use the ignition key to turn off the engine. Do not attempt to remove the plug while the car is running, as this could be dangerous.
• Locate the fuse box: The fuse box is usually found underneath the hood, the dashboard, or the glove box on the passenger's side. It looks like a covered black box with coloured plugs inside.
• Remove the cigarette lighter fuse: Look for letter labels near the fuses or on the fuse box cover to identify the correct fuse. You may need a pair of pliers or a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the fuse box cover and the fuse itself. Set the fuse aside in a safe place.
• Deactivate the lighter: Use a multimeter to ensure that the lighter is no longer active. Hold the black probe of the multimeter to an exposed piece of metal in the vehicle, such as a bolt on the door. Then, touch the red probe to the cigarette lighter socket. If the meter moves, the socket is still active.
• Remove the dashboard panel: If necessary, use a plastic pry tool to gently remove the dashboard panel surrounding the lighter socket. Work your way around the edges of the panel to pry it away from the car. Be careful not to damage the panel or any wires behind it.
• Unplug the wire connector: Lay the dashboard panel flat and locate the back end of the socket. If there is a wire attached, squeeze the plastic connector and pull it away from the socket. It may require a bit of force to disconnect.
• Remove the lighter socket: Reach behind the dashboard panel and push or turn the lighter socket towards you to remove it. You may need to spin the socket clockwise to loosen it before it pops out.
• Clean the cigarette lighter plug: With the socket removed, you can now access and clean the plug. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any dust, debris, or residue from the plug. If necessary, you can use a small brush or cotton swab to reach tight spaces.
• Reassemble the components: Once the plug is clean, you can reassemble the lighter socket and dashboard panel following the steps in reverse. Be sure to reconnect any wires and secure the dashboard panel firmly in place.

By regularly cleaning the cigarette lighter plug, you can help ensure optimal performance and avoid any issues caused by dirt or debris buildup.

Replace the cigarette lighter plug

To replace the cigarette lighter plug, you will need to remove the old plug and install a new one. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Removing the Old Cigarette Lighter Plug:

• Turn off the car engine and remove the key from the ignition to ensure the vehicle is not running.
• Locate the fuse box, typically found under the hood, dashboard, or inside the glove box.
• Identify the cigarette lighter fuse, usually labelled, and remove it using needle-nose pliers or the fuse puller provided in the fuse box.
• Use a multimeter to confirm that the lighter is deactivated. Hold the black probe to an exposed metal piece in the vehicle, such as a door bolt, and touch the red probe to the cigarette lighter socket. If the meter shows electrical activity, re-check the fuses.
• Identify the small openings around the sides of the cigarette lighter socket. These slots are used to grip and remove the socket. You can use a lighter socket removal tool, or bend a metal coat hanger to fit into these slots.
• Turn the lighter socket clockwise to loosen it. It rests inside a metal tube and usually requires some force to turn. You may need to use pliers for this step.
• If the socket does not pop out, carefully pry off the surrounding dashboard panel. Work gently to avoid damaging the car's interior.
• Once the socket is loose, lay the panel flat to access the back end of the socket. Check for a wire attachment and, if present, squeeze the plastic connector to detach it from the socket.
• Pull and turn the socket as needed to finish removing it. It should pop out of the dashboard panel without much difficulty.

Installing the New Cigarette Lighter Plug:

• Purchase a new cigarette lighter plug that matches the specifications of your vehicle's socket.
• Insert the new plug into the socket and turn it counter-clockwise to tighten it into place.
• Reattach the dashboard panel and any wires or connectors that were previously connected to the old plug.
• Test the new plug by pressing it into the socket and ensuring it stays firmly in place.

Note: Always exercise caution when working with electrical components in a vehicle. Ensure the vehicle is turned off and follow proper safety procedures when handling fuses and electrical connections.

Frequently asked questions