LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

minor annoying problem - any ideas

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-27-10, 11:51 AM
  #1  
Stu
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Stu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 1,265
Received 58 Likes on 44 Posts
Default minor annoying problem - any ideas

The cigarette lighter in the front ashtray of my car LS does not work.
The lighter works fine in the other 2 spots so obviously it's not getting power. I checked and the fuse it's fine ...

I am not a smoker, but would like the outlet working for phone, navigation and bluetooth changing and I don't want to take the car in for something so minor.

Any help would be appreciated ! Thanks
Old 10-27-10, 01:28 PM
  #2  
HiloDB1
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
 
HiloDB1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 13 Posts
Default

Same problem Im having. It may just be a fuse but havent looked that far into the problem.
Old 10-27-10, 04:18 PM
  #3  
mewhee
Pole Position
 
mewhee's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So. California
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Hi Stu -

Even tho the lighter works in the other outlets, it could be the contacts. Suggest you try either a bluetooth or similar device in there if you haven't already as part of your troubleshooting.
Old 10-27-10, 04:49 PM
  #4  
Stu
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Stu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 1,265
Received 58 Likes on 44 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by mewhee
Hi Stu -

Even tho the lighter works in the other outlets, it could be the contacts. Suggest you try either a bluetooth or similar device in there if you haven't already as part of your troubleshooting.
I appreciate the suggestion, but yup, tried plugging everything I had into the cig lighter .... nothing worked. I am going to replace the fuse, even though it looks fine ..... maybe I'll get lucky !

If not, there is likely a wire broken somewhere, and that's is not something I can figure out.
Old 10-27-10, 06:03 PM
  #5  
derpie
Driver
 
derpie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Pa
Posts: 118
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Perfect time to run a direct line to battery so it can charge on or off car wise
Old 10-27-10, 10:21 PM
  #6  
CarGuy89
Lexus Test Driver
 
CarGuy89's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: MI
Posts: 1,512
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Since you checked the connection already the fuse is probably your next best bet. If that still doesn't work, try cleaning out the connector itself (a slightly dirty connector can prevent proper function). The one in my car works fine (charge my phone a bunch of times already) so it should be functional. Maybe a loose wire along the way if you feel like pulling the console area apart.
Old 10-27-10, 10:30 PM
  #7  
Stu
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Stu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 1,265
Received 58 Likes on 44 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by CarGuy89
Since you checked the connection already the fuse is probably your next best bet. If that still doesn't work, try cleaning out the connector itself (a slightly dirty connector can prevent proper function). .....
I ran a q-tip with a bit of rubbing alcohol along the inside of the socket - but the thing was very clean and it didnt make any difference ..... is there some easy way to pull the metal lighter socket out of the ashtray area, and check the wiring I assume should be connected to the socket underneath ?

I am not going to take the console apart .... I will just f.u.b.a.r and cause more problems.
Thanks
.
.

Edit: problem solved. When I checked the fuse, I checked the WRONG one ! the cig lighter fuse is #32, and I checked the one above it in the panel ...

Last edited by Stu; 10-27-10 at 11:01 PM.
Old 10-28-10, 05:31 AM
  #8  
CarGuy89
Lexus Test Driver
 
CarGuy89's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: MI
Posts: 1,512
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

^good stuff man! Glad you fixed it
Old 10-28-10, 05:41 AM
  #9  
Stu
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Stu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 1,265
Received 58 Likes on 44 Posts
Default

thanks .... I am a bit surprised I was careless and checked the wrong fuse. In my own defense, I was in a poorly lit underground parking lot, working with a flashlight, it was late, I was tired and annoyed after a rather long day dealing with lawyers.

However, in the end, I never gave up, so I guess my persistence determination are stronger than my one-time carelessness.

Thanks to those that tried to help !
Old 08-05-11, 10:07 AM
  #10  
skassamali
Driver
 
skassamali's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: TX
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Stu - Can you explain to me where my fuse is for the cigarette lighter? And where did you purchase the replacement fuse from?
Old 08-06-11, 08:51 AM
  #11  
Stu
Racer
Thread Starter
 
Stu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 1,265
Received 58 Likes on 44 Posts
Default

The fuse is available just about every car parts store.

Sorry, but I forget where the *** box is. But it's blown again and when I replace it I'll let you know.
Old 08-06-11, 12:36 PM
  #12  
Mr.Doback
Driver
 
Mr.Doback's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Va
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Fusebox for cig lighter is on the passenger side floor, right under dash.

There is a little door, just pull the handle and it opens up. I will reiterate that it is fuse #32 from the poster above.
Old 08-06-11, 04:18 PM
  #13  
Jabberwock
Moderator
 
Jabberwock's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 3,901
Received 203 Likes on 166 Posts
Default

If you need to pull the lighter and ashtray out its actually very easy. Search for ashtray replacement thread and you should find instructions and pics. There is a nice storage box with power port available from Lexus parts that completely replaces the standard ashtray - its an excellent and very easy mod to make.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jimisbell
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
6
07-01-17 04:38 AM
V3hunnid
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
3
12-17-14 12:28 PM
ELO168
IS - 1st Gen (2001-2005)
8
03-22-11 11:56 AM
JustInGS3
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
3
08-04-09 12:03 PM
Bucko1976
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
8
01-07-09 10:43 PM



Quick Reply: minor annoying problem - any ideas



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:46 PM.