my '04 lighter works, but needs replacement (pops out too soon).
It doesn't appear to be a fuse issue.
ebay sells compatible replacements for $13, free shipping.

is it difficult to install the replacement?
and how is it done?
hopes I wouldn't need to disable the battery...

 

Have you tried just replacing the lighter itself (not the entire receptacle)?

 

I assumed it was the housing, but you could be right
that it's the lighter element itself.
that said have you ever replaced the entire unit?
I'll ordered the ebay replacement -- cheap.

 

A simple fix is slightly bending the metal tabs inside the housing.

 

I've replaced three lighters since I bought my SC in '02, and two in my '06 LX.

 

Ok, how's it done?

How do you remove the housing?

 

For real?

It is usually caused by the aftermarket accessory plugs.
I have fixed a few (my cars and my friends') by simply bending the tabs around the inside circumference of the barrel of the housing slightly inward.

 

You've got to quit letting Cheech 'n Chong use your cars when they're in town. Willie too.

 

oh, bend the tabs inward.
I just bent them outwards (into the camber)
and the lighter element won't seat now.
I'll try the other way.
But seriously, is it difficult to replace the
entire unit? I have one on it's way and
would like to start new.
Any tips, tricks or instruction would be helpful.
thanks.

 

the hint is there, but it probably never got your attention..
the ash tray unit will come out with the console panel.
after that, unplug and turn that housing unit to remove it.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...-system-2.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ay-closed.html

 

sorry I missed the 'inward' tip. I'll fix that.

ooph, but thanks for the effort and links.
this is beyond my paid grade and desire to tinker.
breaking housing clips is not my idea of fun or adventure.
call me a wimp...

 

ok, now the lighter doesn't work.
I'll checked the fuse and see if tweaking the fins worked.
at least the lighter elements seats now.
and as a backup, I have a new lighter unit coming next week.
we'll see if I need it.

 

It was simple; the dealership did it under warranty

You know those guys too? You should see what they did to my house....

 

gee, thanks a lot %#&@

 

Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance...

Since my lighter first stopped working sometime within the first couple years of the car being new, they replaced it under warranty, and each subsequent time as well, even after my warranty had expired (the last time being this past December).
I cram a few different types of aftermarket plugs into the sockets of my SC and LX, which I'm sure helps to shorten the life-span, though my old SC400 and RX300 also had lighters die....