Project 5.GO!

Hi guys,


Any known reason why a cigarette lighter wouldn't have juice on a 1989 GT? I just bought a radar detector that needs access to that plug, and when I plug it in, I get nothing. Hopefully someone knows a common reason it wouldn't work, and a quick fix that wouldn't require me to remove the center console and wade in to figure it out. I have already checked all the fuses and they all look good.


If I am going to need to get dirty to get to the bottom of it, is there an easy place on the fuse box to tap into with a new plug so that I can get it going quick and dirty for my trip to Miami on Friday?


Thanks in advance!

Roger Mabry

On my Mustang, I have to use an adapter to two plugs because my
GPS plug is too short to make a good connection in the Mustang hole.

My phone charger plug will work by itself.... but it is longer...

Project 5.GO!

The cigarette lighter won't glow or pop out if it's pressed in, so I don't think it's a fitment problem, but thanks for the response!

88 orangepeel notch

I'm thinking your gonna have to dive in a get alittle dirty. Trace the wires for loose connections, or broken wires. I have the same problem on my 88 and I think mines actually shorting out somewhere along the way because it was causing a slow battery drain. I'm lazy, I just pulled the fuse because I never use the outlet.

mongolchuck

Iirc you should be able to check the wires at the plug just by pulling the ash tray.

Project 5.GO!

Oooh, never thought of that... Maybe get a little dentist mirror in there.

Project 5.GO!

Hmm, why would the cigarette lighter glow now but no other item that is plugged in can get power?

Project 5.GO!

So According to various sites I have seen on the internet about problems like this is the bottom part is too corroded to get a solid connection. It does look a little ragged in there, so unless I want to pull the console, which I don't, I'm left with cleaning the existing part. I have no dremel tool with a brush attachment, so short of buying one, what could I use to ream it out really good in there (of course after pulling the fuse, that is)?

Project 5.GO!

Got it! A 1/2" strip of 600 grit sandpaper, a finger, a thin rag with rubbing alcohol and several hundred curses, and bingo!