tim72

Keep getting heavy spark when I try to connect the big orange lighter wire. It just sparks and blows the fuse? I have purchased the new element that the lighter element fits into from Year one. Expensive at 25.00. Anyways any help or direction would be appreciated.

joe_padavano

Sounds like your lighter housing is shorted internally. I assume you have the actual lighter removed from the housing when you connect the wire?

tim72

yes it is out of the socket joe.

Lady72nRob71

Often the contacts in the lighter get bent by forcing in other plugs or even the lighter itself.
With the wire disconnected, a small screwdriver can be used to bend back the inside contacts away from the metal housing. If this does not work, simply replace the lighter socket.

BlackGold

Question: Do you actually use your lighter?

If not, permanently remove the fuse. Why risk a fire? The lighter can get pushed in accidentally and jamb then overheat. I've also seen them self-eject when they pop out.

Lady72nRob71

They are good to plug gadgets in - thats all I use mine for... Should be an easy fix.
Unfortunately, pulling the fuse will kill the clock, courtesy lights and other options if so equipped.

jeffreyalman

actually pulling the BODY fuse (that the lighter is on) will make the interior lights stay on with the key in the ON position, and off if you open the doors (with the key ON)

I used to do it for DST as the Toronado clock, while accurate, will not adjust.

(I now unplug the clock itself for the hour (or 11)

BlackGold

Huh. I guess you're right. I thought the lighter had its own fuse. Sorry for the misinformation.

Lady72nRob71

I was assuming he has a '72 Olds by his user name.
If he is talking about something else, I could be wrong about the fuse labeling...
I think the socket should be fixable though.

tim72

Thanks guys! Have bought a complete used set off of E-bay for $25. The socket alone at Year one was $25. Also the electrical connection on the back of the socket is round. The year one takes a flat type connector. Also the Lighter itself does not fit properly on the year one socket. National parts depot sells most of the parts. I believe the chevelle and cutlass used the same parts except for the lighter. I like to have it working so I can plug my cell phone into it for Charging. I did not know they caused fires but seeing the amount of electricity coming through there and the sparks I agree it could cause issues if not put in properly.