I need to ask a dumb question..........
I don't smoke but still want the lighter in my 72 Cutlass to function properly. My old lighter and housing had rust in/on them both, so I bought another cleaner looking set from a member here.
When I push in the lighter it does not lock into position. No springy type action like it should have. So my dumb question is............is it the housing that is not functioning, or is it the lighter itself that is supposed to have the spring type action?
This is two lighter now that didnt work for me. Is there a way to fix this issue?
Thanks,
Doug

 

Fundamentals first, did you check for 12v at the orange wire that attaches to the back of the lighter socket? If so, make sure you have a good ground. If both of those are ok, it is likely the element itself. I'm not sure exactly how the element locks into place but they are not complicated.

 

I do know there is power to it. When I pushed it in yesterday it blew out a few sparks and blew the fuse at the fuse box. It just doesnt have that springy/lock in place function going on. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and buy a new repro set.
Thank you.

 

You have a bad element if it shorted, blew the fuse, and won't stay engaged. If I remember right, the element cartridge unscrews from the handle so it can be replaced.

 

Eric,
Thank you so much. Greatly appreciated. I will try to find and element.
Have a great week.
-Doug-

 

Two companies made elements and housings, Casco and Rochester I believe. Make sure you're not trying to put one into the other, I don't think they interchange.
Don't smoke either so I'm not totally up on lighter parts.

 

I have one of these out of a '72 that works fine. Let me know if you are interested and I'll send pictures.

 

Thanks All. I just ordered a new one this morning from The Parts Place. Wish me luck.

 

If that would fit in a 69 I might be interested. How much for it?

 

The socket has two wide ears at the bottom which grip the round edge of the element when it is pushed in, and as the element heats up the ears expand and release the element. Rocket Science!

 

Not sure if it will fit. I was selling for $20 plus shipping. Here are some pix if you find out it does:

 

Looks like it might fit and not quite as bad as my current one. Pretty close though
How much?

 

Per the note above, $20 plus shipping. If you'd like it PM me with with your zip code and I can check the shipping rate.

 

Looks to be 70-72.

 

Thanks.
I've decided to not replace the lighter but to put a 12 volt power supply socket that I ca plug in to.

 

Others have done the same with a USB type.

 

If you install a USB adapter, be sure to use a high quality one. Chris Witt almost burned his car down when a cheapie shorted out on him.

 

No worries - good idea about the socket.