95 XL ashtray removal

[Flyin_V]

Hi all...my son's Av cig lighter doesn't work and I tried to replace it but couldn't get the swing out ashtray/cig lighter holder out.....any suggestions on how to change it?

Thanks!

[Jigg007]

Originally Posted by Flyin_V

Hi all...my son's Av cig lighter doesn't work and I tried to replace it but couldn't get the swing out ashtray/cig lighter holder out.....any suggestions on how to change it?

Thanks!

I'll presumed you checked the fuse and found it to be in good working condition then.

Did you try several devices on the lighter plug to make sure that it isnt just once device? (verify that it works in another car too.)

I have not removed the ashtray out, however I would imangine that you should be able to acess the back of it if you remove the stereo and HVAC stuffs.

Pop out the one trim pannel that surrounds the radio/HVAC/ignition cylinder/etc

**If you have the factory radio you should look into the whole security code detail, write it down
4 screws should hold in the radio. After removing these the radio shoud move, detach the wires connecting to it and put it somewhere safe

4 screws will also remove the HVAC console, there are a good ammount of plugs on the back, besure to remove them. Take the console out and put in safe place

Then you should have a nice gaping hole infront of you. You should be able to freely acess the back of the ashtrey compartment, and possibly even remove it.


However if you have voltage at both ends of the fuse, and have no voltage at the line coming off the lighter plug, then a wire harness went bad somewhere.

[Flyin_V]

There is 12v at the center of the lighter, but when plugging devices into it they don't power up unless you forcefully hold them in...I tried bending the inside of the receptacle to hold the plugs tighter to no avail.

Sounds like there's no simple way to remove it...probably be easier to add a bracket and new lighter than tearing it apart.

Thanks Jigg!

[Jigg007]

No problem. I commonly have the same problem with a lot of lighter plugs.

What you could try doing is take a length of electrical tape and line part of the inside barrel or lighter plug. In an attempt to create a point of friction that would help hold it in.

The problem with a lot of these plugs is that the spring they use in the tip is too strong to where it pushes the plug out! If you wish you could remove the spring from the lighter plug and cut it a little shorter to have more play at the tip.