scorpio_2482

Does anyone know where I can purchase a universal cigarette lighter for my 1997 4Runner, if so what is the model number? Victor/Bell automotives makes the universals but the one's I saw at Kragen don't fit the hole and the outlets are configured wrong. I saw one online that might fit (model V5141) but it says it is for Honda/GM. There is also an illuminated from the UK but I cannot really tell if it is the right one either and I would rather not have to deal with the hassle of returning any more as I have already returned 2 to Kragen. I would also be willing to purchase one from somebody for a reasonable price. Toyota wants $70 for the whole assembly and I just cannot afford it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

John

Bob_98SR5

whats wrong w/ the one you have? perhaps we can help you fix it

bob

scorpio_2482

From what I have read in other postings I think the fusible link has burned out because the lighter stopped working when I was filling a flat with my portable air compressor plugged into it. I am not sure how to replace this, which is why I was looking for a universal replacement.

Thanks,

John

mastacox

It's quite easy to permanently "disable" the fusible link (in 2nd gens anyway). I did this is my '92 4Runner, not sure if the 3rd gens are the same but basically all I had to do is remove a small insulating washer on the back of the cigarette lighter plug.

scorpio_2482

I removed the washer and it worked but if I have both the radio and the cigarette lighter on at once it blows the 15 amp fuse. Can I change it to a 20 amp fuse or will that cause problems?

Thanks,

John

surf4runner

as long as you have a fire extinguisher go ahead a put a bigger fuse in.

DONT do that!

if you need more current than 15A, than a univesal outlet is not what you need. create a dedicated circuit for it.

mastacox

What exactly do you mean by this? When you have the air compressor running? I think you would be better off getting battery clips for your compressor now that you have the cig lighter working again.

scorpio_2482

I mean it blows the fuse when I plug in my cell phone charger or the actual lighter. I put a metal washer in place of the insulated one, could this be causing the fuse to blow?

mastacox

It's possible, if you're accidentally grounding it somewhere you shouldn't...

Jim McNabb

Believe it or not, I have the same problem w/ my '96 Runner & for the same reason. Bought a portable air pump to inflate tires after off roading. Worked great but noticed that the plug got pretty warm after working a few minutes off the lighter power supply. Then, no more power @ the lighter.
Checked fuses under the hood & under the dash, all are ok, now I'm stumped.
Really would like to have the lighter outlet working again to charge cell phone, but I need to know how to correct the problem.
Electrical problems are a mystery to me. That's probably the single most reason I haven't puchased the URD fuel enhancement kit. I'm afraid of wiring in the fuel/timing control module and messing something up.

scorpio_2482

Jim,

This was one of the mos frustrating thing I have had to deal with. I ended up just finding a parts shop that specialized in Toyota parts and bought a new lighter because I destroyed mine trying to fix it myself. But here is the deal. If you pull the lighter out and look at the back of it you will see a wire that connects the 2 ports you plug into the wiring assembly. This wire is a "fusible link" which is a fuse that will burn out if you run it for too long. All you need to do is remove the old wire and replace it with another 18 gauge wire and a little bit of insulation. However be careful while removing the old wire. I managed to break the connections that hold it in place and once those go you have to try and solder it on. The problem is not in your electrical system or fuse box , it is just this wire on the back of the lighter. Do not try to use the lighter by removing the insulating plate, which was remedy posted elsewhere in these forums. I went though like 10 fuses trying to make that method work. As far as purchasing the part, it is relatively impossible to find a universal part that fits and they are $70 from toyota. I know a place to get them here in Santa Clara, Ca for $10 but I am not sure if they will ship them or where you are located.

Hopefully this helps,

John

Jim McNabb

Thanks for the info. I should be able to handle that one my self (famous last words) The next step is to add wires with alligator clips to my air pump so I can run irt directly off of the battery

scorpio_2482

I need to do the same with my air pump. Good Luck!!

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

I re-did the lighter socket in my '85. Fusible link is essentiall two wires with a blob of solder (or some similar low temp melting metal) between them. Mine melted after running a 4 amp cooler for a while. Fix is easy, just take the two ends of the link and solder them directly together, wrap in tape or heat shrink and you are good to go.