Okay, so let me begin by saying that I DID search for outlet, outlets, lighter, lighters, etc. before posting this and didn't run across this type of topic.

Background:

My wife and I bought one of those portable DVD systems for my son to watch Elmo on in my 2002 4Runner. The lighter adapter for the system apparently has a bit of an oversized plug.

Problem:
Basically whenever I pull it out it pulls the lighter socket out with it. So originally I had it plugged into the main lighter. It pulled the socket out with it. Not a huge problem, I just made sure it was re-aligned _| in the correct area and plugged it back in. Now it doesn't work anymore. So I moved the plug down to one of the power outlets. Not thinking, I pulled it out and out came the socket. I figured I was screwed because I thought that it would end up being messed up like the first one was. So when I tried to plug it in, it wouldn't go. I figured that I just had the plug misaligned. So when I pull it all the way out it wouldn't come out. So now it's in limbo not fully plugged back in and not able to be pulled out.

Question:
First, I think that I need to check the fuses for the main lighter--but I don't get why plugging it back in would blow a fuse?

Second, are the "power outlets" different in the way they plug in? Like I said I couldn't pull it out to see how you align it and wasn't sure how it plugged in.

Any and all help on this is greatly appreciated.

 

Im not sure if the problem is an oversized plug, or your truck...In my 04 Taco, I always have the same problem with my lighter, and power outlet with my phone charger, and radar detector. Now, I just make sure, I put my finger on the surround of the power adapter to hold it in when I unplug anything. Just figured it was something I would have to live with. If you come up with anything, keep me posted.

 

Did you just stick the outlets back in?
If you haven't already it would definitely be worth your time to pull off some of the interior paneling and make certain all your connections are good.

I had a similar problem in a Camry and I thought I had plugged it in correctly but I had pushed the contacts further away.

 

...or if the hot wire became disconnected, it could be shorting out the aux/lighter fuse(s)

 

I did this same exact thing, when I pulled out my phone charger. Now the thing doesn't work at all. I think I have to pull the lower dash apart to get at the wires to make sure that everything is connected. Something I can do myself instead of taking it to the stealership. Thanks guys. Always nice to be searching for a while and finding answers before I make the step to do anything on my truck

 

Bump in hopes that somebody else has some input.

 

i would recommend taking apart the lower part of the dash to see if you can at least get the plug aligned and pushed all the way in. After that you can diagnose the wiring from there. But at least make sure you have the plug to work with first.