Cigarette lighter question

[RadeOn]

So my lighter quit few days ago while I was running portable air pump off it. Fuse was fine, as were power mirrors that are on the same fuse.

I took it apart and found what caused the problem - the lighter itself has a diode in it, and it died. So far I but it back together without the diode.
I'm too lazy to get a new lighter for smth that sort of works, unless its really important.

The question is about the purpose of that diode. I mean I suspect that its probably there to protect car's wiring, but from what?

The only thing that comes to mine - some sort of capacitors in devices plugged into the lighter discharging into the car's system instead of the device.

Anyone know for sure?

[Huffer]

No kidding?
I have the same problem - I didn't see a diode in mine, but now I will have to look again. I have no idea what the diode might be for - I have very simple electrical knowledge that covers just "join the two parts together".

[RadeOn]

No kidding?
I have the same problem - I didn't see a diode in mine, but now I will have to look again. I have no idea what the diode might be for - I have very simple electrical knowledge that covers just "join the two parts together".
Well, I tested voltage on lighter terminals, it was there so it must have been smth in the lighter, so I took it apart :)
Take the lighter out of the dash, there's small (7mm?) bolt on the back, take it out. There you'll see to metal plates on top of each other (with some small di-electric ring between those). Theres a wire that connects those two with a diode on it. I just took out diode and di-electric ring.

On a second thought it might've been not a diode, but some resistance as well.

On third thought It might be just some heat sensitive inline fuse embedded in the lighter itself...

[ivwarrior]

On third thought It might be just some heat sensitive inline fuse embedded in the lighter itself...

I think you got it right on that try. :)

[Huffer]

Ok, so basically that little diode/resistor burns itself out if the ciggie lighter gets too hot?

[TRUBLU]

A diode is essentially a one way valve. It will allow power to go one way as much as you like, but refuses to let it go the other way. Hence, you can reverse the polarity and it will protect itself from it.

Diode probably shat itself from too much heat going through it's ends.

Just to be on the right tracks....diodes and resistors are two totally different things.

Diodes block the flow of electricity one way...resistors reduce the flow of electricity any which way it flows.

What did the component look like? Was it a small black cylinder with a little tiny painted silver ring around one end? or was it a porcelain covered cylinder with four coloured stripes around it?

[Bdubs]

So thats why mine doesn't work. Interesting.
I don't smoke, so never worried me all that much.

[sharky nrk]

are there any cheap replacements out there? Need to fix mine so the kids can watch dvds

[TRUBLU]

plenty, just head down to your local auto parts store, they usually have universal replacements in stock.

[sharky nrk]

didn't know if it was subaru specific setup or not, I will just run down and snag one and see what I can do

[TRUBLU]

you may need to swap out the terminals on the end but I don't think so....

[Huffer]

Take the lighter out of the dash, there's small (7mm?) bolt on the back, take it out. There you'll see to metal plates on top of each other (with some small di-electric ring between those). Theres a wire that connects those two with a diode on it. I just took out diode and di-electric ring.

On a second thought it might've been not a diode, but some resistance as well.

On third thought It might be just some heat sensitive inline fuse embedded in the lighter itself...

Ok, so I have the ciggie lighter in front of me. I see the small bolt/nut. I also see the short wire that connects the two plates. I also have a washer between the nut and the 1st plate. Under the 1st plate is a small ring.

Here's a pic:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/08/ciggielighter-1.jpg

I'm off to see if it works for me too...

[Huffer]

I'm off to see if it works for me too...

Ok, so I removed the grey wire, it doesn't seem to be anything major, I stripped the jacket and it's just a simple silver wire?

I reinstalled everything and it still doesn't work.

[RadeOn]

I'm off to see if it works for me too...

Ok, so I removed the grey wire, it doesn't seem to be anything major, I stripped the jacket and it's just a simple silver wire?

I reinstalled everything and it still doesn't work.
Did you take the ring off, that is between metal plates? Normally, the current flows through the wire. When its burned out you need another route. I took the ring off and two metal plates are now in direct contact. Before all that I checked if there was any voltage on wires that go to the lighter.

[Huffer]

Ahh. Ok, I'll try again tomorrow. :)