Joseph Weaver If you’re a Subaru owner of a 1998 2.5 RS model, you might have experienced the frustration of a non-working cigarette lighter in your car. While it may seem like a small issue, it can be quite tricky to fix if you don’t have enough knowledge about your car’s electrical system. However, with the right tools and some basic knowledge, you can fix the cigarette lighter in no time. This DIY guide will walk you through the steps to fix the cigarette lighter on your 1998 Subaru 2.5 RS.
Understanding the Problem with the Cigarette Lighter
The cigarette lighter in your car is a small electrical component that draws power from the car’s battery. When you insert a lighter or charger, it heats up the coil and provides the power needed for the device to work. If the cigarette lighter is not working, the issue might be due to a blown fuse, a wiring problem, or a faulty lighter. Before you proceed to fix the problem, you need to understand the cause of the problem.
Checking the Fuse of the Cigarette Lighter
If the cigarette lighter is not working, the first thing you should check is the fuse. The fuse box in a 1998 Subaru 2.5 RS is located on the driver’s side of the dashboard, near the door. Open the fuse box cover and locate the cigarette lighter fuse. You can find the location of the cigarette lighter fuse in your car’s owner manual.
Once you find the fuse, check to see if it is blown. You can easily tell if the fuse is blown by looking at the metal filament inside the fuse. If it is broken or melted, the fuse needs to be replaced. Use a fuse puller to remove the blown fuse and replace it with a new one. Make sure to use the same amp rating as the original fuse to avoid damaging the electrical system.
Steps to Replace the Cigarette Lighter
If the fuse is not the issue, then the problem could be a faulty cigarette lighter. Follow these steps to replace the cigarette lighter in your 1998 Subaru 2.5 RS.
Step 1: Disconnect the Negative Terminal of the Battery
Before you begin any work, make sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid any electrical shock or damage. Locate the negative terminal of the battery in the engine compartment and use a wrench to loosen the nut. Once the nut is loose, remove the cable from the terminal and secure it away from any metal parts.
Step 2: Remove the Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
To access the cigarette lighter, you will need to remove the ashtray and cigarette lighter from the center console. Gently pull the ashtray out of the console and unplug the harness connected to the cigarette lighter. Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining nut holding the cigarette lighter in place. Once the nut is removed, pull the cigarette lighter out of the console.
Step 3: Replace the Cigarette Lighter
Take the new cigarette lighter and insert it into the console. Tighten the retaining nut with a screwdriver to secure the lighter in place. Connect the harness to the new lighter and push the ashtray back into the console.
Step 4: Reconnect the Battery
Now that you’ve replaced the cigarette lighter, it’s time to reconnect the battery. Take the cable and connect it to the negative terminal of the battery. Use a wrench to tighten the nut on the terminal.
FAQs
How do I know if the cigarette lighter is faulty?
If the fuse is not the issue, you can test the cigarette lighter by using a voltmeter. Connect the voltmeter to the positive and negative terminals of the cigarette lighter and check to see if there is any voltage. If there is no voltage, the cigarette lighter is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Can I replace the fuse with a different amp rating?
No, you should always use the same amp rating as the original fuse. Using a higher amp rating can cause damage to the electrical system and create a safety hazard.
Can I use a different brand of cigarette lighter?
Yes, you can use a different brand of cigarette lighter as long as it is compatible with your car’s electrical system.
Conclusion
Fixing a cigarette lighter in your 1998 Subaru 2.5 RS might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and some basic knowledge, you can do it yourself. Understanding the problem, checking the fuse, and replacing the lighter are the basic steps you need to follow to fix the cigarette lighter. Always remember to disconnect the battery before any electrical work to avoid any damage or shock. With these steps, you can save time and money by fixing the cigarette lighter on your own.
