2009 Vibe Cigarette Lighter Power not working

[ponta2147]

The other day I'm not exactly sure what happened, but the cigarette lighter power stopped working. I had a 3-way splitter plugged into it and moved it to try to mount it with 3M Command Velcro (which didn't work, unfortunately). When I tried to plug it back in, nothing was working- not the splitter, nor the three plugs individually. We thought it was a fuse, but everything else is working properly including the outlet. I suppose we can go back and actually check the fuses (we probably will today, have to find the fuse puller) but any ideas? If this is something I can fix myself without having to drag my (removed) to the dealership, I'd much rather do that.

[Wolfman213]

Have you tried plugging something into it directly without using the splitter? Check that and if it works then, check the splitter's fuse if it has one. The fuse in it may have blown. Sometimes the are the mini-bus fuses (like reagular fuses in the car) and others are glass tubes that are typically in the part that actually plugs into the cig outlet. You just have to unscrew the tip most of the time.

[ponta2147]

Quote, originally posted by Wolfman213 »Have you tried plugging something into it directly without using the splitter? Check that and if it works then, check the splitter's fuse if it has one. The fuse in it may have blown. Sometimes the are the mini-bus fuses (like reagular fuses in the car) and others are glass tubes that are typically in the part that actually plugs into the cig outlet. You just have to unscrew the tip most of the time.Yup, we checked all of the fuses of the splitter and all three individual things (GPS, phone charger, bluetooth charger) and all fuses were fine. And we plugged each of those three things in by themselves, to no avail.

[ponta2147]

Bumping this... any ideas? We can't figure it out, might have to call the dealership tomorrow if it doesn't turn out to be something simple.

[star_deceiver]

Is there anything else that doesn't work?Take the cover off the gear shifter and reach/look down to see if anything on the back of the cig lighter socket is disconnected.Doubtful but: I've destroyed the inside of many a plug of my devices by repeatedly unplugging it, wires disconnecting, plastic breaking, solder breaking loose... Try your devices in another car!

[ponta2147]

Update on this:All the devices worked just fine in my husband's G6. Checked every fuse that had the word "Cigarette Lighter" in it- all were fine. Took apart the bottom center console (was already partially disassembled anyway due to taking out the ebrake boot) and checked all the wires- nothing looked loose or disconnected.We have no idea. Should I do the dealership thing? I am always hesitant to do that because they like to destroy my car when they pull it apart (scratches, gouges, broken clips, etc) especially if there is another solution. But if no one can think of anything, I'll call them.

[audiovibe]

Hy Michelle, have you tried to check another outlet in the Vibe; it could be a bad socket.

[ponta2147]

Quote, originally posted by audiovibe »Hy Michelle, have you tried to check another outlet in the Vibe; it could be a bad socket.Well, the standard power outlet works... is there another cig lighter in the '09s? I thought there was only one. Would a bad socket just randomly cut out on me for no reason?

[audiovibe]

I'm sure its possible,HMMM do you or Chris have access to a multimeter or test light? if you do test the socket, positive will be the center back side. Also in some adapters that plug into the socket have a fuse as well. Sometimes you can unscrew the lid and there is a main fuse in line, not sure if the plug for your splitter is the same as that or not. Also try to test the fuses for continuity as sometimes when they blow you really cant see them by eye, they appear to be good but no go.

[ponta2147]

Quote, originally posted by audiovibe »I'm sure its possible,HMMM do you or Chris have access to a multimeter or test light? if you do test the socket, positive will be the center back side. Also in some adapters that plug into the socket have a fuse as well. Sometimes you can unscrew the lid and there is a main fuse in line, not sure if the plug for your splitter is the same as that or not. Also try to test the fuses for continuity as sometimes when they blow you really cant see them by eye, they appear to be good but no go.Actually we do have a multimeter, at least Chris does, so I'll have him check it out. We checked the fuses of the splitter and the chargers and they all looked fine, plus all worked in his car. We'll see what the multimeter tells us, thanks for the suggestion! Otherwise appointment for the dealer on Tues. to fix under warranty.

[ponta2147]

I have a picture of what the back of the power area looks like (also posted in my garage) if anyone has any ideas. Could there be something inside the protected wires or the lighter itself?

[tpollauf]

Michelle. Did the cig lighter socket work BEFORE you removed it and was checking out all that wiring? I'm assuming (based on what is posted and WHEN in your garage) that this was removed at the same time you painted your trim pieces and was NOT removed due to electrical problems? If so, then you disturbed something somewhere. Get a 12v test light if you don't have one yet (keep it in your glove box at all times, they DO come in handy) and check the wiring from the back side. The nice thing about these test lights is that you can "poke" through any wiring insulation to check the wire. This will answer some of your questions. FYI, the center of the cig lighter is positive(+) and that would be the wire you "poke" with the tester. FYI ... I know you're not a blond, so make sure the ignition is "on" Let us know how things go ............. Tim

[ponta2147]

Actually it broke a few days before the painting, which is why I figured I would take it apart to figure out why, as long as I was there.

[ponta2147]

It was fuse #7 under the steering wheel, which we had checked and it looked fine. Mechanic person acted like I was a dumbass "you know the car has to be in the on position?" But oh well... I know which it is for next time.

[lovemyraffe]

I'm glad you got it back.