How to fix a cigarette lighter that pops out onto the floor

[Robert B.]

The lighter element on my '67 is the correct CASCO 63, and it does heat up, but it does not stay in long enough to glow red. It gets warm, and then pops out into my hand - or the floor, if I'm not quick enough. Any suggestions on how to fix it? I tried a friends lighter in my car, and it did the same thing, so I'm assuming the problem lies in the socket.

Thanks,

Bob

[Doug F.]

Re: How to fix a cigarette lighter that pops out onto the floor

sometimes you can tweek the lower tabs enough to hold it in, if not you need another, there is another set of tabs up from the heating tabs, you can adjust those so they have a little more friction and the lighter wont pop out, two different problems, maybe one bubba fix will do the trick, sometimes glass beading roughs them up enough that they hold a little better also.

[John H.]

Re: How to fix a cigarette lighter that pops out onto the floor

Bob -

The retention of the prongs in the bottom of the socket determine how hot the element gets before it's released, and the bendable prongs in the side of the barrel determine whether the element stays in the barrel after it's released or pops out on the floor. Tweak them until you find the right combination, and disconnect the red hot wire while you're "tweaking" with a small screwdriver or you can inadvertently create a short and blow the fuse ('67 and up only).

[Chuck M.]

Re: How to fix a cigarette lighter that pops out onto the floor

Bob,
we had this very same problem the first time we attempted the PV. You will want to first disconnect you battery. As Doug said, inside the socket you will find a couple of tabs that can be bent inward to hold the lighter in place. You will want to test this out a couple of times to find the right amount of resistance.

Chuck

[Robert B.]

Re: How to fix a cigarette lighter that pops out onto the floor

Thanks very much - I thought I was headed in the right direction, and I'll carefully start bending prongs with battery disconnected!

[John F.]

Re: How to fix a cigarette lighter that pops out onto the floor

The latest in driving gloves should cure your problem. See pics. Sorry I just couldn't help myself on this one. Fix as indicated above.

[William G.]

Re: How to fix a cigarette lighter that pops out onto the floor

Nomex gloves anyone????? Or a full suit if the lighter lands on the carpet.

WAG

[Christopher R.]

Re: How to fix a cigarette lighter that pops out onto the floor

You can stick a little screwdriver blade in there to bend the prongs inward. Disconnect power to the lighter before you do this.

If you bend them in too much, the lighter will stay in too long and it will get too hot. There's a risk of fire or melting wires.

On mine, I found that bending in the prongs would only work for a few times, and then the lighter would go back to popping out onto the floor. I attributed that condition to the housing getting old and the metal prongs getting metal fatigue. I ended up replacing the housing. About $20.