I recently bought a new cigarette lighter for my 92 camaro, because I noticed I didn't have one, but how does it work. I don't smoke, so I don't use these ever, but from what I remember on most cars you push it in and when it's hot it pops out some for you to grab it.

Does it work the same way on 3rd gen camaros, because I pushed mine all the way in and waited 5min or more which should be PLENTY of time and it didn't do anything, it didn't even get hot. I'm pretty sure the outlet is good, because when I stuck a screw driver in there to pry up on some metal tabs to get a tighter fit or friction for the cigarette lighter, it sparked a bit..letting me know there was power there..so why isn't it heating up or doing anything?

 

When it sparked you prob. popped the fuse!

 

I thought of that possibility, but haven't checked yet. Other than the fuse, what's the mechanics of the cigarette lighter. Do i just push it in and then wait a bit and pull it out or will it try to pop it out like most cars I've seen?

 

checked the fuse, the fuse is good...

 

I had the same issue in my first 92RS, bought a replacement at Autozone, never worked. Sold that car, bought a new 92RS but it came with an OEM one. I have to actually hold it in for it to heat up lol.

 

On my 92 I found out the horn, dome light and other stuff wasn't working from the grounded out lighter socket and went and found some good ones at the JY and replaced it. On mine you just push in until it clicks and then in a bit when it's hot it pops out a little. I just went out and tried it, didn't take more than 15-20 seconds
Did the original pigtail fit right onto the back of the socket? You've got the orange always hot wire for the middle element and the ground needs to ground out the case properly ??

 

I haven't checked the wires going to the socket yet. I just ordered a new GM lighter part and noticed it was a bit loose when I placed it in the socket, saw 2 tabs on the inside of the socket so I bent them upward just slightly to cause some friction when I put the lighter in the socket for a tighter fit. I haven't tried pushing it in and holding it there..I'll try that, but I don't think that will work. Next I guess I'll try and take a look at the wires going to the socket. All my dome lights etc work fine. How does it "pop" out a little bit? I don't see any spring or anything that would allow it to pop out.

 

I guess the metal tabs on both sides that hold the lighter in heat up and relax enough to let it pop free. You should try before installing it again just hooking it up to your battery positive and negative to make sure it's working right. If it won't work out of the car it sure won't work installed