So, my husband and I just spent 4 hours trying to install a new cig lighter so that I can use it for a charger and to plug in an EFI kit handheld. About 17 years ago (I kid you not) my cig lighter suddenly sparked and blew out while I was driving down the road. I wasn't even using it. Fast forward to present day, I finally have a need for my cig lighter and we find out the wires are melted at that huge wiring harness there behind the lighter.
We want to fix this, but how the heck do you get to it??? We took everything we could think of apart and still were no closer. Do we need to remove the entire dash? And if so, freakin' how? I know there are probably threads on this, but I can't seem to find it. Any help?

Katy

 

No, it's not that hard to do. First take off the padded panel under the steering wheel.5 Torx screws, two on the front side and three across the back. When it gets loose you have to unhook a tab from the plastic panel behind it that the front panel holds up the back one with. Then you will see the bottom screws that hold the bezel for the gauges that the lighter is screwed into. You have to remove the headlight shaft or **** and the bezel will just pop free from the two push in tabs holding in the back. Unscrew lighter socket and you're done. I think I have extra lighters and pigtails if you can't find what you need. The orange wire going to the lighter is hot at all times. That may be what shorted out somehow. Unless of course the problem is deeper in? Taking off the back panel and reaching up will get you access to more