ciggy lighters not working - likely cause?

[nogginthenog]

The cigarette lighters in my car ( Ford Focus hatch 2003 ) are not working, now I have a TomTom to charge this has become a problem! All fuses seem to be present & correct, and all other electrics are working well. So before I start poking around I wondered if there is an obvious place that I should start looking? Both the one in the dashboard, and the rear passenger one is not working.

TIA, Noggin.

[nogginthenog]

Glade said:

Do you use it to light ciggys?

If so the contacts can get covered in ash from the lighter then when using a charger it doesnt work.

Blow it out, wipe it over (ignition off ) and then give it another go.

Thanks all. No - no ciggies ever smoked in there, and neither the charger or the lighter work. I will have a look around for a 'hidden' fuse, otherise hotwire the socket straight to the battery.

Cheers.

[nogginthenog]

skip_1 said:

Prise it out, i've seen so many where the wire has just come unattached and just needs clipping back onto the bottom

Tried that - at least on the rear one. There is no power getting to it, I tested it it with a 12v bulb, and I can't find any hidden fuses. I might just take a permanent live from the radio to the dashboard lighter to fix it. Thanks for all suggestions.