[curtis73]

Chances are the lighter itself isn't bad. They are simply a metal tube with a contact in the middle. There is really nothing to fail about them. It would be like if your cell phone died and you replaced the battery contacts. Chances are they aren't to blame.

Use a test light or multimeter to test the lighter socket itself. If you're not getting juice, test the wire at the back. If you're getting juice to the wire but not the socket (which would be rare) then you need to replace the socket.

Chances are its a loose wire or a blown fuse.

Accessing those panels is usually a pretty straightforward thing. They do their best to hide bolts and stuff. Look clear at the bottom of the panel you wish to remove and you'll probably find several screws. Then, most times the panel is held on by little push-on studs or tabs. Try gently pulling and see where its hanging up.