Cigarette lighter not working '96 4Runner

[karbine]

I was testing out 12 volt auxillary heaters in my '96 4Runner on the way home from the store and the lighter quit on me. It's never done that before with dvd, phone, and radar detector at same time. Anyhow, I can't find a fuse for it--not under dash or in engine compartment. I don't even see one listed in the owners manual. Any ideas? I don't need the lighter, but would sure like to have my phone and detector back on. Thanks, Greg in western Iowa

[Brian R.]

Many times lighter sockets don't work because of a bad connection on the rear of the socket.

[Srobocop]

buy a lighter?

[karbine]

Thousands of out-o-work comedics in the world......
seriously, I never use the lighter-don't even know where it is, but sure need the 12 volt outlet. Greg

[karbine]

Brian: Thanks for reply. I have checked the connection and it is intact and outlet is still dead. Any idea if a circuit breaker or relay is involved? Thanks in advance, Greg

[Brian R.]

I have never been able to find a fuse or such on those circuits. Since you don't need the high current of a cigarette lighter, you can run a new wire from the fuse box to the lighter socket and have a 12V connection.

[karbine]

Brian: Sounds like a winner. Why didn't I think of that first? Do you think it is ok to just slip a wire under an existing fuse in the panel? I've done that with a line I ran to the back seat for a 12 volt outlet for the kid's dvd player and it has done fine.
We love our toys. Have the 4Runner and 3 ext cab 4x4 PU's. The '89 pu has ~210k miles and going strong. 140k on the 4runner. 160k and 110k on the other pu's. Thanks, Greg

[Brian R.]

Usually, the fuse holders have clips you can attach a matching clip onto and have a fused power wire. Anyway you can make a reliable connection is ok. I would put it on the fused side to keep it safe.