Cigarette lighter and courtesy light problem

[fieryfilly]

Hi all, new here etc.
Found the site after my other half had problem diagnosing why the cigarette lighter and courtesy light failed (doors closed and engine running, light wouldn't on, but would come on after a trip when engine turned off)
He did all the usual checks, visually checked each fuse under the steering column, buzzed the ends out with multimeter etc.
Could only find posts around the 'net detailing the problem, never the solution, other than 'mine was under warranty so brought it back to the dealer and they replaced the fuse', or 'they sorted it'.
SO, I'm posting this up to provide a simple answer for anyone else with the same problem.

In the fuse box under the steering column and to the right, you'll see in the console, near the centre, a grey and green 32 amp fuse.
To the right of that, should be a 20 amp, yellow fuse.
That's the culprit.
He checked that first time around and it appeared visually sound, no sign of blowing at all.
However, on the 2nd time around, he found it to be blown.
Bit of a mystery there, but there ya go lol
New fuse, it's all good.

Fuses are sometimes misleading and CAN be blown despite their simple build and easiness to check.
If in doubt, replace it lol


Hope this helps someone in the future.
Fiery.

[Thar]

Thanks for the advice in case I ever have this problem!

[louiseemily]

Thank you so much for posting this! It has meant it took minutes to get the problem diagnosed and fixed rather than trawling through forum posts. I had the exact problem you described and the fuse you mentioned was blown. Thank you so much!!!!!

[Slo]

Cause is usually the areial has leaked water into the top of the courtesy light and the resulting short circuit between the switch contacts. Might be an idea to pop it out and see if its been leaking, if it has the switch contacts will be well rusty.