How do you fix a cigarette lighter on 1996 ford contour?

Answer 1

What's wrong with it? Well, I'll try...

First, I'll assume you've checked the fuse (you have, haven't you?) Look into the socket of the lighter and make sure the center contact is clean. If not, use a rubber eraser and some electrical contact cleaner to clean it up. Use a meter to see if there is 12 volts to the center contact. If not, then gain access to the back of the lighter and make sure the wires (both the "hot" lead and the ground wire) are solidly attached. If they are, make sure the ground wire is going to a solid ground and is firmly attached. Then, check the wire coming from the fuse block. If either wire is burned or broken, repair or replace it. If you get a good 12 volts to the socket, and have a good ground connection, replace the socket.