If you don't have a multimeter ask a friend/neighbor if you can borrow theirs. Set it for DC 15 volts and touch the probes to the wiring or inside the socket being careful not to let the probes touch. If polarity is correct the meter will swing up or digital display will show +. If it's incorrect the meter will swing down or a display will show -.
Another option is to pick up an inexpensive polarity tester. They're available at most auto supply and hardware stores.
Cheers
To fix the cigarette lighter on a Chevy Cavalier, check the fuse first. Next check the wiring and the cigarette lighter itself for a problem.
check your fuse for the cig lighter
Either there is a fault in the cell phone charger (try it in something else) or the wires on the cigarette lighter socket are reverse polarity. Check centre of socket is positive.
If a Ford Expedition loses operation of a cigarette lighter, there is a loss of power. Check the fuses and wiring to the lighter to find the problem.
Check fuse, or replace the lighter.
When your cigarette lighter fuse is good and there is voltage measured between the fuse's load side to ground (To check this, use a dc voltmeter or a 12v automotive lamp and an automotive lamp socket. Connect one wire to the fuse and the other wire to the chassis of the vehicle the lamp should glow if voltage is present on the fuse terminal.), check the wire between the fuse and cigarette lighter. This wire should be without cut and when the wire is good then check the connector on the cigarette lighter socket for loose connection or corrosion. One more thing is that, make sure that your cigarette lighter fits the cigarette lighter socket because not all cigarette lighters will work on some cigarette lighter sockets.
Did you check for a blown fuse?
Check the fuses
If a Chevy Cavalier cigarette lighter doesn't work, check the fuse. The fuse may be blown and will need replaced.
The cigarette lighter fuse is shared. Under the hood in the main fusebox, check all 15 amp fuses-it should be one of them that has blown. The cigarette lighter fuse is shared. Under the hood in the main fusebox, check all 15 amp fuses-it should be one of them that has blown. The cigarette lighter fuse is shared. Under the hood in the main fusebox, check all 15 amp fuses-it should be one of them that has blown. The cigarette lighter fuse is shared. Under the hood in the main fusebox, check all 15 amp fuses-it should be one of them that has blown.
Check the fuses first.
Check the fuses first.