M35 front cigarette lighter NOT WORKING !!!

[Brian35XR]

Hey yall I have a little problem. Recently bought a brand new 2006 m35 and the front 12v power outlet (in the ashtray) only works seldomly. The orange led inside works but you have to twist and jiggle the hell out of it to get it to charge anything... even then it disconnects frequently. What can I do about this? Buy a new one? Anything to tighten? This is URGENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks !

[TDot]

Off the top of my head it depends. If it's truly the lighter slot not working, meaning your device ALWAYS works continuously in the back, you can simply open up the center console, slide out the metal holder and,
A/ squeeze the sides in a little to make better contact with your plug IF it's the ground not making good contact.
Or
B/ solder a metal contact at the bottom of the holder to make better contact for power.
Or
C/ thicken up the walls of the metal holder with some type of conductive material to decrease wiggle room and make your plug sit more securely.(you don't need to open the center console for this)

Or some other suggestion, good luck.

[Brian35XR]

Thanks.... I'm going to take it apart tomorrow and try those suggestions because I'm replacing the clock leds as well (theyre 3mm right?). To make it clear the whole round metal assembly wiggles from within it's compartment in the cigarette lighter. I'll have to remove it to get a better look at it tomorrow. Thanks!

[svard75]

Take a flathead screwdriver to the charger wings and bend them outwards.

[TDot]

Yes, I forgot about the wings. Also, you might want to take some alcohol first and give it a good run down before you do any of that. Could simply be a little corrosion or film build up.

[raysworld718]

Try fuse box behind emergency break below drivers left foot... There is a lighter fuse that can be burnt out and in need to be switched. Pack of fuses like $5 at autozone and very easy to switch out. Worked for me!