cigarette lighter light

[netrophile]

Hello everyone.

Hope all is well.

I just replaced my central dash console today. When I took the cigarette lighter out I noted there was a small light. I dont know if this is working now. The dash lights up as normal but the lighter surround does not. I think it lights up when the lighter is hot but it is quite faint.

Am I right? If so then it must be working OK. If not then I may need a new bulb. The lighter heats up fine.

Thanks for any help with this.

[Tool Pants]

Never thought someone would ask a question about that bulb. Did you put it back on properly.

Take it out and see if the filament is broken. Or, check it with an ohm meter.

I replaced mine when it burned out. You cannot just replace the bulb as it is part of the holder. The only place I know who sells it is Porsche. Jeff

[Loren]

Also... the light only comes on with the headlights. So if it's not on when they are then it's disconnected or burnt out.

[netrophile]

The filament looks intact. This is a dim question but could the bulb still have burnt out?

I cant see how it works either. It is shut in a green cover with a white cylinder over it. Is this what you guys have?

Isn't it funny-I never thought I would be writing this sort of stuff on the internet when I bought my Porsche!!!

[Tool Pants]

The filament is very small - hard to tell if it is broken. That is why I suggested an ohm meter test, but you must remove the bulb/holder to test it. This is what I have on my 1997 Boxster.

[netrophile]

Thanks Jeff.

I will get on to this later today but I ordered a new bulb anyway-I wouldn't have thought it would be that expensive even if I just end up keeping it in my toolbox. The 996 arrangement looks just like your picture as you figured I'm sure.

[Itzkirb]

Also, you might want to double check that all the metal connectors are making contact. Sometimes when you remove the lighter unit and light the metal contact can bend.

Edited October 18, 2003 by Itzkirb

[Guest]

Here is a simpler solution....assuming you don't smoke in your car, that is (Ugh!!) ;)

[netrophile]

Thanks Don.

I like your mod but I do have a real problem. My mind likes symmetry, so much so that I was thinking of replacing the 2 dummy inserts with real switches (non-functional) to make the console balance. If I were to close off the cigarette lighter (I don't smoke being medical!) I'm sure that my driving would suffer because of the bad feng-shui

Edited October 19, 2003 by netrophile

[netrophile]

Also, you might want to double check that all the metal connectors are making contact.  Sometimes when you remove the lighter unit and light the metal contact can bend.

Thanks!

I took everything out again and tested with a ohm meter. The bulb worked fine. When I reconnected it worked again-must have been a contact issue. :D

[Tool Pants]

I can tell you have a 1999 due to the shape of the dummies. In 2000 they were shaped like real switches.

[netrophile]

:notworthy: Why can't you guys all live in the UK?

[jbettenc]

Tool Pants (Jeff),

Can you get the 2000 shaped switches from a parts dealer for the 1999 996? Do you know where to find the 2000 dummy switches? I personally do not like the dummy switch covers on the 1999.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Loren]

The ones that are shaped like a switch are part number: 986 613 425 00 A01

Those will be gloss black to match your interior. MY02 and newer cars got a mat black finish.