I've got a 98 sport with 4.0 and aw4.

I confirmed the fuse is good because I swapped it with the Aux fuse and the Aux plug works with both fuses. Also switched the relay with the horn relay to make sure it wasn't that. I have a voltmeter. Just don't know what to check with it (and other than checking volts, I don't know how checking resistance or whatever works.) Looking around on the web it seems I should just replace the socket itself. How do I a) check to confirm it's the socket and b) replace it if necessary?

Thanks guys.

Ryan

 

When you say aux plug, are you talking about the power outlet? If the outlet works then id say the lighter socket, wiring, or perhaps even the element is bad.

I dont know what color the power wire for the lighter is for a 98, but the FSM for my 97 says red.

 

Yes I mean the power outlet works. If I pull the center trim out will that panel with the two sockets just unscrew and come out? I'm in Phoenix, so I just don't want to spend more time in the Jeep then I need to lol

 

Rklettke view

 

Power is nice, but it does nothing without a ground. Have you checked that?

Also, you can have voltage measured with a voltmeter, but if there is high resistance in the power circuit somewhere, things still won't work, especially a high-current load like a cig lighter.

Check resistance from the ground (outside shell) of the socket to your battery ground post. Then check resistance from the socket's hot contact (center, usually) to your battery hot terminal.

Lastly, the cig lighter element can be shot. Check resistance on the cig lighter itself between the hot terminal and the ground. Shouldn't be more than a few ohms, I'd guess. If it's open (infinite resistance), toss it and get a new one.

 

Ok so I pulled it out and tested the wires that plug into it. 12.6v. So then I tried testing the Socket again, eventually with some scraping with the probe I was getting a few volts. Pulled it back off and cleaned it up. 12.6v. Accessories work in the Socket now. Oh I also bent the clips that hold the actual cigarette lighter. Not sure if that helped but it works now. I'm glad it was something dumb like that because I'm too dumb to get the socket apart from the bevel that holds it lol.

 

Yes, we're all too dumb for that. Well, I was in the process of adding fog lamps and retrieved a three rocker switch from the junkyard. The cigar lighter plug was severely rusted on the bottom so I had to learn. Looked on internet and found nothing. Here it is. If you look down inside the plug at the the top of the outer plastic, you will see two black plastic tips flush with the metal. Carefully taking a pair of pliers and bending the metal in ever so slightly (they are opposite each other so should break free together (sometimes - lol)). Pull it out through the front! If you are replacing with a clean one from the junkyard or my case, from my two rocker bezel, and accidentally squeeze too hard, you can bend back tapping it with a flat screwdriver or a 1/4" extension (light taps with a hammer). Make sure it is on a flat surface with the top lip hanging off the side. Hope this helps someone!