Looking for a suggestion, I just bought a 2009 Cherokee. The lighter is seized in the socket, won't budge at all. The fuse is blows immediately, so I want to eliminate the problem, any suggestions?

 

replace the unit

 

Unplug it.

 

I would like to un plug it, can you reach behind there?

 

I have a WJ. To get to mine I have to remove some panels and take out a few screws. Your profile just says "Cherokee" . If you don't have the Grand, I don't know. Should be pretty easy though. I found this. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/ci...emoval-124855/

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I didn't quite follow it... I do appreciate your reply.

 

Okay, on the WJ (99-04) the cigarette lighter, ash tray, and power outlet are all in a panel just above the shifter console. It is held in the dash by 4 snap clips and you just gently pry on the sides of it and it pops out. You can just unplug it then, or remove and replace it. I've thought about replacing it with another power outlet because I never use the lighter and there are clips in the bottom of it that get in the way of an accessory plug. Actually with yours, someone may have used an accessory power plug in it, damaging the clips so the lighter sticks in it now.

The difference is the lighter socket is only hot with the key on and fused at 10 amps, and the power outlet is hot at all times and is fused at 15 amps. I tapped off that wire for the relay trigger signal for my aftermarket fog lights. I drilled a hole in the panel for a rocker switch just above the lighter. That way the lights go off when I turn off the ignition, in case I forget.

Check out wkjeeps.com for more info on your 09.

 

Dave,

Thanks, I will take a look at the panel tomorrow. What should I use to gently pry on the sides of the panel?

John

 

I used a small plastic putty knife, but they make a special trim tool just for that. I was looking in that WK website and near as I can tell, everything is on a one piece bezel in your model. You may have some screws to remove.

 

Ok, thanks again... I'll give it a shot. I was thinking in an odd way... I do have the advantage of having the lighter to pull on... Do you now if the lighter the only item on that fuse?

 

IDK man! It's an 09, anything can be possible. My expertise ends at 04.