[Jam76]

Okay, seriously this van is making me crazy!! 1991 astro bought very used a month ago and everyday something new happens. Today I am digging around under the front seat for a five dollar bill I lost and came across the cigarette lighter that was missing from the console. Naturally, I picked it up and plugged it in. As I did so the lights on the dash dimmed and the stereo went to static, the digital clock and radio blacked out and now it doesn't work neither do any of the interior aircraft lights/ dome lights. What in the heck happened?!? And what can I do to fix it? Any help will be greatly appreciated!
P.S. The cassette player to the stereo still works though. :screaming:

 

[$uperJoe]

check the fuse. it may be a short inside the lighter and thats why it was under the seat (thrown in frustration)

 

[Big_kid]

check the fuse. it may be a short inside the lighter and thats why it was under the seat (thrown in frustration)

X2.

Also check for gum wrappers/pennies/trash/who knows what in the lighter socket. All it takes is one kid with 2 seconds in the van. Been there, done that. Still got a useless cassette deck to prove it.

 

[Jam76]

That did the trick! It blew the fuse. Guess I can throw that lighter away. Thanks so much for the solution. I'm learning...slowly! :ty:
I'm so glad that worked I drove to three junkyards trying to find a stereo from the exact model that I have and I wasbummed that it was all for nothing.
Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rev_les]

The blown lighter fuse will make the electric dutch door hatch release quit working too....why they're on the same circuit remains a mystery to me

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

At least it was a easy fix. With a 20 year old vehicle everyday is an experience. :lol:

 

[astro355]

So what was in the cigarette lighter?

 

[$uperJoe]

At least it was a easy fix. With a 20 year old vehicle everyday is an experience. :lol:

thats a better attitude than those that have little ambition and experience, and when that day comes, just push it into the back 40

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

At least it was a easy fix. With a 20 year old vehicle everyday is an experience. :lol:

thats a better attitude than those that have little ambition and experience, and when that day comes, just push it into the back 40

Hoepfully that day is a looooooong time away! :mrgreen:

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

What about replacing the cigarette lighter's element for a few bucks and seeing if that fixes the blowing fuses problem. That is if you want to be able to use it. :shrug:

 

[Jam76]

I have no idea what is wrong with the lighter I would only use that outlet with a charger or something. I just thought I'd stick the lighter in there to see if it worked . Well... We know how that turned out. It seems to be fine now just using it for charging cell though. Maybe the lighter drew too much power idk.?