Cigarette Lighter: Description and Operation

An ash receptacle and cigar lighter knob and element is located in the instrument panel (column shift) or console panel (floor shift).

The cigar lighter knob and element has a low-resistance heating coil which operates much like the coil used in a portable heater.

- When the cigar lighter knob and element is pushed completely into the cigar lighter socket and retainer, the circuit is closed and current flows through the heating coil to the ground.
- When sufficient heat is generated, the cigar lighter knob and element overcomes the spring pressure of the bimetal retaining fingers and is released.