Discovering a coin or other small metallic object lodged in your car’s cigarette lighter socket can be frustrating and, if not handled correctly, potentially hazardous. The cigarette lighter socket, also known as a 12V accessory socket, is a direct electrical connection to your vehicle’s battery. Introducing a metallic object can cause a short circuit, which may blow a fuse, damage the vehicle’s electrical system, or even pose a risk of fire. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to get a coin out of a cigarette lighter safely and effectively.
Safety First: Prioritizing Electrical Disconnection
Before attempting any retrieval, safety must be your primary concern. Working with automotive electrical systems requires caution. The most critical step in how to get a coin out of a cigarette lighter is to eliminate the risk of electrical shock or short circuits.
Turn Off Your Vehicle and Remove the Key
The immediate action you should take is to turn off your vehicle completely. This means turning the ignition key to the “off” position and removing it from the ignition. This ensures that the vehicle’s electrical system is not actively supplying power to the accessory sockets. Even if the engine is off, some vehicles maintain power to certain circuits until the key is removed.
Disconnect the Vehicle’s Battery Terminals
For an added layer of safety, particularly if you are concerned about accidental sparks or if the coin is deeply wedged, disconnecting the vehicle’s battery terminals is highly recommended. This completely cuts off the power supply to the entire vehicle, eliminating any risk of electrical accidents while you work.
- Locate your car battery: Typically found under the hood, but sometimes in the trunk or under a rear seat.
- Identify the negative terminal: This usually has a “-” symbol and a black cable.
- Loosen the nut on the negative terminal: Use a wrench (usually 10mm or 13mm) to loosen the nut on the clamp.
- Remove the negative cable: Carefully lift the cable off the negative battery post and ensure it does not accidentally reconnect by placing it away from the battery or covering the post with a non-conductive material like a rag.
- Consider disconnecting the positive terminal as well (optional but safer): If you are particularly cautious, you can also disconnect the positive terminal (usually marked with a “+” and a red cable) after the negative terminal. Always disconnect the negative first and reconnect it last to prevent accidental short circuits with tools.
Do Not Use Metal Objects for Retrieval
A crucial safety rule when considering how to get a coin out of a cigarette lighter is to avoid using metal objects for direct retrieval. This includes screwdrivers, metal tweezers, paper clips, or any other conductive material. If the power is still active, or if there’s residual charge, a metal object can bridge the electrical contacts within the socket, leading to:
- Short circuit: This can cause a surge of current.
- Blown fuse: The vehicle’s electrical system has fuses to protect against overcurrent, but replacing them can be inconvenient.
- Damage to wiring or components: A severe short circuit can damage the lighter socket itself or other parts of the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Sparks and potential fire: In extreme cases, a short circuit can generate heat and sparks, posing a fire risk, especially if there are flammable materials nearby.
Always assume there is a risk of active power, even if you have turned off the vehicle, unless the battery is disconnected.
Retrieval Methods: How to Get Coin Out of Cigarette Lighter
Once safety precautions are in place, you can proceed with the retrieval of the coin. Several methods can be employed, ranging from simple to more involved, depending on how deeply the coin is lodged.
Small Suction Cup
A small suction cup can be surprisingly effective for how to get a coin out of a cigarette lighter.
- Find a suitable suction cup: Look for one with a small diameter, perhaps from a toy arrow, a small bathroom hook, or even a phone stand.
- Moisten the edge: Slightly moistening the edge of the suction cup can improve its seal.
- Press firmly onto the coin: Position the suction cup directly over the coin and press down to create a vacuum seal.
- Gently pull: Once sealed, carefully pull the suction cup upwards. The coin should come out with it. This method is ideal if the coin is relatively flat and accessible.
Tweezers (Non-Metallic)
If you have tweezers made of a non-conductive material, they can be a safe option for how to get a coin out of a cigarette lighter.
- Material matters: Ensure the tweezers are made entirely of plastic, bamboo, or another non-conductive material.
- Careful grip: Gently maneuver the tips of the tweezers to grip the edge of the coin.
- Slow extraction: Once you have a secure grip, slowly pull the coin straight out of the socket. Avoid twisting or prying, which could damage the socket.
Tape Method
This is a clever and often effective way for how to get a coin out of a cigarette lighter, especially for coins that are flat and have some exposed surface.
- Prepare the tape: Take a piece of strong tape (duct tape, packing tape, or even strong masking tape works well).
- Create a double-sided adhesive: Roll the tape into a small cylinder or fold it over on itself to create a sticky surface on both sides. You want a small, manageable piece that can fit into the socket.
- Attach to a stick or pencil: For better control, you can attach the tape to the end of a thin stick, a pencil, or a chopstick.
- Press onto the coin: Carefully insert the tape into the socket and press it firmly onto the surface of the coin. Apply pressure to ensure good adhesion.
- Wait and pull: Allow a few seconds for the adhesive to bond with the coin. Then, gently pull the stick/pencil and tape out, hopefully bringing the coin with it.
Needle-Nose Pliers or a Small Hook Tool
If the coin is wedged tightly or deeper in the socket, specialized tools may be needed for how to get a coin out of a cigarette lighter. JustAnswer suggests these tools for such situations.
- Needle-nose pliers (with caution): While these are metal, they can be used if the battery is disconnected and you are extremely careful not to touch the metal contacts of the socket. The fine tips can help grip the coin’s edge.
- Small hook tool: These are often found in automotive or electronics tool kits. They are designed for reaching into tight spaces and can be used to snag the edge of the coin and pull it out. Again, ensure the battery is disconnected before using any metal tool.
- Maneuver and extract: With either tool, carefully maneuver it to grasp or hook the coin. Once secured, gently pull the coin straight out. Avoid forcing it, as this could damage the socket.
Epoxy Putty or Super Glue on a Stick
This method requires patience but can be highly effective for how to get a coin out of a cigarette lighter if other methods fail. Reddit users have shared success with this technique.
- Prepare your adhesive:
- Epoxy putty: Knead a tiny amount of epoxy putty until it is pliable and sticky.
- Super glue: Put a very small dab of super glue on the end of a non-conductive stick (e.g., a wooden skewer, a plastic stirring straw, or the end of a pencil). Be extremely careful not to use too much glue, as you do not want it to drip or spread inside the socket.
- Apply to the coin: Carefully touch the adhesive (putty or glue) to the exposed surface of the coin.
- Allow to dry/cure: This is crucial. For super glue, allow several minutes for it to bond. For epoxy putty, follow the manufacturer’s curing time, which might be longer. Do not rush this step.
- Gently lift: Once the adhesive has cured and formed a strong bond with the coin, slowly and gently lift the stick or pencil, pulling the coin out with it. If it doesn’t budge, do not force it; the bond might not be strong enough, or the coin is too tightly wedged.
Removing the Lighter Socket Assembly
If all other methods fail, and the coin is irretrievably stuck, you might need to remove the entire lighter socket assembly from the dashboard. This is a more complex procedure and requires specific knowledge of your vehicle.
- Consult your vehicle’s manual: Your car’s owner’s manual is the best resource for specific instructions on how to access and remove the lighter assembly. It will detail the necessary trim panel removal, screw locations, and wiring disconnections.
- Seek professional help: If you are not comfortable with automotive interior disassembly or wiring, it is always advisable to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. They have the tools and expertise to safely remove the socket and extract the coin without causing damage.
After Removal: Inspection and Testing
Once you successfully how to get a coin out of a cigarette lighter, there are a few important steps to complete before using the socket again.
Inspect the Socket for Damage or Corrosion
- Visual check: Carefully examine the inside of the lighter socket. Look for any signs of physical damage, such as bent or broken internal contacts, scorch marks, melted plastic, or debris.
- Corrosion: JustAnswer notes that cleaning with electrical contact cleaner may help if there is corrosion. If you see any green or white powdery residue, that indicates corrosion.
- Cleaning: Use a specialized electrical contact cleaner spray (available at automotive or electronics stores) to clean the inside of the socket. This will help remove any residue, corrosion, or fine metallic dust left behind by the coin, ensuring a good electrical connection. Use a cotton swab or a soft brush if needed, but ensure it is dry before reconnecting power.
Test the Lighter Socket
After inspecting and cleaning the socket, you must test it to ensure it’s functioning properly and safely.
- Reconnect the battery: If you disconnected the battery, reconnect the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal. Ensure the connections are tight.
- Test with a known working device: Plug in a device that you know works, such as a phone charger, a GPS unit, or a portable air compressor.
- Check for power: The device should power on and function correctly.
- Check for heat (if applicable): If it’s a traditional cigarette lighter, push it in and wait for it to pop out. It should be hot.
- Listen and smell: Pay attention to any unusual sounds (hissing, buzzing) or smells (burning plastic or wires). If you detect anything abnormal, immediately disconnect the device and turn off the vehicle. There might be residual damage that needs professional attention.
By following these detailed steps, you can safely and effectively how to get a coin out of a cigarette lighter, minimizing the risk of damage to your vehicle and ensuring your electrical system remains in good working order.
How to get coins out of a cigarette lighter?
And I got a little knife right here that I used to cut it. And I fold it as you can see I fold on the tip of my finger. So now I’m going to push it in the hole. And just like that guys I get it out.
How to get coin out of charging port?
This is a common situation with a fairly easy fix. Get a stick of Wrigley’s Chewing gum, chew it, Stick it to the end of a pen and touch the penny and ease it out.
How to pop out a cigarette lighter?
Turn the wire connector counterclockwise to pop it off the socket. Look for a plastic wire connector on the back end of the lighter socket. It has a green and a black wire coming out of it, connecting the socket to the rest of the car. To remove it, grip it lightly between your fingers and rotate it counterclockwise.