<VV> cigarette Lighter Problem

[Craig Nicol]

Chris asked:
The cigarette lighter in my 65 corvair does not work.  I pulled the plug 
on the back and it is getting 12 volts.  If I put my meter on the center 
nub and the side of the plug to ground it gets 12 volts.  None of the 
items I plug into it work.

Tried electronics cleaner, no help.

Cleaned up all the crud I could.

Still does not work.

How do I remove the lighter.  Tried turning the outer ring both ways, 
and nothing seemed to loosen up.

Craig replies:
Removal: The lighter housing is held on from the back. The outer shell (grab
under dash) rotates and unscrews. You have to keep the lighter guts from
rotation or they won't unscrew from each other. The shell (a large diameter
tube) comes off the back and the lighter guts come out the front. The
threads are usually corroded and tight. Threads are at the rear, near the
electrical connection; you might have to get some penetrating oil on them.

Are there prongs in the bottom of the socket? They grab the end of the
lighter. No prongs  no workey! Is the lighter element good? They often burn
out too.
HTH,
Craig Nicol