Ford Fiesta Cigarette Lighter Fuse Location

Experiencing issues with your Ford Fiesta's cigarette lighter or auxiliary power points can be a real nuisance, especially when you rely on them for charging devices or powering accessories on the go. Often, the culprit is a blown fuse, a small but vital component designed to protect your vehicle's electrical system from overloads. This article focuses specifically on the sixth-generation Ford Fiesta, covering models produced from 2014 to 2019 after its facelift. We'll guide you through the exact locations of the fuse boxes and pinpoint which fuses are responsible for your auxiliary power points, ensuring you can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue.

Understanding your vehicle's electrical system, even at a basic level, empowers you to perform simple repairs and save yourself a trip to the garage. Fuses are essentially sacrificial links in an electrical circuit, designed to melt and break the circuit if the current flowing through them exceeds a safe level. This prevents damage to more expensive components, like wiring or the devices you plug in. Identifying the correct fuse and understanding how to replace it is a fundamental skill for any Ford Fiesta owner.

Passenger Compartment Fuse Box: The Primary Location

For the Ford Fiesta models from 2014 to 2019, the main fuses for the cigarette lighter and auxiliary power points are conveniently located within the passenger compartment. This particular fuse box is situated behind the glove box, making it relatively accessible for owners to check and replace fuses without needing specialist tools or extensive mechanical knowledge.

How to Access the Passenger Compartment Fuse Box

Accessing this fuse panel is straightforward:

1. Begin by opening the glove box as you normally would.
2. Once open, you'll need to gently press the sides of the glove box inward. There are often small tabs or stops that prevent the glove box from swinging down too far. Pressing these inward allows the glove box to drop further, revealing the fuse panel behind it.
3. With the glove box fully lowered, you should see the fuse panel cover. You may need to remove this cover to gain full access to the fuses.

Identifying the Cigarette Lighter Fuses

Once you have access to the passenger compartment fuse box, you'll need to locate the specific fuses responsible for the auxiliary power points. For all Ford Fiesta models from 2014 to 2019, the primary fuse for the auxiliary power points is consistently listed as Fuse №33. However, it's crucial to note a minor distinction for later models:

• For 2014-2016 models, Fuse №33 covers the general 'Auxiliary power points'.
• From 2017 onwards (including 2018 and 2019 models), Fuse №32 is introduced to specifically cover 'Rear auxiliary power points', while Fuse №33 continues to protect the 'Front auxiliary power points'.

Always consult the specific diagram for your vehicle's year, as detailed in the sections below, to ensure you're checking the correct fuse. A blown fuse will typically have a broken wire within its clear housing. When replacing a fuse, always use one with the exact same amperage rating to avoid potential electrical issues or further damage.

Engine Compartment Fuse Box: Power Distribution Hub

While the cigarette lighter fuses are found in the passenger compartment, your Ford Fiesta also has a crucial power distribution box located in the engine compartment. This box houses fuses and relays for higher-current circuits and critical vehicle systems such as the engine, anti-lock braking system, and cooling fans. Although it doesn't typically contain fuses directly related to the cigarette lighter, it's an important part of your vehicle's overall electrical architecture and knowing its location can be useful for other troubleshooting tasks.

The power distribution box in the engine compartment is usually located near the battery or on one of the inner fender wells. It will have a protective cover that needs to be unclipped or unlatched to access the fuses and relays underneath. Always ensure the vehicle's ignition is off before handling any fuses in the engine compartment.

Detailed Fuse Box Diagrams and Assignments

To help you precisely locate the correct fuse for your Ford Fiesta, we've compiled detailed fuse assignments for each model year from 2014 to 2019. Please refer to the specific year of your vehicle for the most accurate information.

Ford Fiesta 2014 Fuse Layouts

Passenger Compartment (2014)

Engine Compartment (2014)

Ford Fiesta 2015 Fuse Layouts

Passenger Compartment (2015)

Engine Compartment (2015)

Ford Fiesta 2016 Fuse Layouts

Passenger Compartment (2016)

Engine Compartment (2016)

Ford Fiesta 2017 Fuse Layouts

Passenger Compartment (2017)

Engine Compartment (2017)

Ford Fiesta 2018, 2019 Fuse Layouts

Passenger Compartment (2018, 2019)

Engine Compartment (2018, 2019)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cigarette lighter or auxiliary power point isn't working after checking the relevant fuse, consider these additional troubleshooting steps:

• Check the Device: Ensure the device you're plugging in is working correctly. Try it in another vehicle or a different power outlet if available. Sometimes the issue isn't the car, but the accessory itself.
• Inspect the Socket: Look inside the power outlet for any foreign objects, debris, or corrosion that might be preventing a proper connection. Use a non-conductive tool (like a plastic toothpick) to carefully remove any obstructions.
• Voltage Test: If you have a multimeter, you can test the voltage at the fuse slot or the power outlet itself. With the ignition on, place the positive probe on one side of the fuse slot (or inside the outlet's centre pin) and the negative probe on a grounded metal surface. A reading of approximately 12 volts indicates power is reaching that point. If there's no voltage at the fuse slot, the problem might be further upstream, though this is less common for a single accessory.
• Check for Overload: Continuously blowing fuses indicates an underlying problem. This could be an electrical short in the wiring to the outlet, or you might be consistently drawing too much power for the fuse's rating. Avoid using high-wattage devices if your fuse keeps blowing.
• Professional Help: If you've checked the fuse, the device, and the socket, and the problem persists, it might be time to consult a qualified mechanic. There could be a more complex electrical fault or a wiring issue that requires professional diagnosis and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the amperage of the cigarette lighter fuse in a Ford Fiesta?

For all Ford Fiesta models from 2014-2019, the main auxiliary power point fuse (F33) is typically 20 Amps. For 2017 onwards, the rear auxiliary power points (F32) also use a 20 Amp fuse. Always verify with your specific model year's fuse diagram to be certain.

Can I use a higher amperage fuse for my cigarette lighter?

No, absolutely not. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating than specified is extremely dangerous. Fuses are designed to protect circuits from overcurrents. A higher-rated fuse will allow more current to flow, potentially leading to overheating wires, electrical fires, and severe damage to your vehicle's electrical system. Always use a fuse with the exact same amperage rating as the one you are replacing.

How do I know if a fuse is blown?

Most automotive fuses have a small wire visible through a clear plastic or glass housing. If this wire is broken or melted, the fuse is blown. Some modern fuses might have a small indicator light that illuminates when blown, but this is less common for standard blade fuses found in the Fiesta.

Do I need special tools to replace a fuse?

Typically, you only need a fuse puller, which often comes included in your vehicle's fuse box or with a spare fuse kit. If you don't have one, small needle-nose pliers can sometimes be used carefully, but a fuse puller is safer and prevents damage to the fuse or surrounding components.

My phone charger isn't working, but the fuse isn't blown. What else could it be?

If the fuse is intact, first check if the charger itself works in another vehicle or power source. The charger might be faulty. Also, inspect the cigarette lighter socket for any debris, coins, or corrosion that could obstruct the connection. Sometimes, simply cleaning the contacts within the socket can resolve the issue.

Conclusion

Locating and replacing a blown cigarette lighter fuse in your Ford Fiesta (2014-2019) is a straightforward maintenance task that most owners can accomplish with minimal effort. By following the detailed instructions and referring to the specific fuse diagrams for your model year, you can quickly restore power to your vehicle's auxiliary power points. Remember the importance of using the correct amperage replacement fuse to ensure the safety and integrity of your car's electrical system. Should the problem persist after checking the fuse, it's always wise to seek further diagnosis from a trusted automotive professional to rule out more complex underlying issues.

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