Can I use my Cigarette lighter to charge a cell phone? I put a cell phone charger made for a 12v outlet and it won't come on, the lighter works though any thoughts?

 

most likely the center button for the positive 12v connection is rusted/corroded and not making contact...assuming the lighter socket is otherwise working normally.

 

My lighter works too but some of the newer gizmos don't work in the plug. I usually have to jam and twist to get it working.

 

Some 12V receptacles have a center post that has fingers that protrude a bit on either side. With certain 12V devices that have ground lugs near the tip of the male socket, the ground lugs can short over to the positive fingers. I don't know about our trucks but the cars that I make a living working on occasionally are requested to modify the socket to remedy this problem. The fix is to break the fingers leaving only the very center for positive contact.

 

Got it working good, had a lot of Corrosion cleaned it off and bam it worked thanks for the help