RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (2002)
Auxiliary Power Outlet: Description and Operation
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
On models equipped a cigar lighter outlet is installed in the instrument panel center lower bezel, which is located near the bottom of the instrument
panel center stack area, below the heater and air conditioner controls. The cigar lighter outlet is secured by a snap fit within the center lower bezel.
The cigar lighter outlet, plastic cap and the knob and heating element unit are available for service replacement. These components cannot be
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
The cigar lighter consists of two major components: a knob and heating element unit, and the cigar lighter base or outlet shell. The receptacle shell
is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in the bottom of the shell is connected to battery current. The cigar lighter receives battery voltage
from a fuse in the junction block when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or Run positions.
The cigar lighter knob and heating element are encased within a spring-loaded housing, which also features a sliding protective heat shield. When
the knob and heating element are inserted in the outlet shell, the heating element resistor coil is grounded through its housing to the outlet shell. If
the cigar lighter knob is pushed inward, the heat shield slides up toward the knob exposing the heating element, and the heating element extends
from the housing toward the insulated contact in the bottom of the outlet shell.
Two small spring-clip retainers are located on either side of the insulated contact inside the bottom of the outlet shell. These clips engage and hold
the heating element against the insulated contact long enough for the resistor coil to heat up. When the heating element is engaged with the contact,
battery current can flow through the resistor coil to ground, causing the resistor coil to heat.
When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated, excess heat radiates from the heating element causing the spring-clips to expand. Once the
spring-clips expand far enough to release the heating element, the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heating element to pop back outward
to their relaxed position. When the cigar lighter knob and element are pulled out of the outlet shell, the protective heat shield slides downward on
the housing so that the heating element is recessed and shielded around its circumference for safety.
POWER OUTLET
Two power outlets are utilized on this model. One in the instrument panel next to the cigar lighter and the other in the center console. The power
outlet bases are secured by a snap fit within the instrument panel or trim panel. A plastic protective cap snaps into the power outlet base when the
power outlet is not being used, and hangs from the power outlet base mount by an integral bail strap while the power outlet is in use.
The power outlet receptacle unit and the accessory power outlet protective cap are available for service. The power outlet receptacle cannot be
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
The power outlet base or receptacle shell is connected to ground, and an insulated contact in the bottom of the shell is connected to battery current.
The power outlet receives battery voltage from a fuse in the integrated power module at all times.
While the power outlet is very similar to a cigar lighter base unit, it does not include the two small spring-clip retainers inside the bottom of the
receptacle shell that are used to secure the cigar lighter heating element to the insulated contact.
