Cig lighter ring.

[Pivot]

While I had my console torn apart for an AUX relocation project, I figured I should fix the burned out cigarette lighter surround.

Went to the dealership, and they said it was a whole assembly: bulb, shroud, and the orange plastic ring.

I popped off the bulb and replaced jut it, since there wasn't anything wrong with the rest of the parts (and the orange rig was a pain to get out).

The ring is lit again, but VERY unevenly. It's bright right near where the bulb is housed, but practically dark on the other side. I'm prepared to live with it, but it'd be nice if it worked the way it used to.

Any explanations? Potential remedies?

[bman13]

This happened to me when I replaced the cig lighter...hmmm I'm in for explanation.

[cwp_sedan]

Didn't it have a smoked rubber coating/condom on the bulb before? This used to soften the light I think.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e396/icspots/cigringbulb1.jpg

[JayJay18]

While I had my console torn apart for an AUX relocation project, I figured I should fix the burned out cigarette lighter surround.

Went to the dealership, and they said it was a whole assembly: bulb, shroud, and the orange plastic ring.

I popped off the bulb and replaced jut it, since there wasn't anything wrong with the rest of the parts (and the orange rig was a pain to get out).

The ring is lit again, but VERY unevenly. It's bright right near where the bulb is housed, but practically dark on the other side. I'm prepared to live with it, but it'd be nice if it worked the way it used to.

Any explanations? Potential remedies?

Did you use the bulb from Mazda or did you seek out a replacement somewhere else?
Joe at MOT also told me that its the whole assembly that has to be changed (the ring and bulb)

[cwp_sedan]

Did you use the bulb from Mazda or did you seek out a replacement somewhere else?
Joe at MOT also told me that its the whole assembly that has to be changed (the ring and bulb)

You can just replace the bulb. I can't quite remember what it is and it's a little different then the ones I list below but just go to Canadian tired with the old one and get something that is close. Becareful removing the old one because you can break it trying to remove it.

These should all work (or variations of since CT may only carry certain ones and not these specifically)
2723 bulb
2721 bulb
74 bulb

If you are careful you may also be able to pull the condom off and put it on the new bulb. If not I know some people have used a sharpie. Either way it will never be the same as OEM unless you replace it with OEM.

[Pivot]

I used Genuine Mazda.

[cwp_sedan]

I used Genuine Mazda.

Yikes. $30 approx vs $3. That was a no brainer for me.


EDIT: Wait, you used genuine Mazda for what? The bulb or the whole unit?

[gabbygenier]

i just took my unit apart. its a 74 bulb as ryan mentionned. and the led ones will fit in it cause my ashtrey one fits in it. now too bad the whole ring thing is redish plastic, cant make it blue :( these are blue but you can see you can get them really cheap on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.ca/10-x-1-LED-74-T5-Mini-Wedge-Bulbs-Blue-12-volt-DC-/120697846932?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c1a26fc94#ht_2284wt_905

[Pivot]

Yeah, I was a little disappointed with myself on this one. The easy route was to let Mazda do the thinking for me, and tell me what I needed instead of just using an after market bulb or LED. I had expected it to just be a bulb, but the guy at the parts counter said it was a whole assembly. I was too sick to put up a fight, so I bent over and took it.

The whole assembly was $22. Live and learn, I suppose. Since the thing won't light properly, I may end up putting a bulb into it after all... Irony sucks.

[FLIPDADY]

You could have bought just the ring and bulb part. Instead of the entire lighter element. Another route would have been to remove the bulb and get a replacement from Crappy Tire or NextMod.

[Pivot]

It was just the light bulb, housing and ring. No lighter element.

[FLIPDADY]

Damn did you pay full retail for it?

[Pivot]

Jesus, really?

No offense, but can we get overwhat I paid, and get around to how I can make this overpriced POS light working properly?

[cwp_sedan]

Jesus, really?

No offense, but can we get overwhat I paid, and get around to how I can make this overpriced POS light working properly?

If you bought a dealer replacement it should look the same as before.

[bluntman]

Serendipity!

I noticed that the bulb illuminating the cigarette lighter ring was out this morning. A quick trip to CT to pick up a some replacement bulbs, followed by a few minutes of elbow grease and it's as good as new. Thanks to Ryan for posting the bulb numbers, however, the CT I went to didn't have a "74 bulb" but rather a "73 bulb" and it worked fine.

[cwp_sedan]

Serendipity!

I noticed that the bulb illuminating the cigarette lighter ring was out this morning. A quick trip to CT to pick up a some replacement bulbs, followed by a few minutes of elbow grease and it's as good as new. Thanks to Ryan for posting the bulb numbers, however, the CT I went to didn't have a "74 bulb" but rather a "73 bulb" and it worked fine.

I think that 73 bulb is actually the one I used also. I was in the same boat and couldn't find a 74. I can't remember but glad it worked! :thumbsup

[yearoftherat]

I've got the ring part and bulb ordered thru Joe as well as another bulb for the HVAC which is a pita to take out.. :bang

[bluntman]

I think that 73 bulb is actually the one I used also. I was in the same boat and couldn't find a 74. I can't remember but glad it worked! :thumbsup

Of course I happened to drop by another CT and they one last package of 74 bulbs. WTF!

[cwp_sedan]

Of course I happened to drop by another CT and they one last package of 74 bulbs. WTF!

:bang

[erratic]

hmm mines is out too.. would it be covered under the 3 year warranty? I'll have to attempt this as well.

[cwp_sedan]

hmm mines is out too.. would it be covered under the 3 year warranty? I'll have to attempt this as well.

Maybe. It never hurts to ask.