Jeep Cherokee

 Service Manual

Instrument panel systems » Description and operation
Cigar lighter relay

DESCRIPTION

The cigar lighter relay is an electromechanical device that switches fused battery current to the cigar lighter when the ignition switch is turned to the Accessory or On positions. The cigar lighter relay is located in the junction block, on the right cowl side panel below the instrument panel in the passenger compartment.

The cigar lighter relay is a International Standards Organization (ISO) relay. Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have common physical dimensions, current capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal functions.

The cigar lighter relay cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

OPERATION

The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one movable) electrical contacts. The movable (common feed) relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts (normally closed) by spring pressure. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable contact away from the normally closed fixed contact, and holds it against the other (normally open) fixed contact.

When the electromagnetic coil is de-energized, spring pressure returns the movable contact to the normally closed position. The resistor or diode is connected in parallel with the electromagnetic coil in the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage spikes that are produced when the coil is de-energized.

Instrument panel system

Instrument panel

Instrument cluster

Instrument panel cigar lighter

Cigar lighter relay

Instrument panel power outlet