Cigarette lighter fuse in ŠKODA Rapid 2018: location, replacement and diagnostics

Cigarette lighter in ŠKODA Rapid 2018 - one of the most popular elements of a car's electrical system. Not only classic functions (igniting cigarettes), but also the operation of most gadgets: DVRs, navigators, phone chargers and even portable refrigerators depend on it. When the cigarette lighter suddenly stops functioning, the first thought that comes to mind is **fuse blown**. But how to find it, check it and replace it without the risk of damaging the car’s electrics?

In this article we will figure out where the cigarette lighter fuse is located in Rapid 2018 model year, what rating it should have, and how to replace it correctly. You will also learn about typical mistakes that owners make during diagnostics, and how to avoid a short circuit in the on-board network. If you are faced with the problem of a non-working 12V socket, this guide will help you save time and money on contacting service.

Where is the cigarette lighter fuse in the ŠKODA Rapid 2018?

B ŠKODA Rapid The 2018 cigarette lighter fuse is located in the **fuse box**, which is located inside the vehicle. Specific place - under the dashboard on the driver's side, next to the steering column. To access the block, you must:

1. Open the driver's door and sit in the seat.
2. Find the plastic cover with the inscription FUSES (or fuse icon) under the steering wheel.
3. Carefully pry the cover with a screwdriver or your fingers and remove it.

Inside the block you will see a diagram with the designation of each fuse. The element you are looking for is usually marked as F37 or F42 (depending on configuration) with nominal 15A or 20A. The exact location can be found in diagram below.

Fuse box diagram and cigarette lighter designation

B ŠKODA Rapid The 2018 fuse mounting block has a standard layout, but the designations may differ depending on the sales market (Europe, Russia, Asia). Below is the current diagram for most versions:

Designation	Denomination (A)	Purpose	Color
F37	15	Cigarette lighter/socket 12V (front)	Blue
F42	20	Cigarette lighter/12V socket (rear if equipped)	Yellow
F50	10	Cigarette lighter illumination	Red
F63	15	Additional 12V socket (optional)	Blue

If your car has double cigarette lighter (for example, in the configuration Style or Sport), then a separate fuse may be responsible for the rear socket F42 on 20A. This can be clarified by official manual or by car VIN code.

How to find out the exact diagram by VIN?

To get a personalized fuse diagram for your ŠKODA Rapid, enter the VIN code on the website Skoda VIN Decoder. The Electrical Diagram section will show the exact location and ratings of all fuses, including the cigarette lighter.

Causes of cigarette lighter fuse blown

Cigarette lighter fuse Rapid It burns out for a reason - it is always a consequence of some kind of malfunction. Main reasons:

• 🔌 Short circuit in the cigarette lighter circuit (for example, due to metal objects getting into the socket).
• 📱 Using powerful devices (220V inverters, car vacuum cleaners, compressors) without protection.
• ⚡ Power surges in the on-board network (for example, when “lighting” from another car).
• 🔧 Poor fuse replacement to an element with the wrong rating (for example, setting 30A instead of 15A).
• 💡 Contact wear in the cigarette lighter socket, leading to overheating.

In 80% of cases, it is not the socket itself that is to blame, but the devices connected to it. For example, cheap phone chargers from Chinese sites often cause a fuse to blow due to the lack of overload protection.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the fuse

If you determine that the problem is with the fuse, you can replace it yourself. For this you will need:

• 🔧 Flathead screwdriver (for removing the unit cover).
• 🔍 Flashlight (for illuminating the mounting block).
• 🔋 New fuse of the same rating (15A or 20A).
• 🧤 Gloves (optional, to protect hands).

Next follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key.
2. Remove the fuse mounting block cover (as described above).
3. Locate the cigarette lighter fuse (F37 or F42) according to the diagram.
4. Use special tweezers (usually attached to the block cover) or pliers to remove the old fuse.
5. Check it for integrity: if the thread inside is burned out, replacement is required.
6. Install a new fuse same denomination.
7. Close the unit cover and check the operation of the cigarette lighter.

⚠️ Attention: Never install a fuse with a higher rating than specified (for example, 25A instead of 15A). This can lead to melted wiring and even a fire in the cabin!

How to check a fuse without removing it?

If you do not have a spare fuse or are not sure if it is faulty, you can perform a preliminary check without extraction using a multimeter or test lamp. To do this:

1. Set the multimeter to voltage test mode (DC 20V).
2. Connect the black probe to the vehicle ground (for example, to a metal part of the body).
3. Place the red probe near both fuse legs (on the block diagram they are usually labeled “30” and “87”).
4. If there is voltage on both legs (~12V), the fuse is intact. If there is no voltage on one of the legs, the fuse has blown.

An alternative method is visual inspection. A metal thread is visible in the translucent fuse housing. If it is torn or melted, the element must be replaced.

What should I do if the fuse blows again?

If after replacement the fuse blows again, this indicates serious fault in the circuit. Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔍 Short circuit in the cigarette lighter socket:

  Disassemble the socket and check for the presence of foreign metal objects (coins, paper clips). Clean oxidized contacts with sandpaper.

• 🔌 Problem with the connected device:

  Unplug all gadgets from the cigarette lighter and check them individually. Cheap chargers often cause repeated short circuits.

• 🚗 Wiring fault:

  If a fuse blows even without any devices connected, the wire from the fuse box to the socket may be damaged. In this case, diagnostics by an auto electrician is required.

⚠️ Attention: If the fuse blows immediately after installation (even without connecting a load), do not try to replace it again - this may cause a fire! Contact service immediately to check the circuit.

Preventing problems with the cigarette lighter

To avoid frequent fuse replacements and extend the life of the cigarette lighter, ŠKODA Rapid, follow these simple guidelines:

• 🔌 Use only certified devices with overload protection (for example, chargers marked CE or RoHS).
• 🚫 Do not connect power consumption devices to the cigarette lighter more than 180 W (for example, car compressors or electric kettles).
• 🔧 Regularly clean the cigarette lighter socket of dust and debris using compressed air.
• 🔋 Check the voltage in the on-board network (normal: 13.8–14.4V with the engine running). Voltage surges shorten the life of fuses.

If you frequently use your cigarette lighter to power energy-hungry devices (such as a refrigerator), consider installing additional 12V socket with separate fuse. This will reduce the load on the standard circuit and reduce the risk of burnout.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to replace the cigarette lighter fuse with a more powerful one (for example, 25A instead of 15A)?

No, this is strictly prohibited! Installing a fuse with a rating higher than the rated value may result in melted wiring, damage to the fuse box, or even a fire. Always use a fuse of the same rating as shown in the diagram.

Why does the cigarette lighter work but the backlight does not light up?

A separate fuse is responsible for the cigarette lighter illumination (F50 at 10A) and a light bulb in the socket itself. If the cigarette lighter heats up but does not light up, check:

1. fuse F50.
2. Backlight bulb (possibly burnt out).
3. Backlight settings in the on-board computer (in some configurations it can be disabled by software).

What to do if the fuse is intact, but the cigarette lighter does not work?

If the fuse is good, but the cigarette lighter does not heat, check:

• 🔌 Socket contacts - perhaps they have oxidized or bent.
• 🔋 Socket voltage multimeter (should be ~12V).
• 🔧 The cigarette lighter itself - sometimes the spiral inside burns out (checked by replacing it with a known working one).
• 📶 Wiring from the fuse box to the socket (a break is possible).

If the problem is not solved, contact an auto electrician for diagnostics.

Is it possible to use a cigarette lighter to connect a 220V inverter?

Technically possible, but with reservations:

• 🔌 The inverter must be designed to connect to the cigarette lighter (power no more than 150–180 W).
• 🔋 It is advisable to connect it when running engineso as not to drain the battery.
• ⚡ Use inverters with overload and short circuit protection.

For powerful devices (laptops, microwaves), it is better to install a separate outlet with a direct connection to the battery through an additional fuse.

Where can I buy a fuse for the ŠKODA Rapid cigarette lighter?

Fuses of standard ratings (15A, 20A) are sold:

• 🏬 In auto stores (AutoDetail, Exist, LadaImage).
• 🛒 In online stores (Wildberries, Ozon, AliExpress).
• 🚗 At gas stations (usually in the auto parts department).

The cost of one fuse is from 20 to 100 rubles. We recommend buying sets with a reserve (for example, HELLA or BOSCH).