Cigarette lighter fuse on ŠKODA Octavia Tour: location, replacement and typical problems

Cigarette lighter in ŠKODA Octavia Tour - one of the most popular electrical components of a car. The operation of not only smartphone chargers, but also video recorders, navigators, compressors and other gadgets depends on it. When the cigarette lighter suddenly stops functioning, the first thought that comes to mind is: fuse blown. However, not all drivers know where exactly it is located, how to check and replace it without the risk of damaging the car’s electrical system.

In this article we will figure out which fuse is responsible for the cigarette lighter in Octavia Tour (including restyled versions A5 FL and A7), where the fuse blocks are located, how to choose the correct rating and avoid typical mistakes when replacing. You will also learn why, even after replacing the fuse, the cigarette lighter may not work, and what to do about it. The information is relevant for petrol and diesel modifications, including versions with 1.4 TSI, 1.6 MPI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI.

Where is the cigarette lighter fuse located in the ŠKODA Octavia Tour

B ŠKODA Octavia Tour The cigarette lighter fuse is located in main fuse box, which is located inside the car. The exact location depends on the generation and year of manufacture:

• 🔧 Octavia Tour A5 (2004–2013) and A5 FL (facelift, 2009–2013): fuse box is located under the steering wheel on the left, behind a plastic cover. The lid opens by turning the latches counterclockwise.
• 🔧 Octavia Tour A7 (2013–2020) and A7 FL (facelift, 2017–2020): fuse box moved at the bottom of the dashboard on the driver's side, next to the clutch pedal. The cover is removed by pulling it towards you.

It is important to note that in some trim levels Octavia Tour (for example, with the option Cigarette Lighter Package) can be installed additional fuse to the 12V socket in the trunk. Its location is different - it is usually located in additional block under the trunk parcel shelf (on the right or left, depending on the market).

To avoid confusion, remember: main fuse for cigarette lighter in Octavia Tour always marked as F37 (for A5/A5 FL) or F42 (for A7/A7 FL). Denomination - 15A (yellow). If you see a fuse of a different color or rating, it is the wrong item!

Fuse box diagram: where to look for F37/F42

On the fuse box cover in ŠKODA Octavia Tour Usually there is a diagram with symbols. However, over time, the inscriptions are erased, and the patterns may differ in different markets. Below is a universal table for finding the right fuse:

If on your Octavia Tour the diagram on the block cover is missing or unreadable, you can use alternative way: download the official manual for your VIN code on the website Skoda ERWIN (registration required). An alternative is free PDF instructions on forums, e.g. Octavia-Club.

⚠️ Attention: In some versions Octavia Tour A7 with the system Kessy (keyless entry) cigarette lighter fuse can be combined with the circuit on-board computer. In this case, replacing it without diagnostics with a scanner (for example, VCDS) may cause your media settings to reset!

How to check and replace the cigarette lighter fuse

If the cigarette lighter is in your ŠKODA Octavia Tour does not work, the first thing you need to do is check the integrity of the fuse. For this you will need:

• 🔦 Flashlight (to illuminate the fuse box).
• 🛠️ Tweezers (usually included with the car).
• 🔋 Multimeter or tester (optional, for accurate diagnostics).
• 🔧 A set of spare fuses (rated 15A and 20A).

Step by step instructions:

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the lock. This will prevent a short circuit during testing.
2. Remove the fuse box cover (as described above).
3. Find the fuse F37 or F42 (depending on generation).
4. Remove the fuse with tweezers and examine it against the light. If the thread inside is burned out, it must be replaced.
5. Install a new fuse the same rating (15A or 20A). Never use bugs or fuses of a higher rating!
6. Check the operation of the cigarette lighterby connecting a known working device (for example, a phone charger).

☑️ Checklist before replacing the fuse

Turn off the ignition and remove the keyCheck the rating of the new fuse (15A/20A)Use tweezers to removeDo not touch the contacts of the unit with bare handsCheck the operation of the cigarette lighter after replacement

Done: 0 / 5

If the fuse blows again after replacement, this indicates short circuit in the circuit. In this case it is necessary:

1. Check the cigarette lighter socket itself for the presence of foreign objects or melted contacts.
2. Inspect wiring from the fuse box to the cigarette lighter (often rubbed under the dashboard).
3. Disable all devicesconnected to a 12V socket and check them individually.

💡

If you don't have a multimeter at hand, you can check the fuse for a spark: insert it into the socket and turn on the cigarette lighter. If the fuse blows immediately, the problem is in the circuit, not in the fuse itself.

Typical mistakes when replacing a fuse

Many drivers ŠKODA Octavia Tour make mistakes that lead to repeated fuse blowing or even electrical damage. Here are the most common of them:

• ⚡ Using the wrong fuse rating. For example, installing 20A instead of 15A may cause the socket contacts to melt.
• 🔌 Ignoring checking the outlet itself. Often coins or debris accumulate inside the cigarette lighter, causing a short circuit.
• 🔧 Replacing the fuse without turning off the ignition. This is fraught with voltage surges and failure of other circuit elements.
• 📱 Connecting powerful devices (compressors, inverters) without checking their compatibility with the on-board network Octavia Tour.

Particularly dangerous is the practice of using so-called "bugs" (homemade jumpers made of foil or wire). This can lead to:

• 🔥 Wiring fire due to exceeding the permissible current.
• 💥 Fuse box failure (replacement cost - from 15,000 rubles).
• ⚡ Damage to electronic modules (for example, BCM — body control unit).

⚠️ Attention: B Octavia Tour A7 with the system Start-Stop Replacing the cigarette lighter fuse with a non-standard value may result in disabling the automatic start function! This is because the 12V circuit in these models is integrated with the energy management system.

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

If the fuse F37/F42 OK, but the cigarette lighter is in ŠKODA Octavia Tour still does not function, the problem may lie in the following:

1. Malfunction of the cigarette lighter socket itself:
   • 🔌 Oxidation or burning of contacts.
   • 🧲 Damage to the spring mechanism (often breaks due to careless removal of devices).
2. Open or short circuit in wiring:
   • 🔍 The wires may fray under the dashboard or at the junction into the trunk.
   • 🚗 The connector often suffers T10 (white), which goes from the fuse box to the cigarette lighter.
3. Relay problems (relevant for Octavia Tour A7):
   • 🔄 Relay J317 (in the block under the steering wheel) is responsible for supplying power to 12V sockets.

Diagnosis of the cigarette lighter socket:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
2. Remove the decorative trim around the cigarette lighter (by carefully prying it off with a plastic spatula).
3. Disconnect the power connector and check the voltage at the contacts with a multimeter (should be 12V with the ignition on).
4. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the wiring or fuse box. If so, the socket itself is faulty.

To replace the cigarette lighter socket in Octavia Tour original part will fit 1Z0 919 131 (for A5) or 5E0 919 131 B (for A7). Cost - from 800 to 1,500 rubles. Analogues: HELLA 8ZL 355 101-041 or BOSCH 1 987 469 004.

How to check relay J317 in Octavia Tour A7

Relay J317 is located in the main fuse block (item 12 on the bottom row). To check:

1. Remove the relay and inspect it for melting marks.

2. Ring contacts 85 and 86 (resistance should be ~80 Ohms).

3. When 12V is applied to contacts 85 and 86, a click should be heard (contacts 30 and 87 close).

If the relay is faulty, replace it with a new one (part number: 4F0 951 253).

Cigarette lighter upgrade: USB sockets and additional 12V sockets

Many owners ŠKODA Octavia Tour are faced with a shortage of 12V sockets, especially if several gadgets are used in the car at the same time. There are several solutions:

• 🔌 Installing a splitter (for example, HELLA 8ZL 357 586-141 with 2 USB and 1 12V socket). Connects instead of the standard cigarette lighter.
• 🔋 Additional socket in the trunk. You can run the wiring from the main fuse box (via the 15A fuse).
• 📱 USB hub powered by cigarette lighter (for example, Baseus 3 Ports). It is important to choose a model with overheat protection.

When installing additional sockets, follow the rules:

• 🔧 Use fuse for each new socket (rated no more than 15A).
• 📏 The wire cross-section must be at least 1.5 mm².
• 🔌 To connect to standard wiring, use crimp terminals, not twists.

For Octavia Tour A7 with the system Media Command (wireless charging) can be installed Qi wireless module instead of a cigarette lighter. Suitable models: Nillkin Magic Disk or Belkin Boost Up. To do this you will need:

1. Remove the standard cigarette lighter.
2. Connect the Qi module to the power wires (be sure to observe polarity!).
3. Secure the module in the socket using double-sided tape or plastic clips.

⚠️ Attention: When installing additional sockets in Octavia Tour with the system Lane Assist (lane assist) avoid laying wires near the camera units (under the windshield). This may cause interference with the system!

Frequently asked questions about the cigarette lighter fuse in the ŠKODA Octavia Tour

Is it possible to use a 20A fuse instead of a 15A fuse if the standard one keeps blowing out?

No, it's dangerous! Increasing the fuse rating may lead to melting of the socket contacts or fire of the wiring. If the 15A fuse regularly blows, you need to find and eliminate the cause of the short circuit (check the outlet, wiring and connected devices).

Where is the cigarette lighter fuse located in the trunk of the Octavia Tour Combi?

B Octavia Tour Combi (station wagon) the fuse for the 12V socket in the trunk is usually labeled as F58 (for A5) or F60 (for A7). It is located in additional fuse box under the trunk shelf (on the right, next to the jack). Rating - 15A or 20A (depending on the year of manufacture).

After replacing the fuse, the cigarette lighter works, but after 5 minutes it stops working again. What's the matter?

This is a problem for Octavia Tour with the system Energy Management (energy management). Possible reasons:

• 🔋 Weak battery — the system turns off “non-critical” consumers (including the cigarette lighter) when the charge is low.
• 🔧 Relay J317 faulty — it can “cut off” power when overheated.
• 📱 The connected device is drawing too much current (for example, refrigerator or inverter).

Solution: Check the battery voltage (must be at least 12.4V with the engine off) and replace the relay if it is faulty.

Is it possible to connect a 220V inverter to the Octavia Tour cigarette lighter?

Technically possible, but with reservations:

• ⚡ The maximum power of the inverter should not exceed 150–180 W (for 15A fuse).
• 🔌 Use inverters with protection against overheating and short circuit (for example, Mystery MPI-300).
• 🚗 Connect the inverter only when the engine is runningso as not to drain the battery.

For powerful inverters (300 W and above), it is recommended to connect straight to the battery through a separate fuse (the rating is calculated by the formula: power (W) / 12V + 20%).

Which fuse is responsible for the cigarette lighter in an Octavia Tour with a diesel engine (2.0 TDI)?

B Octavia Tour with diesel engines (1.6 TDI, 2.0 TDI) the fuse diagram is identical to the gasoline versions. The cigarette lighter fuse is still identified as F37 (for A5) or F42 (for A7). However, in diesel models with the system AdBlue (for example, Octavia Tour 2.0 TDI 150 hp) can be installed additional fuse F63 (10A)responsible for the pump power circuit AdBlue. It is often confused with the cigarette lighter fuse, but it has nothing to do with the 12V outlet.