When you say "cig lighter", do you mean that you have a cig lighter element in the receptacle? If so, A) could be the element is shorting B) could be the element over heated the receptacle and deformed something. The stock AUX power outlet is not really intended for a cig lighter, unless you have the Smoker's package RPO DT4.

I just checked Mitchell On Demand fuse 29 is the front power outlet & Data Link Connector. There is a definite connection, also the console power outlet is fuse 30. So if you unplug the outlet does the fuse blow? If not just leave it un plugged on your trip to Advance. If it does blow, it sounds like a heap of trouble involving Data Links and BCMs and ECMs.

 

Thanks for replies everyone.. Please allow ME to be more clear.

My vehicle does have option DT4 (ashtray & lighter),

The cig lighter ELEMENT when removed, does no longer Blow the fuse.

When I got this vehicle, the element was missing. I don't smoke, but didn't like the hole just open.

Over 3 years ago I put a lighter element in just to not see the hole.
No problems till yesterday.

Hopefully that is the culprit. Not blowing the fuse anymore is a good sign imo

 

Glad to hear your ride did not did not go up in smoke

 

Back in olden times, I had a couiple of cig lighters malfunction in that way. You'd think it would do the opposite (go Open), but not always.

 

Oldblue- Thanks, Yep glad it didn't go up in smoke also.. The fuse did its job.

donbrew- Yea agreed, I wasn't even suspecting the lighter element.
Can't take anything for granted. That element now sleeps with the fishes.

Today was very busy w/friends & Thanksgiving, & had a computer glitch.

But wanted to Thank Everyone for their input on the board, & in PM.

Lesson learned: If ya go to get a code read, & the code scanner reads "NO LINK"
Check fuse # 29 aka front aux power / cig lighter, it is tied into the OBD II port.

 

Fireman- Rather late (sorry) but to answer your question, No, the back of the console 'power outlet' has it's own fuse # 30 on my vehicle. (as Donbrew posted)..

& being a Panel, I also have a rear 'power outlet' that is on fuse # 12.

So there are 3 separate circuits for power in a Panel.. 2 for wagons.

The 1st, front aux power / cig lighter is tied directly into the OBD II port..

Oldblue- (sorry for late response). Temps were in the mid 60's here, so wasn't cold...
Once I found the lighter Element to be the issue, I looked no further..