Section 01-12: Instrument Panel and Console | 1996 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-Super Duty and Bronco Workshop Manual |
The cigar lighter element (15054) has a low resistance heating coil which operates much like the coil used in a portable heater.
When the element is pushed completely in, the circuit is closed and current flows through the heating coil to ground. When sufficient heat is generated, the element will overcome the spring pressure of the bimetal retaining fingers and be released.
Ash receptacles and cigar lighters are located in the center of the instrument panel (04320).