In my ongoing quest to keep my 85 westfalia from turning into a beater, I
would like to get my lighter going just in case i want to take my laptop or
cell phone along on a trip this summer.  When I got the van I was told that
the stereo had been wired straight to the lighter and the lighter
disconnected.

Upon inspection I found that the lighter was still connected at the socket
but neither the lighter nor the light is working.  I thought that taking the
lighter out would be helpful, but it seems difficult and one post in the
archives says that it will cause permanent damage!  The wire is hot, because
I blew a fuse in the process of trying to take the socket out.

What is the likelihood that both my lighter and the light are both toast?
Is it a good idea to take the lighter socket out?  If so, how?  And how does
that bulb work in the back to illuminate the green lense?

Thanks again for all your help.
Jeff
85 Westy
Winnipeg