My cigar lighter works but it won't charge a phone. I tried multiple chargers with different wires, it is not making contact with the bottom contacts. Has anyone seen this before?

 

I have had the same issue with some plugs.
Had to change the socket.

 

Let me guess the lighter is truly used. In which case probably very dirty maybe even crusty rusty, most modern chargers connect to the centre point and the shell, the lighter however slips into the bimetal spring (which is how it releases when it gets hot) so has a number of contact points. When you say different wires do you mean USB or wires to some sort of jack plug (real old tech) - I'm presuming the former. Try the chargers in a different car just to be sure - perhaps a car that has a dedicated 12V socket.

Get yourself a piece of wood such as a flat lollipop stick (or an emery board intended for fingernails) and some contact cleaner and try to clean up the centre.

If none of that works make sure that at least one of your chargers can deliver at least 2 amps - many modern phones will struggle on less plus they also reduce charging rate if they cannot talk to the charger there's a lot more going on in modern handsets even though I have high amp USB connectors the wifes Samsung will not rapid charge and takes an eternity - it actually throws a message complaining about the charger compatibility.

 

Thanks Ben will try that tonight.

 

Because of the way the socket is designed, many chargers or USB outlets can short out the socket if rotated to a bad position. The positive contact in the bottom is a "U" shape, and can contact the negative side terminals on some chargers or USB outlets. This will blow the fuse. On your 96, this should be fuse 16 in the passengers side fusebox. The lighter socket is the only thing on this fuse.
Because the socket is so finicky, I'm going to change mine to a hardwired dual USB outlet. I'm tired of blowing fuses.
Jon

 

When I thought I was sure I was going to keep my Volvo, I installed two double USB ports that were hard wired to a hot lead under the console.
This arrangement worked better than the stupid Volvo.

 

Samsung phones are *Very* picky about chargers, and as you have discovered, they aren't shy about telling you.
Mine complain even here plugged into the wall here in the house unless I use the "Dedicated Fast Charger" that came with the phone. I mostly just ignore them and use whatever is at hand, as I think it's easier on the battery to charge it slower.
(';')

 

Thank You Jon