hi

it sounds like the cig lighter went bad, you prolly need to pick up a new one. they are pretty cheap and you can get them at any hardware store or any store with an automotive department should have them. here is a link to how to remove that cup holder thing and the center councl, i think:

http://contour.org/mods/mods.php?s=howto&displayid=33

Im not sure how you can get to the wires with out removing that thing. There are 2 screws on either side of the cup holder thing but I cant get it out because of where it attaches to the shifter. So I think you need to take the whole think apart. Ive never had this problem, so id wait until some more people respond just to make sure.
Good Luck

P.S. Are you using winter tires or all season. Im sure its a stupid question. Im looking for a set of winter tires for these crazy hills in Houghton and I was wondering if youve had good experience with a certain kind.

" 90 percent of all chevys are still on the road. The other 10 made it home " 98 se, 2.5 V6,black,ATX Cleared and silverstared, Hella Optilux, resonatorless, Kumho ECSTA 716s and Dunlop SP Sport A2s