I put a screwdriver in the cigarette lighter and now the radio doesn't work what do I do

Check fuse.

I've seen the lighter itself burn out hundreds of times. Check for power at wire to lighter.

On the back side of the lighter there is a fusable link between the incoming power wire and the metal tab that connects power to the lighter. This is a very small wire, bent 90 degrees, between two tabs that are mounted on the same small screw. It looks like the incoming power tab and the power to the lighter would be connected, but they are insulated from each other on the screw. If the fusable link is blown, you will have power at the power connector on the back of the lighter, but no power to the center terminal inside the lighter.

wow...was looking for something else and came across the "slam door" fix...Had this problem so I tried it...and it works!!! Thanks!!!

hi,

there must have been a weak connection somewhere in the line.
use a volt meter to trace from the lighter to the fuse box.
I have also seen the wire connection go bad during a short in the back of the fuse box itself where the wire goes in.
follow the 12 volts and you will find your problem.

chris...

you need to remove what ever dropped into the outlet then replace the power outlet fuse the radio uses more than one fuse memory amp and lights

Yes ck voltage at the socket, Also ck for Ground

take your cigarette lighter element out and replace the fuses, if it doesn't blow the fuse than replace your lighter element its shorted.If it still blows fuses then you have a short to ground on the circuit some place and youll need a schematic to diagnosis it further.

I don't believe that the lighter has a relay in it's circuit. My best guess is that the lighter element shorted out, causing the fuse to blow. The lighter part that you pull out of the socket can be disassembled by unscrewing the knob. The element (part that glows red) can be replaced. Any auto parts store should have one.
Best regards, --W/D--