Hyundai Repair: Short beyond the fuse, hyundai sante fe, 2004 hyundai sante fe

Question
My car lighter has shorted in My 2004 Hyundai Sante Fe.  I've replaced the fuse a couple of times, but as soon as I plug in something, the fuse shorts.  What is my next step to fixing this problem?

Thank you.

Answer
If the fuse is fine until you plug something in, there are two potential issues:

1.  If you're using the lighter socket, the plug could be constructed in such a way (or the lighter socket internal tabs bent in such a way) that they are shorted to the side of the socket when the plug is inserted.  If this is the case, use the power outlet instead of the lighter socket.  The power outlet has no tabs for the purpose of holding the lighter element.

2.  The device you're plugging in is defective and causes the fuse to blow.