Cigarette Lighter Socket Cover

[Youngster]

Well, I spent a half hour searching this forum and Google looking for a replacement cover (mine is missing) to the cigarette lighter / 12v port in my van's dash. No luck.
Does anyone know of a source to get a replacement cover flap?
I don't even know 'exactly' what this part is called. If someone has a part number or correct name for the part that will help with my searching.

It's just a little thing but I'm apprehensive about my toddler sticking his fingers and other things (metal) in there since it's exposed.

2003 E350

Thanks!

[daveb]

If you can't find the actual cover they make several plastic or rubber plugs that can be used. Here is one:
https://www.amazon.com/Custom-Access...B5R0JJNFXHMNZ7

[arctictraveller]

I have no idea where to find one, but it sounds like a great excuse for an excursion to the wrecking yard.

[JWA]

I'm pretty sure you'll need to replace the section of dash trim where the power port plugs are located. Your year should be a hinged cover, I have two E-Series vans with those same covers. Given the age of that trim you could have a tough time finding a replacement in good condition that doesn't have issues with the hinged cover.

I've found several on eBay in various conditions, none so far good enough to suit me. Here's an example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/97-02-FORD-...53.m1438.l2649 There is some damage but its mostly hidden by another trim part so not a huge deal. The attachment clips pretty much assure the part would be secure to the larger dash panel.

You would want to ask the seller if the hinged cover works properly---sometimes that's not a high priority to mention on eBay.

For my money I'd go with the easier after market replacement plug shown above. Cheap, easy and not at all unappealing and adding in the affected plug is a bit recessed in the trim panel it's not easily removed by young curious fingers.

HTH

[Kase3875]

Pick apart. That is where I got mine And it fits in your pocket so it is free.

[jage]

What's worse is when your toddler jams the Chinese accessory plug in so hard it shorts the fuse, and then does it again and again until you're out of ports until you play find the fuse. I have four ports in the front and only the one in the headliner is ever not blown.

[JebTN]

I keep a USB adapter plugged into mine, not pushed all the way in until I actually use it since the jack is hot all the time.

[Cali Native]

Valid concern of the small children sticking their fingers in hot plugs. My poor son did it long ago and how quickly it gave him a serious burn was terrifying.

[86Scotty]

A dime a dozen at any salvage yard.

[nemesisnight]

Just turn in into a flush phone charger, cheap, works great and it hardly sticks out so its unlikely they will pull it out.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1