Cigarette lighter socket removal...

[JWA]

Originally Posted by BCam

Anybody know what model years are compatible with the tool? I have a 2005 and was wondering if it would work on mine.

The Amazon-linked tool will NOT work on the '05---same year as mine. FWIW here's a video of an experienced parts replacer struggling with these damned things:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RbbWcqgsGc

^^^This shows the socket installed in a rear seat location but its still the same socket and attachment scheme as the dashboard pieces.

The metal part of the connector first fits into a plastic ring which is then inserted into the dash or other panel. Getting the plastic ring to release isn't a huge problem however getting the metal part out of the plastic ring is the trick.

As I say I've not yet found a way to remove these without destroying them---Job 1 huh Ford?

[ibike]

I replaced mine with a USB bulkhead fitting I got from amazon connected directly to the rear of my aftermarket headunit. If I recall I had to pop that section of dash out around the radio to get to the back of the plug and release the clips.

[boywonder]

Anyone have any more useful input on getting these out??


I can transplant a SMB penthouse roof to another van, build out an interior and design and fabricate a bumper but can't remove either of the two cigarette lighter sockets in the dash.....

[bigriver]

Heh Heh...ain't it the truth! I finally took a dremel tool to mine last year when installing a new Stereo. Wicked them

[BCam]

Personally, I've decided to not even try to remove mine. I don't smoke but it still works. I'll just install an aftermarket unit with multiple receptacles and wire it into a switched circuit for my cell phone, GPS, etc. I'll probably get a fused receptacle so I don't have to worry about the circuit's fuse being too many amps.

[boywonder]

I got both of mine out......!!!! .....after watching a bunch of youtube videos.


One of the videos had the way that worked for me. There are two black plastic snap features on the ID of the black sleeve/trim ring that engage into the thin sheet metal, and that same trim ring has two snap features on it's OD that snap into the dash.


When you look inside the socket you can see the black plastic snap features engaging the metal sleeve as two small black squares 180 degrees opposite each other. If you can manage to push both of those outwards at the same time (that's what the removal tool does) and pull on the metal sleeve, then it will slide out......good luck with that method.


Per one of the youtube videos, I took a small straight bladed screwdriver and slipped it between the metal sleeve and the snap feature and pryed the edge of the metal sleeve inboard slightly...this effectively disengages the snap feature of the black plastic ring. Same for the other side, then slide the sleeve out at your leisure.


It's very easy to straighten out the deformed edge of the metal sleeve if you are reusing the lighter, which I'm not.

[BrianW]

^^ And don’t forget to pull the fuse or disconnect the battery before sticking screwdrivers in there [emoji3]