cigarette lighter socket removal
New User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 22
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so, after the thread was highjacked, I never saw an answer to the initial question. I have a 2005 SD....how do I remove the lighter socket? A special T-shaped tool? Push, and twist from inside the dash? I removed the panty hook panel, to gain access to the back of the socket, and have pushed on the socket with a great deal of force, with no luck. How does it come out? Push, and twist? Does socket and black plastic bezel come out together, initially, and then disassemble afterwards?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
I was able to pull it out...takes a lot of force. I could not get the leverage to push from behind. Was able to, though, have enough gap around the plastic bezel, to wrap some wire around it, then create a loop/handle to pull it out. No, I was not successful at getting the bezel off of the old one, the transfer to the new one. Feared I might damage it...so I bought a new plastic bezel too. It is up to you if you can try and remove the old bezel.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 20
From: Fort Smith, Arkansas
New User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 22
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I was able to pull it out...takes a lot of force. I could not get the leverage to push from behind. Was able to, though, have enough gap around the plastic bezel, to wrap some wire around it, then create a loop/handle to pull it out. No, I was not successful at getting the bezel off of the old one, the transfer to the new one. Feared I might damage it...so I bought a new plastic bezel too. It is up to you if you can try and remove the old bezel.
New User
Joined: Feb 2017
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
Did it after pulling everything from hole in dash. Could then easily see what I was doing. Trying to do it before hand, could not really feel where the locking tab was, as I did not know how the socket was oriented from the factory, in the opening.
The wire I was used was 14ga. household solid wire with the rubber insulation still on it, so I would not scar the plastic bezel.
It took a lot of effort to pull through! I think there is a way to remove the bezel, but I did not have the patience! Kind of need three hands to do it....not sure if the special GM T-shaped socket removal tool would work, or not. Could also make it possible to remove from dash, and leave bezel in place...but tool cost as much as a new bezel.
The wire I was used was 14ga. household solid wire with the rubber insulation still on it, so I would not scar the plastic bezel.
It took a lot of effort to pull through! I think there is a way to remove the bezel, but I did not have the patience! Kind of need three hands to do it....not sure if the special GM T-shaped socket removal tool would work, or not. Could also make it possible to remove from dash, and leave bezel in place...but tool cost as much as a new bezel.
New User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Did it after pulling everything from hole in dash. Could then easily see what I was doing. Trying to do it before hand, could not really feel where the locking tab was, as I did not know how the socket was oriented from the factory, in the opening.
The wire I was used was 14ga. household solid wire with the rubber insulation still on it, so I would not scar the plastic bezel.
It took a lot of effort to pull through! I think there is a way to remove the bezel, but I did not have the patience! Kind of need three hands to do it....not sure if the special GM T-shaped socket removal tool would work, or not. Could also make it possible to remove from dash, and leave bezel in place...but tool cost as much as a new bezel.
The wire I was used was 14ga. household solid wire with the rubber insulation still on it, so I would not scar the plastic bezel.
It took a lot of effort to pull through! I think there is a way to remove the bezel, but I did not have the patience! Kind of need three hands to do it....not sure if the special GM T-shaped socket removal tool would work, or not. Could also make it possible to remove from dash, and leave bezel in place...but tool cost as much as a new bezel.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
where is the socket on an '02? On my '05, I removed the panty hook to gain access to try and reach in behind to push it out. I just could not get the leverage to push it out (translation I am not strong enough?)....
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New User
Joined: Feb 2017
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on my 02 the socket is just to the left of the panty hook panel (same as yours I believe). If I'm reading the other thread correctly, it sounds like there's a couple of tabs that hold it in place, but if you tilt it the right way, those tabs will clear and you can push it out, presumably without a lot of force, at least that's how it sounds to me, maybe I'm reading it wrong. I'll give it a try tonight.
New User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 22
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on my 02 the socket is just to the left of the panty hook panel (same as yours I believe). If I'm reading the other thread correctly, it sounds like there's a couple of tabs that hold it in place, but if you tilt it the right way, those tabs will clear and you can push it out, presumably without a lot of force, at least that's how it sounds to me, maybe I'm reading it wrong. I'll give it a try tonight.
New User
Joined: May 2018
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From: Crestview, FL
1996 Ford Explorer Sport Cigarette Lighter Removal
I have a 1996 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0 standard 5 speed. I can’t find any information on how to remove and replace the cigarette lighter located on the dash next to the ash tray. It has its own flip down cover to access the lighter. I can’t find any info on how to remove and replace. Please help.
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