How2 remove the 12v lighter socket?
 

Anyone know how to remove the 12v cigarette lighter socket on the bezel that surrounds the radio and HVAC controls?

The lighter socket is inserted into a little tubular black mount, that is in turn mounted into the bezel. The lighter socket locks the tubular mount to the bezel. So the mount can't be removed until the lighter socket is removed.

If you don't plan to use the socket, you could always cut it off.

I certainly do want to use it - for mobile devices, etc.

Thing is, I picked up an extra bezel from a Pick-N-Pull to do some mods with. But the car it came from had been a smokers car. So the 12v socket is kinda dirty. Would be a lot easier to clean, or simply replace, if I could pull it from the bezel without breaking things.

On the back there are 2 or 3 pressure fit tabs... if you can pry them out you can change the socket ... otherwise i would just soak the current one and clean it up... i have tried twice and broken both attempts to remove it... haha :) i just wanted the trim cap so it wasn't exposed and broke the clips so it just sits there now

Somehow the metal tube has to come out. Then those little plastic tabs can be pressed in towards the center and the bushing can slide out.

Does anyone have a copy of the FSM (Factory Service Manual)? Haynes is, of course, silent on the topic.