Cigarette Lighter Removal (+BT45 Install)

[fjlust80]

Project: Install the BT45-TOY, take advantage of the AUX feature and USB charging by replacing the cig lighter with an AUX/USB port, and use the microphone.

Right now I'm stuck trying to get the cig lighter removed from the panel. I do have the panel removed. Is there a trick to getting it off without just tearing it into pieces? Pic below.

While we're at it, any other tips or cautions? After I set this up the aux/usb will run to the BT45, so the old wiring will just be floating in the back. Any issues with that?

 

[CloudCity]

It's been a while since I did mine, but you go in from the front and you can see two little cutouts in the metal sleeve inside there where the white plastic has tabs sticking up that hold the metal sleeve in place. It's almost like how an automotive incandescent bulb twists then pulls to be removed. It's hard to release the tabs so I had to use small bent pick tools I got as a set from Harbor Freight to reach in with a 45-degree tip and gently (or not, if you're not concerned with keeping the lighter unit) pry the metal over the tabs, or gouge the tabs down enough, so that you can then spin that sleeve about 1/4 turn to pull it out. The tabs have a ramp on one side as I recall which shows you the way it was twisted to be put on in the factory, so twist it back that direction to release. Use two picks to pull it out. I think the rest was pretty clear from there, and it came out easily.

I put a small heavy baggie over the wire end because I didn't want to risk it shorting out, which I think is unlikely.

Edit: Found this post in the 80-series thread that shows what I'm talking about. Seemingly, you might be able to just get it to twist over those tab ramps with enough force. Cig lighter no longer working....

 

[fjlust80]

Decided to just go for it with force after that walk through. The old cig lighter is in multiple pieces. But couldn't see ever putting it back, so oh well.

 

[fjlust80]

Got everything finished. For those interested, I mounted the BT45 in the space next to the drivers side vent in the media counsel area.

I clipped the Bluetooth mic on the headliner, which ran across the passengers side, down the A pillar (removed), through/down/around glove box, then back up to the media counsel. I would like a cleaner mic look, but happy overall.

The cig lighter replacement looks good.