How do you get the ashtray/cig lighter socket out?

[rjb2001]

How easy is it to get the ashtray / 12V cig lighter socket out (front one) - I've taken the two torx screws out that sit behind the ashtray and the whole assy seems loose but the lip looks to go under the gearlever trim / switches and despite my best prying efforts won't come loose - I just want to access the cables on the back of cig lighter socket and don't want to strip half the car down.

Cheers,
Rob.

[ToMBoY_C]

If you don't want to take the centre console out, then it's very tight! Remove the trim around the heater controls and just wiggle the ash tray around, it will come out just be careful of scratching the trim! Failing that go to the drivers footwell, remove the bit of trim near the clutch pedal, there is one T20 Screw near the clutch pedal, pull this trim away and feel under and to the rear of the cog lighter, feel for the clip, if you squeeze and pull it will come out, then pull it out and you have some wires to see and play with! Hope this helps

[rjb2001]

Cheers mate - ended up removing the console side trim as you suggested (tried the heater trim but is pretty well held in place isn't it! - gave me a heart attack when the bottom clips eventually gave way and couldn't face risking the top ones, so gave up on that one) - still couldn't get socket out out but had just enough cable to enable me to get a scotchlok connector onto it

[ToMBoY_C]

I went up throught the trim last time! It's a real squeeze the other way!!

[NorthDownsVW]

The trim around the gear lever is the bit to take out for reference. The clips holding it in (4 at least I think) are very tough so you need to get a trim tool under the side top & bottom and lever away. The clips will pop with quite a force when they go !!