Having problems getting the cigarette lighter out - its not actually a lighter but a dummy. Followed the how to instructions - say to push out from behind - its totally stuck. Anybody offer any advice?

 

I changed my console out to the carbon fiber and if I recall correctly there were a couple tabs that needed to be pushed in and an electrical connection tab that had to be unhooked and re-hooked after the install. If you are switching to the carbon fiber, there should have been an instruction diagram that came with the parts. It's a simple procedure. Took me about 10 minutes to install.

 

Detached the electrical connection - can see the tabs you mention, 2 of them - can't seem to get them to push in.

 

This is one of the tabs that I think you are referring to - can see where I have been trying to press it in

 

Those are the ones. They can be a bit tricky. Use a screwdriver blade with firm pressure to press the tab in one side as you push the socket up slightly just until it releases. Then do the same to the tab on the other side and you should be able to get it.

 

Managed to remove it eventually - was by far the hardest part of the trim removal, was really wedged in there.

 

Glad to hear you were able to get it sorted. Hope you enjoy the new look!

 

This clip is very helpful for center console removal......

 

Does anyone know whether the center console trim is the same for LHD and RHD cars? Is there any difference between the start button slot and the cigarette lighter slot?

 

Yes it's different. The start button / cigarette lighter isn't the problem, the gearshift surround trim is not symmetrical because of the passenger grab handle (different thickness and shape on the right / left sides).

 

Thank you. All I can seem to find are the LHD versions.. Can't seem to find a RHD version of the Dark Hex trim.

 

MI-Ftype, could you post those instructions please? I bought the carbon fiber bezel but haven't gotten around to installing it yet. Thanks for everyone's tips!

 

I just had a close look at mine and I'm sure it is perfectly symmetrical.
Both the "hex" pieces that is, the one around the piano black gear selector surround and the one around the three central HVAC dials.
I suppose the piece around the piano black might be asymmetrical on the sides or underneath, but it's definitely symmetrical on top for the bits I can see.
Also, IIRC the trim kits advertised on Fleabay don't specify LHD or RHD, at least not for these pieces.

 

The middle bit that slots over the gear lever itself is ok and symmetrical as you say. The piece as a whole isn't though

Take a look at the very left and right sides of the piece of trim.

The drivers side edge has a small lip that curls down over the transmission tunnel. The side that fits up against the passenger side / grab handle does not have this lip as it doesn't curl down onto the transmission tunnel on that side - the right and left sides of the trim are a different shape.

The LHD and RHD trim has different part numbers T2R5267 for LHD and T2R5268 for RHD

 

After the tabs are pushed out of the way there is a little black housing that prevents the socket from being removed from the trim. How is that part removed?

lighter/1 v power socket

 

Did anyone get an idea on how to remove the air vent itself?

 

here's one on ebay uk. dark hex rhd center console trim
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293505069058
this one is for all 3 pcs dark hex w/ s logo
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274307813379

 

I just installed my new Carbon Fiber Console trim kit.
First the install instructions for these parts suck. Next that part just snaps straight down onto the housing, just put a thin screw driver under the middle of the connector and give a slight twist and it will pop off. then snap it back on after you move the housing to the new trim part.
For removing the lighter housing from the old trim part; there are 2 tabs that need to be released shown further up in post #4. The easiest way is to hold the trim piece in one hand with your thumb pushing down on the socket and push in on the top of the tapered part of the release tab (not the bottom) with a small screw driver, keep holding pressure with your thumb after it releases and push on the other release tab or the first one will snap back in place, The housing will pop loose in your hand.
The CF kit comes with a black trim ring for around the light socket to replace the bright trim piece but I didn't replace that piece because there are no instructions for it and it's almost invisible and not worth breaking the lighter socket trying to take it apart without knowing how.

 

Is the socket that houses the starter button identical to the socket that houses the cigarette lighter?
ie. will a starter button fit into where the cig lighter would be?
I am not going to swap sides but thinking of using an old starter button as a switch for the garage remote opener as a mod to do

thanks

 

I would assume they are the exact size? Assume they put the starter on the appropriate side for LHD, and RHD markets? Do you not have the HomeLink Garage Openers on your Rearview mirror? I guess if not, that would be a good place for an opener button.

DC