A search of the forums turns up many questions, but no answers.

How the holy heck do I remove the cigarette lighter from the ashtray in a 2003 X-Type?

If you're going to reply only to tell me to stop smoking, please don't.

I need this socket working for charging cell phones, iPads, etc.

The original socket is rusted to the point it works only intermittently. I've used my Dremel to clean the crud off and it it'll work for a while, but then go bad again.

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Bond

 

I had to remove my cigarette lighter/ashtray to wire in my remote turn on switch for my subwoofers so they don't drain my battery while parked. The whole cigarette lighter assembly is held in place with two screws which are under the gear shifter boot. Because my car is a manual, the leather gear shifter boot just pops right off and reveals the two screws. Then, you just remove the screws and wiggle it out of there!