Hi there

I'd like to replace the front cigarette lighter with a fixed USB charger but I can't see how the actual cigarette lighter itself can be removed. I've removed the J selector trim/cover and the centre console cover and, while I can feel the cigarette lighter, I can't see how it's attached to the surrounding plastic/ashtray.

Is it possible to remove this by itself? I have a USB charging replacement I'd like to install (I find the plugin adaptors always fall out and stop charging).




USB Car Cigarette Lighter Socket I plan to install.


Any advice would be appreciated.

Regards,
Troy.

 

Its been a few years, but I know when you take the armrest lid off, the tub will pull out. Thus allowing you access under the ashtray. But I believe mine pushed up and out with a little effort. You can also take up the shifter J-gate and wood trim to get you access from that angle.

 

Hi Highhorse,

Yes, I tried that - but it seems to be very firmly in place and I'm worried that attempting to push it up and out with force may break it. I suspect there is something holding it in place

Regards,
Troy.

 

You can ask our forum member DAIM, he just did something the same.
He had some pictures as well, probably in "what did you do to your x308 today".
Probably 2-3 months ago.

EDIT: Here it is:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...3/#post1429201

 

Console need to be removed to remove ashtray since there are a couple of screws underneath the console

 

Thanks Eric....looks like the whole console needs to come out

Troy.

 

You will not be able to remove the lighter itself, at least I couldn't without breaking the housing it sits in even with the console out. Instead, I found a small two port USB adapter that plugs into the lighter, and still allows the lid to close, if that helps.

 

ETA: ^^^^^^^^ Like what he said.

I know you said you didn't like adapters, but how about something like this:


I've got one shaped like it (different brand, I don't recall) and it fits all the way into the lighter plug. In fact, it can be difficult to pull out.

Just a thought. A lot easier than taking the console out and once installed it would look a lot like your pictured usb plug sans the cover.

-Mike

 

+1 on that one, I have nearly the same but with a chrome cap, and there is hardly difference from a fixed version, without all the hassle, and keeping the car original.
And it is small enough to keep in the ashtray when not used.

 

Today I had to remove my center consoleto get to the radio to reinstall the antenna cable, because I removed the Sirius antenna connection that I didn't want so I can put a larger storage box in with less wiring under it. I read this post and decided that it would be easy to replace the cigarette lighter with a USB port whill I had the console out. It was hard to find one but finally found one at a local car audio shop. It looks like the same one in the original post. The lighter was a little difficult to get out. I removed it by first removing the light for the coin cup by prying with a small flat blade screw driver. Then there was access to two clips that retain the lighter. It then came out through the top. If you have the same USB port that I got you will need to file the opening slightly larger with a round file. Check the how to videos on console removal it was a great help. The most difficult part was removing the trim around the J gate.

 

thanks

 

That is certainly a lot of work to accomplish the same result as a plug in usb charger. Not only the work involved but the chances of damaging something not easily replaced. I believe I will just continue to use my $8.98 charger insert.