Cigarette Lighter assembly replacement

SteveMorrow · Jun 1, 2012

I'm trying to replace my cigarette lighter assembly on my 996 c2 2002. I already have the Porsche replacement part, but just cannot see how the original socket is removed.
Can anyone help please?

Richard_Hamilton · Jun 1, 2012

It is a right fiddle. There is a tag you have to unclip, but it isn't obvious. Once you know where it is, it is simple. This is from the manual, but I'm not sure it is the complete story, although it might help.

I have done it, and was thoroughly frustrated for about half an hour. Trouble is, it was a while ago and I have forgotten, so it would probably take me another half hour to work it out again!

SteveMorrow · Jun 1, 2012

Thanks for your quick reply Richard. The diagram shows it being done from the back, so I take it you have to remove the trim first, is that correct? If so it doesn't explain that very well. Is there a picture of the trim removal too please?

Richard_Hamilton · Jun 2, 2012

You just have to unclip the horseshoe surround at the bottom on each side, and it lifts out. Use a butter knife or similar, taking care not to damage the trim or dash, particularly if you have silver trim.

It is just the top part of this diagram you need.

SteveMorrow · Jun 2, 2012

Thanks Richard, that helped. I got the old one out but the new one just won't go into the plastic housing, it just seems slightly bigger. I tried for long enough & know it just isn't going to happen! [

] I'm not sure which bit is wrong but I'll give the supplier a ring next week and check the code and maybe get a new plastic insert. I need it working for my battery conditioner.

Richard_Hamilton · Jun 3, 2012

I think the replacement part number should be 997.652.101.00.A05 (black) for a 2002-on car. The part number for a pre-2001 car is 996.652.101.00. Both are still available, so presumably there is a difference and maybe you have the wrong one.

SteveMorrow · Jun 12, 2012

Thanks Richard. I had ordered the right part but they had sent the wrong one. They are changing it for me.

DaveyB · Jun 13, 2012

Be careful - those cigarette lighters are dangerous. When I first bought my car, I handed over the money and the previous owner left, I jumped in my new car to play with some of the controls etc.

I pressed in the cigarette lighter and then worked out how to use the OBC. The next thing I know I hear a 'ping' and the lighter has leapt from the dash and landed on the passenger seat. I grabbed the burning hot lighter and stuffed it back in the dash. Burning my fingers and spilling the cup of tea I was holding in the porcess. It took 10mins for my wife to stop laughing

You have been warned![

]

Buddy · Jun 13, 2012

I always knew tea drinking was dangerous!

SteveMorrow · Jun 13, 2012

Your wife could have cracked a rib too with all that laughter. I think you got off lightly! [

]

SteveMorrow · Jul 3, 2012

Just thought I would do an update as I successfully installed my new cigarette lighter (once I'd been sent the right one!). As mentioned by Richard; it was very fiddly and I was actually unable to remove the assembly without some damage to the clear plastic light unit behind the trim. This was even though I'd found where the clip was! In the end I ordered a new one for about £7 and reassembled everything with no problem. [

]

Thanks to the diagrams I had no problems removing and reattaching the trim. The only problem I had was a blown fuse which I replaced. This was probably due to me not disconnecting the battery. Naughty I know, but, as the first thing I did was disconnect the electric socket from the lighter, I thought it was a bit overkill. Maybe another way of doing it would just be to remove the correct fuse beforehand. I'm sure someone else may advise differently though and I wouldn't disagree as I freely admit I'm no expert.

Here are some pictures I took. The dust you can see just wasn't visible to the naked eye, otherwise I would have cleaned it off before taking them. The flash just highlights everything and more! [

]

Here it is with the trim removed:

Just before removal. The clip is where I'm pointing the screwdriver, but I still struggled getting it out:

After removal:

The new bits to go back in:

And this is it all back, fully reassembled:

Thanks for your help Richard. I'm not sure I would even tackle these DIY jobs if I didn't feel I could ask questions of an expert. The lighter works and, more importantly, my battery conditioner is getting the power to the car again.