Ok... I have searched the forums, and online. I followed a guide on here to remove the whole unit from the dash panel. My question is, how do I remove the 12v lighter socket, to replace with some usb ports? I don't see a connection I can click and release, and I don't really want to break it and have to buy a new one!

Thanks...

 

looks like a plastic lock tab. move it and probably 1/4 turn will do it. good pic.

 

there's 2 tabs holding the silver piece on, but I cannot get them to move. I don't mind ripping all of it apart physically, but would rather not. I tried twisting/rotating. It spins freely now, I just have no idea how to separate the two pieces...

 

Figured it out - there's 2 very small, very hard to see black tabs about 2mm wide right at the bottom of the socket. Find a way to remove those tabs, it falls right out. I used an xacto knife and needle nose pliers. there's no 'drop' zone for it - it just spins and spins.

 

The WSM says to use this special tool. Looks like you have to push those little tabs out. Has to be a way to release it without the special tool, but I've never tried.

Ford wants $410 for the tool. How ridiculous is that?

 

I was wondering about those two pieces. But that's not what I removed. Way down at the bottom, where the barrel meets the flare, are two small chunks of plastic. I used an xacto knife to take them out, then the whole assembly came out of the holder. Now to fit all that crap back together...