Removing cigarette lighter sockets, 2006 Tacoma

It's not my thread, I can't take credit. It's just the one I found and used every time I've searched for how to remove the lower dash over the years.

 

Better to just pop out one of the little switch blanks and install 2 USB ports in that. That's what I did. For my head unit it required 2, one for CarPlay and the other for Android Auto. Either will charge any device but the smartphone function is separate. Some newer head units may not have this restriction.

 

Easier, I guess. I don't know about "better". I'd have two useless cigarette sockets in my dash, which would bug me!

 

They really aren't useless. Good for letting your passenger plug into a lighter plug charger. Or for inflating your tires, kayak, or SUP with a small compressor.

 

Got it! Interesting it didn't come up in my searches. Though, it's probably just as well. I didn't need to pull some of the things he did, for my project.

 

I was able to remove the cigarette lighter in my ‘09 without removing any panels. It took some trial & error, and in the end it was similar (though not identical to) the process in the below video for a ‘14.

https://youtu.be/LzEJX6V7KOc

The clips that connect the metal socket to the plastic shroud were different; mine were two L shaped holes that you can see in the first picture attached.

After I released those, the socket slid most of the way out, but not completely. That was the hardest part because I couldn’t tell what was catching. In the end I just had to keep pressure on it and slowly pull it out without damaging it. Eventually the plastic shroud released, at which point I realized the clips that secure it are on the top and bottom,(not left and right as I assumed). Then I just had to unplug the wiring and everything was out.

In ‘09 Tacomas the left socket is a cigarette lighter and the right is a power outlet with a cover. Personally, I just wanted to make them match, so I swapped out the left ring shroud with a cover shroud that matches the right side. The results look pretty clean I think.

Hope this helps someone.

 

This video covers it! Hope this helps others!

https://youtu.be/mgJqxW3hWVw?si=zrVXkVgz6zvS-SjN