Hi. Tried searching for my problem but cannot see any help so apologies if I have missed it.

I need to remove the lighter socket from my 2008 ford fiesta which I found instructions on how to do it. But after inserting flat head screw driver to dislodge, the barrel will not come through the hole completely and gets stuck.

Looks like a bit of the plastic protrudes further than the size of the hole, so will not come through so that I can unplug the wire to then attach a new socket.

Any advice how I can resolve?

Tried removing side panel by gear stick but metal fixings do not allow easy access this way either.

To confirm I have changed the fuse in case it was the problem but it's not. The actual lighter socket needs replacing as it cuts in and out of power.

Thanks in advance

They are fiddly indeed.

The plastic collar has two lugs which grip into the notches on the socket, this is what holds the socket in place.

Only way to remove the socket is push both lugs in and pull the socket out.

There is a proper tool for removing them, I sourced one from America (only place I could find one) but the darn thing was just too short to push both lugs at the same time so basically wasted.

An option is to scrape away at the lugs to thin them a bit then push in with thin screwdriver blades while pulling some strong string looped under thr collar on the socket.