Cigarette Socket 12v Flap Removal

[c43]

I am thinking of getting something like

Belkin Micro USB Auto Charger: RRP $24.95

which is a small flush'ish fitting usb socket which fits into the cigarette socket. The one I plan to get is more flush as it has a little handle to pull it out with, but that isn't that relevant.

My question is about the 12v flap - I suspect the flap won't fully close enough over the usb bit which will then mean on my w204 the sliding tray cover won't close. I don't close the tray that often and I could always just take the usb thing out when I wanted to, but I was wondering if anybody knows how easy it is to remove the 12v flap.

Looking at it, it appears to be connected the socket itself and a quick play makes me feel it will break before coming loose, so I guess it is connected/locked from underneath or something?

Not the end of the world, but was just wondering if anybody knew?

 

[jaymanek]

I cant think on a W204 but if its like the flaps on earlier cars you can simply pull it off.

 

[Aoraki]

Simply pulled it off on my W212!

 

[c43]

It does feel like it is going to break....might try a slightly more aggressive investigation later......

 

[DJM]

Let me know how you get on...I've just ordered the same adaptor so would be keen to do the same.
DJM

 

[Spinal]

I've got the skross adapter... works a charm on the W202...

 

[npuk]

Have you got a link too or know the make / model of the one that has a handle? I have one of these and they are a pain to get out especially with the flap on one side.

 

[c43]

Have you got a link too or know the make / model of the one that has a handle? I have one of these and they are a pain to get out especially with the flap on one side.

Micro DC to USB Adaptor : InCar Power Adaptors : Maplin

They are on ebay as well which is where I first saw them, bit cheaper on ebay as well of course.

 

[DJM]

Took my car to my dealer today to ask about a few things and mentioned about the 12v socket. Unfortunately it has to be broken in order to remove it :-(
DJM

 

[c43]

Took my car to my dealer today to ask about a few things and mentioned about the 12v socket. Unfortunately it has to be broken in order to remove it :-(
DJM

By coincidence was also up at dealer having some leaky pipe fixed that they spotted last time the car was in. Asked the parts guy who seemed to think you have take the flap off after removing some clips, but he wasn't the usual bloke, so wasn't that convinced by his knowledge.

However I did look a bit more closely yesterday - certainly looks like there is some clip/spring thing that may help - just an awkward position to take a look at easily. Still pursuing....

 

[c43]

Took another look today and success! Managed to remove the flap and didn't break anything so putting it back together is still possible.

There is still a 'frame' that is certainly not coming off unless the socket is removed, but for my purposes I am hoping that doesn't need to be removed. Will be getting the USB charger soon, so fingers crossed it all works as expected.

Took some photos as well, not fantastic, but only thought to do it once I realised it was going to come apart as I hoped.

The first photo already has the spring removed.

It is fairly obvious how to remove this bit, just insert a small screwdriver and prise the tension part of the spring away (in red)

Then insert same screwdriver behind the main spring bar and pop it out (in blue). Just be careful that it doesn't fall into the socket and the small bar that the spring wraps round doesn't get lost - it is tiny.

Finally gently prise apart the flap from the frame by working the bit marked pink/skin colour. You can see one side has already come apart, once one side is done the other almost falls apart.



The non flap socket.



I hope that helps somebody else. I didn't manage to break or scratch anything - don't blame me if it doesn't go as well for you.

 

[IanA2]

Took my car to my dealer today to ask about a few things and mentioned about the 12v socket. Unfortunately it has to be broken in order to remove it :-(
DJM

Old thread I know, but does anyone have an update on this, I've been trying to remove the cig socket on my G, but without succes. As I'm replacing it breaking it would be ok. Just seems to be an extreme option.

Thanks

 

[IanA2]

Old thread I know, but does anyone have an update on this, I've been trying to remove the cig socket on my G, but without succes. As I'm replacing it breaking it would be ok. Just seems to be an extreme option.

Thanks

Now resolved, it didn't need breaking but was bloody difficult. In fact there is an MB tool for the job. $117 from a US supplier