I got a new lighter asembly the other day for my '98 and now I cannot figure out how to install it. Do I need to remove the whole console?

 

if its the same set up as my 96. ( delta radio and all) you have to yank on the little pull out tray and the whole bottom piece will come out. Thats if its the same as my cars setup. directly infront of the shifter tray on the left lighter socket on the right. GL

 

This one is not within the tray but to the right of it in a fixed panel. Are you saying that it also will come out with the tray housing?

 

yeh...the lighter socket is to the right of the tray. just yank on the whole bottom piece and it will pop out....btw i take no responsibility for you doing this, i am just offering advice

 

That's a given - thanks.

 

Do this:

-Open your ash tray and give it a tug. it should pop out. remove it completely.
-Now there is a big gap where the tray used to be. On the bottom you should see 2 metal tabs which hold the ashstray and lighter assembly in place.
-Push down on those 2 tabs and pull on the assembly. It should all pop out. From there remove the wiring harness connected to the lighter and you should be good to go.

Hope this helps... If you need pics let me know. I'm currently fixing my ashtray because it didnt pop out when you push on it. But i got that problem fixed and now it wont stay closed.

 

LOL
Thanks! I should be able to figure it out.
Actually, my ashtray won't stay closed either. I had been jamming it closed with a coin since I don't smoke. Guess I'll see if it's repairable while I'm at it.

 

Yeah actually when you remove the whole assembly you'll see why yours isnt staying closed. there is a little white plastic piece that is supposed to have a little nub sticking out of it. This nub follows a groove on the top back of the ashtray. So when you push the ashtray in and out it locks and then unlocks it. I am still trying to figure out a was to fix it. If you think of sumthing let me know.

 

I fixed my ashtray problem, did you figure it out? I took a couple of pics of what I did if you want them...

 

hi, sorry to bring an old thread back to life, but i am having a very weird problem and hoping that you guys can help. I am trying to change the tiny bulb behind the ashtray and the lighter socket. Now i am not stupid, and i do have everything out of the console, but i just can't seem to take neither the bulb out nor the lighter socket apart .. I simply am clueless ..
Any help would be greatly appreciated ... Its a 96 A4 2.8 ..