Removing cigarette lighter sockets, 2006 Tacoma

I have a 2006 Tacoma and I'm trying to replace the cigarette lighters with USB chargers. How do I remove them?
EDIT: Go to post #41 and see how I did it, to save yourself a lot of grief!

I've searched the web and this forum and haven't figured out how to do it.
I've popped the AC panel, and it doesn't give me access to the back of the sockets.
If I remove the shift console, does that give me access from below?
I tried to pull the left one out, and it's stuck 3/4 out. I'm guessing the heat shield is holding it?
HELP!

 

See if this helps
https://youtu.be/LzEJX6V7KOc

 

^

It's kind of a pain but doable

 

I did this a few weeks ago using this video. It went fine except one of the caps was too big for the opening and would not push in. Two packages, same part numbers. (same as the one in the video) I went back to the dealer and you had to look real close, but you could see one was just slightly thicker. He re-ordered and the third one was fine. He said it had to be either for a different vehicle, or a QC problem, but he had been seeing this type of thing more and more.

 

Much easier than replacing the socket........

 

Thanks, but it doesn't. Being a 2006, my left socket is actually a cigarette lighter, not an auxiliary outlet. That's why I'm guessing the heat shield may be an issue. In retrospect, I probably should have just pulled out the right one, which is an auxiliary!

 

Yeah, I've been using those for years. Problem is, they've worn out the sockets, so I get intermittent connectivity.

 

I WISH it would be as easy for me as it was him in the video! As I indicated in the op, I think I need to get to the back of the socket, and can't figure out how. It doesn't look like I can get there taking apart the top of the dash. I'm wondering if taking apart the shift console will allow me access.
I found a video here that shows how to do it. Two members asked if taking apart the shift console provided access to the sockets. Unfortunately, the creator never responded, and never even indicated why he was taking the console apart.

 

Much easier to remove center console....pop out the "cubby hole" panel then pop out the cig lighter panel. Lots of you tube videos on removing the "center stack".

 

I found this video. It's helpful. Unfortunately, like the others, he stops just short of accessing anything in the back, where the sockets are. So this will give me access?
https://youtu.be/qJReKhubap4

 

Oh, I don't know... I think that socket is fixable!
: )
Yes, that's the issue. I'm trying to figure out how to get to the back of the lighter.

 

On my 2015 I removed the console for some mods and it didn't give me access to the plugs. You have to remove enough of the dash that I gave up. I'm using the USB adaptor linked above, Anker is an excellent brand, but I wanted one less "connection" and the displayed voltage output.

Maybe if I had an arm 12" longer and extra bendy I could do it....

 

Good answer! OK....I'm going in! I'll report back, hopefully with good news.
Thanks for your feedback!

 

This might help (starting at 06:43 timestamp)...

 

How did you get the access to take this picture? From the top, or below from the center console?

 

It does help! However, I started at 1:30, where he pulls out the radio to gain access. Surprisingly, this seems simpler than pulling apart the center console! What concerns me is that he pulls the cigarette lighter out by pulling with two fingers from the front. I guarantee you that wouldn't have worked with mine! In any case, this is simple enough that I'm going to attempt it before pulling the center console apart. I'll report back. Thank you!

 

I have the radio out, but still don't have access. In the video, he puts his fingers down through the hole I'm pointing to in the picture to unhook the cigarette lighter, and put on the lock nut. I don't have a particularly large hand and I can't even reach the back of the cigarette lighter through that hole! I can barely touch the one on the right.
He didn't pop out the panel that contains the AC vents, but I'm tempted to. I can get the The right side loose, but the left side doesn't want to come out, and I don't want to force it, as there's obviously some ductwork attached. This is so frustrating! By the way, I had full access to that hole by simply removing the climate control panel. The radio didn't need to come out!

 

I just got done replacing my socket covers. They are a MF to pull out. Here's what I did -

Use a really small flathead screwdriver to depress the plastic clips holding the metal socket inside of the plastic plug cap & socket housing. Depress each clip one at a time while using the needle nose pliers to gently pull on the metal socket to keep it from being pulled back into the plastic housing

Once you get the metal socket out, use the small (read - really small) flathead to get between the console and the plug cap housing and depress the clips holding it in place. Try not to damage the plastic console around your caps. The plug should come out once you get both clips to pop out.

From there, disconnect the plug at the back of the socket. Replace the socket & cap with whatever device you are trying to plug in.

 

^

with pics