I am trying to remove the cigarette lighter from the center dash panel on my 02 1500. I need to be able to reinstall when I’m finished. Does anyone know the trick to disengage the lighter socket from the panel without breaking anything?

 

Once you remove the center dash panel you should be able to unscrew the rear lighter casing from the piece that goes through the panel from the front. Take a look at a replacement lighter at any auto parts store.

 

Blue Hemi, That’s what I thought too until I had the panel off. Nothing like the generic replacement type. This is OEM stuff and a different. Looks to snap and click in place with no way to release without breaking.

Anyone encountered this?

 

I should've known it wouldn't be that easy. I just looked at my manual and it didn't say anything about how to get it out. Sorry I couldn't help!

 

I got the panel off and looked the wiring over. It all looks OK. Both of the outlets are giving the spike to the phone charger. I checked the output voltage and it is steady at a little over 14 volts. The amperage is a little under one amp I think on both outlets. Output did not fluctuate on the meter but it is not super sensitive like the phone. I was wondering if the voltage regulator took a hit when It slammed the pot hole. Would that cause this kind of issue?