Tools:
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Pliers
Materials:
- New cigarette lighter socket (available at auto parts stores)
- Wire stripper
- Electrical tape
Instructions:
1. Disconnect the battery. This is a safety precaution to prevent any electrical shocks while you are working on the cigarette lighter. To disconnect the battery, open the hood of your Beetle and locate the negative battery terminal (marked with a "-"). Loosen the nut on the negative terminal and remove the cable.
2. Remove the center console. The center console is the plastic housing that surrounds the gear shift lever. To remove it, start by removing the two screws that are located at the front of the console, near the ashtray. Next, remove the two screws that are located at the rear of the console, near the cup holders. Once all four screws are removed, you can gently pry up the center console and remove it from the vehicle.
3. Locate the cigarette lighter socket. The cigarette lighter socket is located on the back of the center console. It is a cylindrical plastic housing with a metal contact in the center.
4. Remove the old cigarette lighter socket. Use the flat-head screwdriver to pry up the plastic cover of the cigarette lighter socket. Once the cover is removed, you will see two screws that hold the socket in place. Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to remove these screws and then pull the socket out of the console.
5. Install the new cigarette lighter socket. Insert the new socket into the console and secure it with the two screws that you removed in the previous step.
6. Reconnect the battery. Reattach the negative battery cable to the negative terminal and tighten the nut.
7. Test the cigarette lighter. Insert a cigarette lighter into the socket and press down on it. The lighter should heat up and ignite the cigarette.
If the cigarette lighter does not work after following these steps, you may need to replace the fuse. The fuse for the cigarette lighter is located in the fuse box, which is usually located under the dashboard on the driver's side. To replace the fuse, simply pull out the old fuse and insert a new one of the same amperage.
