TorqFix

Removing and installing cigarette lighter U1/electric socketU with function selection switch 2E272 — AUDI

Removing and installing cigarette lighter U1/electric socketU with function selection switch 2E272 on Audi: 15 steps.

This page covers the cigarette lighter U1 or 12 V socket that sits with function selection switch E272 in the centre console on the Audi A3 (8P, 2003–2012). The centre console comes out first, then the switch, then bolts holding the bracket so it can swivel down out of the console. The lighter insert itself is held by spring tabs, which is why the puller T40148 is used: its release tabs must engage in the recesses of the socket, the knurled wheel is turned clockwise to the stop, and the socket is drawn out of its illuminated ring. Once the puller is detached, check the lighter retaining tabs have not bent. A bent tab lets the lighter shoot out when hot, so straighten it before refitting.

15 steps

🧭 Before you start

Remove the console and switch E272, unbolt and swivel the bracket out, then use puller T40148 to draw the socket from its illuminated ring and unplug it. Release the puller, inspect the tabs, and refit the switch and console.

Fits: Audi A3 (8P, 2003–2012)

  • Special tools named: T40148, puller

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  • Seat the puller tabs in the socket recesses before turning the knurled wheel.
  • Turn the knurled wheel clockwise to the stop to extract, anticlockwise to release.
  • Check the lighter retaining tabs are not bent after using the puller.
  • Bend back any distorted tabs to prevent the lighter ejecting.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

📋 Procedure

  1. Remove centre console 68.
  2. Remove function selection switch 2E272.
  3. Unscrew bolts (arrows).
  4. Detach cigarette lighter with bracket from centre console by swivelling bracket downwards.
  5. Release tabs (2) on puller T40148 must engage in recesses in cigarette lighter/12 V socket (3)(arrow); for this purpose, push threaded rod (1) downwards as far as stop.
AUDI? Steps differ between engine variants — check this job against your exact car before you commit to it. Check my car — free →
  1. If fitted, open cover (1) and hold in this position.
  2. Insert puller T40148 into cigarette lighter/12 V socket as far as stop.
  3. Turn knurled wheel (2) on puller T40148 clockwise as far as stop.
  4. Use puller T40148 to pull cigarette lighter/12 V socket out of illuminated ring with cigarette lighter illumination bulb L28.
  5. Unplug electrical connector.
  6. ⚠ Risk of injury.After detaching puller T40148 check that retaining tabs for lighter are not bent.If retaining tabs are bent they must be bent back to prevent lighter from ejecting. — Detach support (1) from puller T40148.
  7. Push piston downwards and hold in this position.
  8. Turn knurled wheel (4) on puller T40148 anti-clockwise (arrow); this will open release tabs (2) on cigarette lighter/12 V socket (3) and puller T40148 can be removed.
  9. Install function selection switch 2E272.
  10. Install centre console 68.

Other AUDI procedures

Who makes these pages, and how

TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.

The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.

Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.

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Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.