2005 Power Outlet Question

[Psychobabbler]

Hello All

I've owned Helen Wheels (2005 bare bones model, except for AC) for 4 years now, and I'm finally getting with the digital age. I want to use my iPod and stereo to hear my tunes. So I went out and purchased a "transmitter" kit, the kind that broadcast onto your FM dial. Plugged it into the lighter and voila, no power! No blown fuses, so I think I have a problem with getting juice to my lighter. The lighter doesn't work, either (checked just to make sure it wasn't a bogus transmitter plug-in).

So I bought a new lighter housing assembly, but fear "going in," as I am not all that mechanically inclined and have had issues in the past with the cheap plastic that holds consoles together (not with Helen).

Since I don't have any blown fuses, how do I remove the lighter housing assembly from the console and check to make sure it's still wired? I don't have a power outlet in the dash, but not averse to installing one (and fixing the lighter, too).

For someone as mechanically challenged (not totally inept, but leery of doing damage) as I, would installation of an outlet be very difficult? I do very well with manuals, but I'm not plunking down serious coin for a manual to replace the freakin' lighter!

Everything about the car is original factory, bare-bones model 2005, with the exception of A/C.

Can anyone offer advice to me? Thanks in advance!

Chuck

[ADR]

found this page in the service manual. It shows use of special tools, but I'm sure you'll find a way to improvise.

[Psychobabbler]

Thanks for the help, ADR!!! I'm quite sure I can figure some way to pop that sucker out. Didn't want to have to disassemble the whole console for this little thing.

Thanks again!