Is there a way to remove just the cigarette lighter assemble from the 99.5 without removing the entire center console. The lighter portion fell underneath the holder into the center console (don't ask me how). Thanks

I don't know for certain, but I don't think so. I and other posters have had a problem with the lighter assembly sticking in the closed position because the lighter can catch on some small bumps/pins that seem to be molded into the back vertical surface of the lighter cavity. The fix for this, I'm told by an Audi tech, is to remove the console and break the small bumps/pins off. If it were possible to remove (and replace) the lighter assembly without the hassle of removing the console, I suspect that also would be the preferred way to fix the sticking problem, since the bumps/pins could be broken off from above.

I took my car in about a week ago and they looked at the same exact problem on my 99.5 The guy ended up trying to pry it with a screw driver! MISTAKE... he ended up damaging/denting the finish on teh plastic so he ordered me a new one. He then looked something up and told me you have to take off the console there to get to it....I am going in for my 10k service Monday and I would be happy to ask about it... All I'd need is to be reminded to reply!
The way mine got stuck is (I think) by using the lighter for my PCS phone. My girlfriend I think pushed a little too hard one time and we heard a snap. Dumb me then "tested" the noise by closing the lighter assembly... and since it is stuck.

Thank God for warranties
Dimitri

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99.5 1.8TQMS (APRless for 10k service)

1. get a screwdriver and CAREFULLY pty the top cover off
it's the piece of plastic covering the lighter when it's closed

2. You will know be able to see that the lighter is in its top
position and is held in place by a little plastic pin.

3. use a plier (or little Swiss army knife) to grab the lighter
and push it in slightly (to the left)

4. by magic the lighter will turn round

5. the little plastic cover can be attached again, no glue
is necessary. It simply snaps into place.

The alternative is having the dealer taking off the entire center
console.

Steve N.
99.5 1.8qtms 19000 miles APR'd (w/ a cracked windshield, grrrrr)

Interesting alternate solution for getting the lighter assembly to open when stuck. In my case, and after I had not luck myself, the tech used a feeler gauge to move the lighter and get the lighter open. This was recommended in an earlier posting. Neither approach, however, is a permanent fix for the sticking problem. Getting into the lighter cavity--however that is done--and breaking off the pin(s) apparently is a permanent solution.

Take your car to the dealer and have them do
the permanent fix.<ul><li><a href="http://tech.vw.com/audipdf/a909901.pdf">http://tech.vw.com/audipdf/a909901.pdf</a</li></ul>