My three year grandson decided to shove gum (foil and all!)into the front lighter socket in my 2003 LS430 Ultra. It has since melted! Does anyone know how to remove the socket so I can clean/replace it?

 

There is no graceful way to get to the back of that socket. You have to remove the ash tray assembly. That exercise is described in the forum under replacing the ash tray with a storage unit. You have to pull out the lower panel on the console - it snaps in place and requires a steady pull at the ends. It is the one with the seat heater controls. Then remove the shifter **** - it unscrews and the shifter trim - it lifts up. Then you lift the four corners of the center console. The ash tray screws to the under side of the console cover with 4 screws. Then you can clean the mess or replace the unit. The attached pic should help.

Jeff