How to remove a penny that fell into the cigarette lighter plug-in?

T. JOHN

MEMBER
2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,482 MILES

In the past when I have asked a question on this site they have always been answered fairly fast with a response. I am in a dilemma and hope that someone can offer some good advice. I hope this time this is the case. The console in the middle. Has a 12v system. This is where you can plug in say a cell phone, GPS and etc. I am not talking about a cigarette lighter now. This is where I plug in my GPS. Somehow do not know how this happened, a penny fell in there and is now lodged down in there below where it looks like a lip. I have tried several ways to unlogged it so far, no luck. Some great advice would be nice.
Thank you.

4 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

I would start by gluing a small dab of epoxy to a popsicle stick, or something similar, and setting it down onto the penny. Let that cure for a good couple of hours, then try to pull it up. This has a better chance of working if there's a little room to let you slide the coin back and forth. If it's wedged in tight or if it's caught under a metal tab, you may have to use the stick to tip the coil a little to get it passed what it is hooked on.

If the glue pulls loose and leaves the coin behind, don't panic. Try it again. Pennys commonly get a dark brown coating that is a film of corrosion. The glue will pull that coating off without really adhering to the coin. A second attempt may find the coin is shiny now and the glue will stick to it better.

Next is to try using a vacuum cleaner to suck the coin out, but don't be surprised if that doesn't work. You need air flow through the socket to make that work.

The last trick is to use a thin screwdriver to hold the coin from spinning, then drill a small hole through it. Run a wood screw into the hole, then use it to pull the coin up. I have a huge bucket of 3"-long screws for all kinds of projects. A 1/16" hole would be just right to fit those screws. Also consider using a sheet rock screw. Those come as long as 2" which should still be long enough to let you screw it in, then pull it out with a needle nose pliers. Use something sticky, like chewing gum, on a stick to pull out any metal chips from the socket or use compressed air to blow the chips out.

Let me know if any of those methods work for you.

The last resort is to remove the socket so you can turn it upside down and knock the coin out. I'll find the instructions for socket removal for you if it comes to that.

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Sunday, December 18th, 2022 AT 5:36 PM

T. JOHN

MEMBER
22 POSTS

The penny is below the lip. Great advice. I did try a real small flat tip screwdriver. It was a little hard to tell if it got pasted that lip or not. I did not think of the glue or the other things that you suggested. Great suggestions. After this happened. I told a friend of mine. He said if I could not do it. He would help me out.
I know your reply is a lot longer than mine and yours goes into a good amount of detail. Thank you for the link. When I get a hold of him. I will tell him what you suggested. When it is done. I will let you know.

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Monday, December 19th, 2022 AT 5:00 AM

T. JOHN

MEMBER
22 POSTS

I have some really good friends. This one friend as I mentioned above. He called me yesterday while I was at work in the morning. He asked me if I got the penny out yet. I told him no. Since I was at work I told him I would call him when I got off. I did he tell me to come over. He knows a lot more about vehicles then I do. He has a lot more tools/right ones. It took about minutes or so to get it out.
Thank you again for your advice.

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Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 AT 10:53 AM

CARADIODOC