Cigarette lighter changed, but still won't charge phone

Changing to the USb system really sounds like a plan.

Regarding the question of removing the lighter socket.... have already researched it and, you don't need to remove console (I understand) but you do have to depress two little plastic "pips / claws" which are opposite one another inside the lighter socket body and then lever it out.

Have seen a vw tool that does this. Somebody else said they did it using two little allen keys but it ain't easy and I haven't suceeded yet.