Car: 02 GTI 1.8t

The front 12v outlet has been out since I can recall, I have an idea as to how it happened; the useless cupholders that fold out above the radio start dripping right on it! Anyways, I just want to have a way to plug my phone in, the charger works in the back, not the front though. I checked the fuse, good. There is a also a little light that comes on that lights up the red ashtray, but only does it every now and then(no idea why it goes on/off like it does) So the question is what is the problem? Do I need to just get a new outlet? If so how can I find the product number without taking it all apart and such? Any other things to check before ordering a $30 outlet...ughh, thanks everyone