My front center console ashtray/lighter compartment door no longer opens by itself when I push the button. I have to push the button and press down on the back of the for lid at the same time. Not a huge problem, but it is annoying. I have searched the forum and google for how to remove it, but all videos I have found are showing how to remove the main console, not just the ashtray, and they skip over how that comes out.

Looking at replacement units it seems there are 4 mounting screws somewhere underneath the trim. How much trim do I need to remove and which pieces are involved? If you have had this out or have removed your console, how do I get to those ashtray screws without dismantling everything? Or does it all have to come out?

 

this is fairly simple once the process is discovered

firstly, you need to remove the thin trim under the heater control panel , this will gently pry out revealing two screws for the ashtray ,

then you need to open the larger cup holder and remove the cup holders from inside, these will lift up and with a tilt lift out ,
under there you will also find two screws at the same end as the ashtray unit ,

so thats four screws undone,

the ashtray unit should then lift and wiggle out from under the cupholder part , dont forget to unplug the cigar lighter supply if it is connected ( mine is a coin tray with charge point )

good luck

BB

 

Thanks BB. Exactly what I was hoping. Just didn't want to start this blind (like many of my projects).

Appreciate the info.

 

This bridge trim was really tight on mine. Working both sides back and forth with trim tools finally broke it loose.


Here is the back of the bridge trim for reference. It will only fit back on one way.


With trim removed, ashtray front attachment screws are exposed. They are the two center T30 screws. Notice one is "under" an attachment screw for the console control buttons.


Next take out the rubber cup holder insert. It pulls out easily once you pinch one side loose.


Here is what the cupholder bay looks like without the insert. Two screws at top hold the back of the ashtray. Note: the dried chocolate milk is an aftermarket upgrade.


Side view of replacement ashtray unit showing the two front brackets that attach under the bridge trim and the wide flat bracket that attaches at the rear under the cupholder bay. That rear flat piece is what is making it difficult to remove.

 

Had to add this after the pictures above.

I cannot see how in the heck to pull the ashtray unit out without removing something else. Logically it should pull up in front and you would pivot unit up and out. Problem is I can't get it to pull up enough to clear the wide flat bracket at the rear. It is under the cupholder bay and has no room to come out. I tried taking out the two extra screws in the bay but that doesn't loosen it enough to help. looks like more pieces need to come off, but the advice here and on another forum says it is not necessary.

I'm stuck. What am I doing wrong?

 

My Workshop Manual says you have to remove the Dual Cup Holder first. That requires removing the Transmission Control Switch first.

 

Thanks for the info. That's what I was afraid of at the beginning, that it would require dismantling most of the console.

I gave it up for tonight and may look at it again when I'm fresher tomorrow.