ashtray problems

[chimpy]

Hi all,
The ashtray in the D3 has stopped opening properly (I assume a spring has come off or snapped) and I was wondering if anyone has replaced/removed it. I have done some searching and found fairly clear instructions on dissassembling the console to the point of accessing the ashtray/lighter section but it gets a bit hazy after that as to the best non-snappo method of removal. Any thoughts?

Cheers

[vnx205]

Perhaps it is trying to encourage you to stop smoking. :D:p

[Discophil]

Hi Chimpy,

is your ashtray the one that springs out when pushed? Mine died about 6 months ago. After being quoted around $200 to get it replaced by LR, I decided to just live with it. I now have to manually pull it out and when pushed back in it doesnt sit flush. Interested to know if you have any better luck than me.

[chimpy]

I don't smoke but do keep fuel cards and their ilk in there. Discophil, it is the same problem and i've seen mention on the UK site of 10GBP+vat. I was going to source a price once i figured out how to remove the old one

[jtonline]

Discophil that is the same as mine, it doesn't go all the way back in. I bit annoying but going to live with it as it is not a small job.

[Discophil]

If its the worst thing that geos wrong with the car than i will thank my lucky stars! Mind you, if Chimpy finds a cost effective solution, i might be interested as it does make it harder to access that small area in front of the gear selector.

[FOMOCO]

I had the same problem on mine, the spring gets stuck which stops the ashtray sitting flush.

I searched for a while and there are instructions somewhere on this and other forums

I pulled off the dash surround (grab either side at the bottom and pull) disconnected the A/C (unscrew and disconnect wires). Unfortunately to get the ashtray out you also have to lift up the centre console by unscrewing handbrake and the screw under sunglasses holder on passenger side and again pull - this is where plastic can break so I hear.

I managed to unscrew and remove the ashtray without going any further; otherwise you have to disconnect the gear level knob etc.

I removed the spring and put it back together, it now sits flush but when you pull it out the tray pulls out all the way and you end up the the tray in your hand. In hindsight I would have just left it, unless your going to fix the spring or replace the panel I'd just leave it

[chimpy]

Hi Chimpy,

is your ashtray the one that springs out when pushed? Mine died about 6 months ago. After being quoted around $200 to get it replaced by LR, I decided to just live with it. I now have to manually pull it out and when pushed back in it doesnt sit flush. Interested to know if you have any better luck than me.
Oh Joy! I was just quoted $38.95 from Ritters in Melbourne for the whole ashtray assembly.