There's a TSB about this but involves buying a new ashtray assembly. I figured out how to fix this a while back for free. I'll post the details if anyone else has the issue, just don't want to waste time typing if nobody else has the issue. let me know.
How to fix the ashtray stays open defect in 03+ for free...
- Thread starter beaups
- Start date
OK if your 03+ ashtray is staying open no matter what do this:
Pop out the ashtray. Remove the ashtray assembly (the housing). if you flip the ashtray over and look at the bottom you can see a small spot where a piece of plastic has broken off (this should be obvious). In the ashtray housing there is the latch mechanism with the broken "nipple" probably stuck inside of the mechanism. Get the plastic piece out and discard it. Reinstall the housing only.
Now, get a TINY ( I mean really small, like 4mm long and maybe 1/4-1/2mm diameter) screw handy. Drill a slightly smaller hole right through the ashtray where the piece of plastic was before it broke off. screw in the screw from the TOP of the ashtray so it only pokes out of the bottom 1.5 MM or so. Put the ashtray in. If it still doesn't "catch" screw the screw in a little further so it sticks out the bottom a little more. If it binds you've screwed the screw in too far so back it off. You get the drift.
This takes about 30 minutes. It's hard to explain but once you look at the bottom of the ashtray you'll understand the concept. Hope this helps somebody out there.
Pop out the ashtray. Remove the ashtray assembly (the housing). if you flip the ashtray over and look at the bottom you can see a small spot where a piece of plastic has broken off (this should be obvious). In the ashtray housing there is the latch mechanism with the broken "nipple" probably stuck inside of the mechanism. Get the plastic piece out and discard it. Reinstall the housing only.
Now, get a TINY ( I mean really small, like 4mm long and maybe 1/4-1/2mm diameter) screw handy. Drill a slightly smaller hole right through the ashtray where the piece of plastic was before it broke off. screw in the screw from the TOP of the ashtray so it only pokes out of the bottom 1.5 MM or so. Put the ashtray in. If it still doesn't "catch" screw the screw in a little further so it sticks out the bottom a little more. If it binds you've screwed the screw in too far so back it off. You get the drift.
This takes about 30 minutes. It's hard to explain but once you look at the bottom of the ashtray you'll understand the concept. Hope this helps somebody out there.
I have the opposite problem witht the ashtray in my 2000 LS. I took out the center console to look at installing a new console and once I put everything back in, the ashtray will not open. When I take off the "wood" panel below the ashtray, it opens fine. It seems the ashtray is somehow catching on this panel. Anybody else dealt with this problem?
Arbo512 said:
Yeah, I had this problem on my '03 after opening up the centre console. You just didn't fit the 'wood' back tightly enough. There are several clips, if I remember correctly, that have enough play in them for the panel not to fit back in just the right spot. Just try pulling it out a bit again, and fitting it back in to make room over the ashtray. Or push it back on the tabs around the ashtray so that it clears.
2006kmls
Active LVC Member
You shouldnt be smoking anyway. Just glue it shut and be done with it.