Ash tray no longger opens...unless i hit the gas!

[Casey]

I just got my car back from service, and they did something to the shifter. But they must not have assembled the center console correctly, because when i press the ashtray in to open it (i keep my change in it), it just kinda sits there, until i hit the gas hard enough, and then it comes out, haha. i push it back in and it latches, but doesnt come out again unless i repeat the process. when it is sitting there in its locked position, it isnt sitting flush with the heated seat buttons anymore, so something isnt right.

i really dont want to drop the car back off at the dealer for something like this, so anyone know if this is simple enough for me to handle on my own? any ideas what it could be? thanks in advance for the help guys.

[crhemi]

Same here. I just had my dash replaced do to bubbling. I think a coin may have fallen out behind the ashtray...

[Mike_Levy]

Its the stupid strap spring. I can't tell you how many times I've had to pul apart the dash to reattach it. It just fits into a slot in the front and floats on a lip in the back, so it disconnects easily. And when its disconnected, the ashtray won't open.

[xCrazyDragonx]

Mike is right....It's the stupid spring. Just see if you can find it and re-install. I remember it wasn't easy though, but you can do it.

[Casey]

great thanks Mike and crazy. is the spring attached to the ash tray and i just have to re-seat it, or is there a chance it fell into the dashboard somewhere?

[Mike_Levy]

It may be attached or it may have fallen behind. I JBWelded mine to the front mount last time I fixed it, to eliminate the chance of it falling back and getting lost.

[joey]

In case this applies.

Ash Tray Will Not Open, Will Not Stay Closed etc
http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/LX/TSB/TSB_2300605.pdf

[BCasey]

lol i got the same problem, when i click it to open it just doesnt open... i gotta slide something thin (credit card) into the crack and pry it open.

is there an easy way to get in there to fix the spring? I've never taken my dash apart....

[newbee]

I've read somewhere that there is a wire for something behind there that gets cought up also. Maybe if you get back there you can make sure the line of travel is free of anything that can snag it.

[Mike_Levy]

To get to the spring you gotta pop off the main bezel. Its held on with some clips and tabs. Use a panel removal tool and go around the perimeter. That will usually do it. Pull it out some and release the electrcal connectors to the A/C. Then you can retate the bezel up on top of the dash and not have to remove the connectors for the Clock and ESP/Hazard buttons.

Then pop out the ashtray/Heated seats bezel. Its just held on with 4 clips. Remove the electrical conmnectors for the heaters and the lighter and remove the whole panel from the car. Then you can work on it.