Ashtray wont open.

ifmracin · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 12:08 AM

My ashtray will not open.
When I got the car it opened fine, but now when you press, it will move in like it should, but will not come out.

I was in there today installing my lockpick, so I decided to take it out to see what I could find, and with it out I am still unable to get it open.

Any ideas?

dkozloski · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 12:36 AM

Once you drop all those quarters and nickles behind it you're in deep stew.

AllGoNShow · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 12:19 PM

^^ Very helpful.

I assume you mean front ashtray. Mine is doing the same thing right now, RIGHT after being replaced under warranty. According to the dealership your ashtray "isn't aligned properly", well I have a few choice words in my head about that but I won't voice them.

If you are looking for a temporary solution, take the palm of your hand and smack the passenger side of the center console beside the ashtray. Don't be a wimp either, wind up and crank it, the plastic is storng it will take the force. The bang from your hand will jitter the ashtry and next time you push it to open it will open properly.

I haven't found a perfect solution yet as it has been -25 the last couple of days but according to the dealer if the trim comes off, make sure the ashtray is installed properly, all screws and clips are installed correctly and the ashtray works fine by itself outside the casing. The ashtray uses a bent piece of metal to help release the ashtray from the closed position. Both of mine were completely 180 from how they should be and causing jamming. There is also a set of gears on my rear ashtray *didn't look ont he front* which if some gunk gets stuck in there I could see jamming the ashtray right up. If you have it all apart, give the moving parts some spray on white silicone lube and that should help you out quite a bit.

This weekend will be warm and I am going to try and get my car into the dealer tomorrow for its final warranty work (warranty long expired now but open file so parts keep coming in). Then after that I will pull everything apart that is broken, including my frotn and rear ashtrays, and give you some more feedback if none of the above worked.

ifmracin · #4 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 12:45 PM

Well, I have already taken it out, and it still will not open.
The gears are fine.
There is a little 'thing' that follows a path that allows the tray to latch and to open, i'm not sure if this is what the issue is, as I don't have anything to compare it to.

Oh, and I don't plan on bashing on my wood dash.

AllGoNShow · #5 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 12:48 PM

Not bashing your wood dash, didn't listen did you? Basically a FIRM love tap on the PLASTIC on the SIDE of the center console BESIDE the ashtray. Nothing to do with your wood trim that will break when you smash it.

ifmracin · #6 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 12:54 PM

Gotcha.

But, it's still not going to help in my case. It's not just 'misaligned' or not quite releasing. It will not let go. I tried all kinds of crap once I had it out, no go.

Thanks for the ideas, let's keep them coming.

If I have to, I can live without it working (i don't smoke, and it's not a big deal), but I would rather it worked, obviously.
And I would rather not have to buy a replacement, I looked them up on gmpartsdirect, not cheap and that didn't include the wood trim for it.

AllGoNShow · #7 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 12:59 PM

Wierd. Yes they are a rip off. Thank god I am trying to quit smoking, going to get this thing working fine and clean it up because its the seocnd ashtray in 4 months that has failed on me.

When I get mine apart I will take some pictures and try some new things.

illinois cadillac · #8 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 03:16 PM

I have had the same problem. Sometimes it is stuck shut. Once I get it open it will not stay shut when closed.

coati · #9 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 04:09 PM

I had the same problem too.
In my case, I used to fold cash and put it in the ashtray for toll.
The dealership said it was the cash that got in the way and prevented the ashtray door from opening.

EChas3 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 05:22 PM

Earlier ashtrays are even more susceptible to this kind of trouble. 2007's introduced a metal cover over half the tray insert. I think they're still problematic when used for things other than ashes.

ifmracin · #11 (**permalink**) 03-12-09, 06:23 PM

Amazingly mine is empty, and spotless, I don't think the previous owner used it either.

Force-1 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-13-09, 12:02 AM

Mine did the same thing, and I had it repaired under warranty. I noted they changed the metal liner, making it virtually useless--couldn't get my fingers in it. So, I asked for the old liner back, and my service rep gave it to me.

lreddiablo · #13 (**permalink**) 03-13-09, 05:10 PM

Mine is hardly ever opend, and got the same BS problem with it, a design flaw I guess

**Jesda** · #14 (**permalink**) 03-13-09, 05:21 PM

LOL, Cadillac still hasn't figured this ash tray thing out. The 92 STS sometimes won't close or won't open and requires force or finesse depending on what the issue is.

Aron9000 · #15 (**permalink**) 03-14-09, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesda

LOL, Cadillac still hasn't figured this ash tray thing out. The 92 STS sometimes won't close or won't open and requires force or finesse depending on what the issue is.

^so true, the ashtray in my Brougham rattles when you punch the gas and have the engine wound up to a high rpm.