Greetings Everyone,

Can anyone offer advice about how to replace the bulb that illuminates the front ashtray? I can remove the ashtray, see the bulb, disconnect the wire going to it, but I just don't see how to get the bulb out. On the same subject, is this a bulb that has to be purchased from a dealer, or would a neighborhood auto parts vendor be likely to have it?

Thanks As Always,

 

The bulb is usually a pain to get you if you can look up there with a Mirror to see what way it slides.

Not sure about the bulb I always buy from Dealer.

 

I agree with Tech about this bulb being difficult to get to! After you take out the ashtray by pulling it straight out, remove the ashtray bracket by removing the two Torx screws of each side of it and pulling it straight out. Now you can reach into the opening on the top and toward the front and feel the bulb and it's holder. It is VERY difficult to get your head in the right angle to see very much of it. Once I could feel it, I removed the bulb and holder by pulling them straight out, toward the front of the car, it was a little tight, but not bad. You could disconnect the wires first if you wanted to, you can feel them on the left of the holder, and can be removed by pulling them toward the left, they are connected with regular flat spade connectors. After you have the bulb and holder out, the bulb can be removed by pulling it to the left to remove it from the holder. Here's a couple of photographs of the bulb and holder. The first one is the bulb and holder, the second one is the holder from the side, you can see how the section that's sort of folded double is the part that slides back into the top of the ashtray opening to put it back together. I have not yet found a replacement for the bulb, the two closest dealers to me don't have it, but could order it, don't know the price.
On a side note, while I had the console out to replace the shifter position bulb, I saw that there was a bulb to illuminate the 12 volt receptacle on the console I didn't even know there was one because it was burned out too. I replaced it, and the bulb that illuminates the back ashtray and 12 volt receptacle with a Sylvania 2721 from AutoZone for $2.75.






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