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Loose ashtray that keeps opening? Here is the solution!

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by willtotheumm, Sep 2, 2010.

  1. Sep 2, 2010 at 3:25 PM
    #1
    willtotheumm

    willtotheumm [OP] Yo Taco!

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    K&N intake. That is all. For now...
    I got tired of the ashtray on my 03 constantly opening. Whether it was quick acceleration, or speed bumps, that ashtray always slid open. I tried the tape technique and didn't like it. Decided to try to find an alternative thats simple, and free!

    EXCLAIMER: I am not liable for any undesired breaking of parts. PLEASE USE CAUTION! There isn't much going on, but nobody likes a part snapping or anything. That'll just make more work to do!

    What you need:
    20 minutes of time (less if you know the first steps)
    1 Phillips screwdriver
    1 Flathead screwdriver

    Okay to start...

    This is the work area:
    [​IMG]

    Remove the ashtray and pull all the knobs off the climate control. You'll need the flathead screw driver to pull the faceplate for the climate control area. BE VERY CAREFUL! Mine has chipped in the past and the screw driver tab doesn't really work anymore. I use my finger to pop it out.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Now you have 2 screws to undo. You'll need the phillips screwdriver now. They are the circled ones. I prefer a magnetic one for the screw on the left. I've dropped it too many times.
    [​IMG]

    Pull the shrouding off (a few tabs) and tilt it forward. You'll see 3 connectors attached to it.
    [​IMG]

    Disconnect those 3. The light for the ash tray needed a gentle wiggle and tug. Don't pull too hard or else you might pull the wire from the socket.

    Gently turn the shroud and lift up around the shifter. On the bottom you'll find the following...
    [​IMG]

    Undo the 2 phillips screws and the metal part slides out. Once you have it out you'll have this.
    [​IMG]

    Now those plastic parts slide out. What you need to do is find the tab holding each one on, and GENTLY push down on it. I used the flathead screwdriver.

    [​IMG]

    The plastic part will slide out towards the front of the metal assembly. Again, be gentle. The plastic parts can be brittle. Once you get the part slid out, you'll find this on the back.

    [​IMG]

    If your ashtray is ridiculously loose like mine, the metal spring will fall right out. Make sure to catch it with you hand. Simply squeeze the spring gently to give it more bend.

    [​IMG]

    Place it back in the plastic and reverse all the steps! Go out and test drive your Taco to see if it slides out. I have no problems with mine whatsoever now!
     
  2. Sep 2, 2010 at 3:29 PM
    #2
    WATRD

    WATRD Keyser Soze

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    SWEET! I keep mine filled with change, so it's ALWAYS sliding out on me. I am going to give this a shot.
     
  3. Sep 2, 2010 at 3:30 PM
    #3
    willtotheumm

    willtotheumm [OP] Yo Taco!

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    K&N intake. That is all. For now...
    Thats what sparked mine too. Now I actually have to pull on it to open it. :D
     
  4. Sep 2, 2010 at 3:37 PM
    #4
    01tacoprerunner

    01tacoprerunner 01 4WD Prerunner

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    You can take it out without taking the whole dash apart like that! Just get a short screwdriver and take the 2 screws out from the bottom!
     
    1997tacomav6 likes this.
  5. Sep 2, 2010 at 3:46 PM
    #5
    willtotheumm

    willtotheumm [OP] Yo Taco!

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    K&N intake. That is all. For now...
    I tried doing that but the screws holding the metal part on were so tight I couldn't get any leverage. But yes, that will work :D
     
    Bonewilly likes this.
  6. Sep 2, 2010 at 8:52 PM
    #6
    pittim

    pittim mittip backwards

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    if you have a 1/4 drive ratchet and a 6/7/8 mm (i forget which one) you can put a screw bit in the socket and use the ratchet as a screw driver ;)
     
    1997tacomav6 likes this.
  7. Sep 2, 2010 at 9:19 PM
    #7
    willtotheumm

    willtotheumm [OP] Yo Taco!

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    K&N intake. That is all. For now...
    Haha true. I jumped the gun and tore it all apart. It wasn't the first time so it was pretty easy :)
     
  8. Sep 3, 2010 at 5:20 AM
    #8
    Space Wrangler

    Space Wrangler Well-Known Member

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    the most simple way to keep your ashtray from sliding open is to remove the metal track that it slides in ...take that metal piece and bend it to where the sides squeeze the sides of the ashtray tight when you insert it back in the metal bracket.

    it took me about 5 min to do...and my tray doesnt move at all unless i pull or push it with my hand.

    here's the pic of the metal bracket you want to slightly bend...

    [​IMG]
     
  9. Sep 12, 2010 at 4:59 PM
    #9
    tacoma guy

    tacoma guy Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the thread willtotheumm. The info was very helpful. No more annoying self opening ashtray.:)
     
  10. Sep 14, 2010 at 9:43 PM
    #10
    willtotheumm

    willtotheumm [OP] Yo Taco!

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    K&N intake. That is all. For now...
    Welcome man! I got tired of it constantly opening too. I just spent the weekend camping and not once did it pop open. :D
     
  11. Sep 15, 2010 at 1:14 AM
    #11
    SkyHighTacoma

    SkyHighTacoma Josh

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    Ima have to do this. Mine ALWAYS comes open. Thanks!
     
  12. Sep 15, 2010 at 7:19 AM
    #12
    3fitty

    3fitty Well-Known Member

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    x2. I did it without taking the whole dash apart. I couldn't pull the light off thought so I did it still halfway connected in the dash :D

    Ashtray is no longer as loose as a $5 whore :eek:
     
  13. Sep 15, 2010 at 5:13 PM
    #13
    Chris D.

    Chris D. Well-Known Member

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    This is good info, when I launch at about 3K rpm and the locker does its thang,
    the ash try is always one step behind.. ;)
     
  14. Dec 19, 2010 at 9:51 AM
    #14
    PL408

    PL408 Member

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    Yes! the answer I have been looking for THANKS!
     
  15. Dec 19, 2010 at 9:55 AM
    #15
    JohnnyGato

    JohnnyGato God of Thunder ...and Rock N' Roll!

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    This was the first thing I ever posted about. I tried the tape thing, only I used duct tape instead of electrical tape and it worked like a charm! Now the ash tray NEVER opens unless I want it to.
     
  16. Dec 19, 2010 at 10:26 AM
    #16
    Werloc

    Werloc Large Member

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    Great, mine is a change holder as well, and "ALLWAYS" slides out after a few minutes. I think I will fix it today.

    THANKS.....!!!! :D
     
  17. Dec 19, 2010 at 10:31 AM
    #17
    JLee

    JLee The Man! Vendor

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    I lost track thousands of dollars ago.
    Nice writeup I don't smoke and I got tired of it opening when wheelin so I just did this.
    FxCam_1289084698184_e952b25ca4e40c6c45de67bf98a3fb96d632ea91.jpg

    I works well unless your in 1st gear.
     
  18. Dec 19, 2010 at 10:47 AM
    #18
    militaco

    militaco Well-Known Member

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    The lazy mans version, but just as effective is to but scotch tape on the tracks.....works like a dream for me.
     
  19. Feb 5, 2015 at 9:01 AM
    #19
    MD11Fr8Dog

    MD11Fr8Dog Well-Known Member

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    1 stubby Phillips screwdriver to get out the 2 screws, and 5 mins of my time. DONE!l
     
    shankyjones likes this.
  20. Feb 5, 2015 at 9:08 AM
    #20
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    Whoa, this write-up is just a little overcomplicated. You should be able to pinch the ashtray and pull it out. Just pinch the door and the metal track, it will compress and you can slide it out. Then you can take apart the ash tray mechanism to redo the spring. It's two steps. LOL.
     
    shankyjones likes this.

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