Ash tray lid latch

Steve S · Post by **Steve S** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:29 am

Can anyone describe how the 'push-down-to-open / push-down-to-close" ash tray lid can be adjusted. Mine doesn't latch securely and sometimes pops up on its own.

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:59 pm

Leave it open, so the catch and the hinges won't break, take out the cigarette lighter and put one of these in ...

An Inforad. A very-easy-to-use, GPS-based, fixed-&-mobile, speed camera indicator. I've had one in each of my last four cars and they've saved my licence several times.

mcbutler · Post by **mcbutler** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 2:08 pm

Interesting gadget, is the database upgraded regularly?

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 10:52 pm

Monthly.

In a car with a cigarette lighter socket that's live all the time, the Inforad just sits there happily, doing its job all the time.

In the Z4, with a socket that isn't, you just have to remember to turn the unit on & off.

I never drive my Z4 without using the Inforad.

Steve S · Post by **Steve S** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 2:14 am

Thank you for your somewhat tangential replies. My aim, however, is to fix the issue at hand, not install something new

Does anybody know how the latching mechanism on the ash tray lid works? If I close the lid and pull it slightly towards the gear lever, the latch seems to engage, but it's very sensitive and most attempts at closing it fail.

gemeit · Post by **gemeit** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:10 am

Busterboo wrote: ↑Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:59 pm Leave it open, so the catch and the hinges won't break, take out the cigarette lighter and put one of these in ...

An Inforad. A very-easy-to-use, GPS-based, fixed-&-mobile, speed camera indicator. I've had one in each of my last four cars and they've saved my licence several times.

I have not passed a camera yet that the waze app has not detected

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 10:09 am

Yes, I know there are good systems out there and I'm not saying the Inforad is the best. It is, however, a solution to the OP's ash tray lid problem, cheap and works well.

Nictrix · Post by **Nictrix** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:46 pm

Busterboo wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2017 10:09 am Yes, I know there are good systems out there and I'm not saying the Inforad is the best. It is, however, a solution to the OP's ash tray lid problem, cheap and works well.

You suggested the same thing when another members ash tray lid was not working properly, this is not a fix and although it might not bother you having the lid open all the time it would bug the s**t out of me and probably a lot of others. If something is broken fix it, don't just find something to give you an excuse for not fixing it.

When I get a chance I will take a couple of pics of the underside of the ashtray to see how it works, I have one that's not in the car.
You will probably have to remove the centre console to get to the ashtray to fix it though as it is screwed on to the console from the bottom.

Nictrix · Post by **Nictrix** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:59 pm

Heres a pic of the underside of the ashtray
The part that controls the lid staying closed is the small metal pin that in this pic is vertical and near the centre of the pic.
All it does is go from one slot to another when its opened and closed.

: 20171219_204230.jpg (147.61 KiB) Viewed 728 times

Steve S · Post by **Steve S** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 6:16 am

Thanks Nictrix, I can see how it works now and I guess one of the plastic lugs that the pin rests on may be worn or broken on mine. One day when I'm feeling bored I might tackle removing the centre console to get at the offending parts. Thanks again.

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 1:24 pm

It works like the lid of a Brabantia kitchen bin. When they stop working, as they eventually always do, Brabantia sell you a new one.

There's a message here somewhere.

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