Since I'm not a smoker, and the available storage space in a Boxster is at a premium, I decided to replace the console ashtray with the factory ashtray delete. I purchased the ashtray delete components (ashtray replacement housing 996.552.096.01.A03 and the rubber console insert 996.552.596.00) from the good folks at Sunset Imports. Thanks Andraya for the excellent service and the way cool Boxster magnets!
The whole process from start to finish took me just under an hour. I took my time, and the opportunity to clean up some of the remnants from a previous smoking owner. Obviously, if your center console is any color other than black, you're going to need to either have the ashtray delete housing painted to match, or leave it black and go with the contrast in color. Here's the whole process, with photos, from start to finish.
1) Pop out the ashtray unit. Just open the ashtray lid and pull the unit straight up out of the console housing.
2) You should find two black plastic screws that hold the ashtray console housing in place. Back these out with a T-25 Torx screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the ashtray console housing up and out of the center console.
3) Unplug wiring harnesses from the power window and seat heater switches (if so equipped). On my Boxster, the white plastic wiring harness connectors went to the driver's side switches, and the black plastic harness connectors went to the passenger's side switches. There was also a small harness that attached to the small light bulb that needs to be disconnected as well. The power window and seat heater switches are held in place by small protrusions at their base. I inserted a jeweler's screwdriver between the switch and the tabs that hold the switch to the housing, and gently pried while I pressed the switch from the front side. All four switches popped out without incident, thankfully.
4) I popped out each switch one at a time and inserted them in their corresponding openings in the ashtray delete housing, making sure to maintain their orientation as they were in the old ashtray housing. When all four switches were popped into the ashtray delete housing, I re-connected the corresponding wiring harnesses.
5) With everything attached to the ashtray delete housing, I inserted the assembly back in the console opening. I tucked the small wiring harness that connected to the small light in the ashtray back into the console tunnel, since it isn't used with the ashtray delete.
6) There are two, black plastic expandable inserts in the bottom of the old ashtray housing. Carefully remove those inserts and pop them into the two holes in the bottom of the ashtray delete housing. Once the inserts are popped into the housing, and the housing is back in the console, screw in the two plastic Torx screws. The last item to install is the rubber pad in the bottom of the storage area cup. You just lay it in place and you're done!
You now have an extra storage space for your cell phone, iPod or MP3 player, or anything else that you want to keep readily accessible (except cigarettes). As an arcane aside, for any weight weenies, the ashtray delete weighs less that the factory ashtray insert. If you want to know how much less, order the parts, make the swap and weigh the pieces. I'm sure the ashtray delete will shave seconds off your best lap times at your home track. Enjoy!
