ashtray issue
 

Does anyone else have issues with the center console ashtray door? It sometimes doesn't stay closed. This issue started a year or two ago, but now is more consistent. Funny thing is that if I take the entire ashtray out and then close it, it will remain closed, and then I can just drop it back in the slot. But sometimes, I can't get it to "click" and remain closed while in the slot. I looked at it several times and can't seem to find a reason why. There does not seem to be anything blocking it. Thoughts?

I have the opposite problem...darn thing doesn't ever want to open. Like yours, works fine when pulled out, just not when it's in. Not sure why. It's never really bugged me enough to check it out since I don't use it for much.

the solution:

Boxster/996 Non-Smoker Shelf Kit

Yes, I had the same problem. The mechanism wears and on mine actually popped lose. I repalced mine with the ESC Tuning $29 grey/black kit. Only included the shelf and rubber bottom though. I reused the plastic inserts to hold it in place.

i use mine for loose coins. i like having the cover so to "hide" the ugly pile of coins. just wished there was a way to fix it. not a huge deal, but just an annoyance.

Fix
 

Fixed! New one was just under $300 for mine because of the silver color I guess.

There is a white part on the side with the big gear that glides up & down and has a pin in it that slides in a groove on the big gear. If you gently pry the big gear out, the white part will slide all the way out.

On mine, the pin was bent over and would not catch the groove on the big gear on the lid. I straightened the pin, put a tiny piece of paper in the hole, and re-pressed the pin into the white piece until it was at the perfect depth to catch the groove on the lid gear. The pin rides in a groove on the big gear.

When fixed, the lid will catch in the closed position, and you press down and release for it to pop open. Mine works great now!

Glad to elaborate if anyone needs better instructions. Easy fix.

Replaced mine with the non-smoker tray

thanks all. i think i fixed it. cleaned the "white part". so far, so good.