Replacement ashtray light

The light above/behind my ashtray went out. How do I fix this?

RivieraRyan wrote:

The light above/behind my ashtray went out. How do I fix this?

Open the ashtray and remove the ash container insert. You may be able to reach the bulb. It is a common 168, put in a 168, 161, 194 or you may want to try an LED. You may want to go to a junkyard and pull a green bulb out of one or another car (my fave was old Subaru) - sometimes those green bulbs are while with reusable green silicone "socks" that slide over the bulb.

ALTERNATIVELY remove the ashtray assembly, then the bulb is easy to reach. Removal is by pulling the assembly out of the console. You should get the service manual instructions for that, they are pretty clear. It's easier than ti looks but a little tricky so get the service manual instructions.

Where exactly is the lightbulb located? I removed the tray and don’t see it. I can’t figure out how to remove the whole assembly without breaking it. It doesn’t indicate how to do so in the service manual

RivieraRyan wrote:

Where exactly is the lightbulb located? I removed the tray and don’t see it. I can’t figure out how to remove the whole assembly without breaking it. It doesn’t indicate how to do so in the service manual

Do you have the -factory- service manual? My FSM shows that you simply pull the assembly out. Open the door that conceals the cupholders, then the unit from the flip up door down to the bottom of the CD storage unit pulls out from the dash.

When you remove the tray the bulb is in a socket above and behind the fascia. I actually forget how to get the bulb out without simply pulling the whole assembly from the dash first. With the tray out you can feel the bulb and socket but you can not see them. I would just pull the whole assembly.

Where is the bulb exactly? I removed the assembly

Never mind I figured it out. Thanks again!!!

Can I order a green bulb online anywhere? And is it really worth it?

RivieraRyan wrote:

Can I order a green bulb online anywhere? And is it really worth it?

Yes you can order one... or more... see the LINK. Ten for a buck if you can wait.

and it maybe isn't worth it if you visit any junkyards with '90s subarus (and certain other cars).  

To get green, Subaru uses clear bulbs with a green silicone sock over the bulb as OE.  So, just snag a few from an old Subie insturment panel.  They don't have to light although they probably do.  Remove the sock and put it onto a known good bulb of correct spec (194, 161, 168, 7073, w5w, or what have you).   Alternatively you can color the bulb, just get turquoise glass paint markers from a hobby store... I bought Vitrea 160 glossy marker, in turquoise. Stock number 116084. At Michael's. It is the PERFECT color for the dash lights. You'll need some dry gas to clean the glass so the paint will stick.  Be sure to follow the directions *except* a substitute for baking the bulbs in an oven is just to light them up for a few minutes after they dry, to cure the paint.

I ended up getting a sylvania 168 in red cause that’s all Walmart had left in 168. They also had amber and green in the 194’s

I bet a green LED would work great.