This is fairly easy all you need is a crosstip screwdriver, radio removal tools...you can get these from walmart for 4.50$ and a upholstry removal tool OR a knife if you are careful! otherwise you will scratch the console. I am attaching a link to a photobucket picture because I cant get the picture to load on here ...shocker.....anyway if you look at the picture its fairly straight forward ...the key is paitence and be gentle prying. First pry up #1 in the pic....its the shifter surrounding....next pry up the shroud thingy inside the first shroud(#2 in the pic)....look at the pic you will know what I mean. Then pry up (#3) the biggest shroud around the shifter. These should come up easy just dont pry hard and work your way around the shifter and it will come up. Next insert the radio removal keys into the radio (you can see them in the pic) and if correctly inserted the radio will slide right out. And finally unscrew the 4 screws that hold the ashtray in, you will have to undo a few wires once you get it out. Its a tight fit ( I mean the ashtray in that small hole. You will need to push it towards the driver side then angle that pass, side towards the rear off the car and rotate it out...........then just reverse these steps putting it back in.......I used a manual and it said I had to remove all kinds of other junk ...as you can see in the picture....you dont need to do that and its a complete waste of time if you do. Anyway I hope this helps, its my first how to type of post and Its prolly really crummy of a post but eh oh well :P PM me if you have any questions. Thanks

VVVVVV PIC VVVVVV

DSC01178.jpg picture by chevyboyac - Photobucket

 

You mean this picture?
Just copy the link at the bottom of the four listed (starts with [IMG}http... ) on the left of your photo bucket page and paste into this thread.
Good picture and a good write up, making yourself useful is good for all on this forum.
Great.
Edit your thread, add the picture and change the words and I will erase this picture.

 

Ahhhhh I seee *makes note to self*

 

Is it just me or does it look like John Madden got his hands on this picture?!?! LOL

 

Very nice! Thank you for taking the time!

 

For those who started at the beginning of the Madden franchise...

YouTube - John Madden

 

This is exactly what ive been trying to find!!

My ash tray will no longer lock into place. I am giong to open it and see if it is repairable, or if I'll have to replace it

Thanks!

 

i have an aftermarket stereo, do I need the radio removal tool?

 

Hey!

Who you calling TOOL?

 

Damn...now mine won't stay closed...Another excuse to play around with the XF...

 

[quote=AlbertFattal]This is exactly what ive been trying to find!!

My ash tray will no longer lock into place. I am giong to open it and see if it is repairable, or if I'll have to replace it
Maybe I've been inside too long but I don't recall much problems with the ash tray.

 

Likewise - Never been an issue. Now I do have to admit, I don't use it much. But when I do, I'm usually careful & somewhat methodical in how I push to open and/or close it. Always struck me as being somewhat fragile.

 

well how about the cupholder not staying down? have a fix for that cuz mine wont stay down lmao.

 

Replace it with the Base model's "Storage Bin"

 

LMAo seriously? interesting fix. How did you remove your cupholder and where did you get that storage bin

 

I paid $56 at a Chrysler dealer for mine (they list for $86!!!)

There is a thread in the "Interior" forum that talks about how to remove the console. The bin just drops in, but to get the cupholder out requires that you remove the console from the car, the cupholder is held in by four screws only accessible from the underside.

 

Here is a few more picture's on this subject. Mostly for the cupholder but might help if you need in this area.

 

i never use my ashtray for anything....not even coins. the only thing in it is the cigar lighter which i never use either. one day it just popped out and wouldnt stay in. so i just finished taking everything apart and removing the spring. maybe i will rig something to open it should i ever start using it, but as of now, i actually want to replace it with some sort of gadget mount or something.

 

Does the dealer sell the radio keys? I don't have them.

 

Walmart sells them, I think Advance Auto does as well.

I got mine at WalMart for about $4. They dont' say "Crossfire" on them and don't ask for "Crossfire" ... anything. You'll only get a blank stare.

Mine are marketed by "Scosche" and say on them:

Ford & Import
DIN Radio
REMOVAL TOOL

"Ford - Mercury - VW - Audi
Mazda - Porsche - Saab"

DT1


I think "DT1" is the part number. Look in the car audio aisle at WalMart.