Seems like everytime I look down something else breaks on this thing, the ashtray being the most recent culprit. Anyone have any ideas why I can't get this piece to get back in?

also curious, what's the easiest way to have an aux in (for ipod)? OF COURSE the tape deck doesn't work so not sure if there's a hack I can hardwire an aux out or if just purchasing a new single din cd player would be best. any ideas would be appreciated. thanks.

Audi tray - YouTube

 

When mine wouldn't go back in like that it was because there was a coin or something small like that stuck underneath the ash tray. Think I had to remove the trim and all that to get it out. If this isn't the case then perhaps the teeth on the slide mechanism are damaged. Either way I think you may have to disassemble it to find out.

 

If your tape deck isnt working and your ashtray is fucked, do what i did.
Disassemble everything, and do a double DIN swap. Was worth it. It's probably easier to just grab the whole assembly from Shokan Coachworks, Audi parts 1-800-All-Audi

Listen to your car, she's trying to tell you something. Do the swap or start smoking.

 

^ What he said.

But if you wanna trouble shoot the problem, you'll need to take out the ashtray. You can do this by taking out/off the shifter surround piece first to have access to the ashtray.

I'm not sure about the pre-facelifft Audis but in the 99.5+ there are CD changers in the trunk. You can take the CD changer out and use the plug for the iPod. They have an iPod kit for this application.

BTW - I'm digging the sig pictures. Any full size?

 

I have a similar problem, but my ashtray will not come out! I literally have to carry a flathead in my glovebox and prop it open when i need it. haha

 

my ash tray used to be really really slow. same with my upholder, the pop out kind. take them both out run some hot water. find a bowl or something and place them in the hot water. the first one is probably going to turn brown instantly. let it sit for a minute then dump it. fill up bowl again add some soap. let sit for 20 min or so. dump out rinse the piece off. one more hot water bath in just hot water. let it sit for a bit and take it out. I've done this for my climate control face plate and some other random interior bits it works every time.