This truck has the worst ashtray I've ever used in a vehicle (small, not within easy reach, and no built-in spot for crushing out the cigarette); and it is practically unusable at night without it being lighted.

 

If it's the same as the 2000, yes it is. Pull the ashtray out and look at the top of the area that the ashtray goes in. You should see a slit with two metal pieces sticking out. That's the lamp holder. Unscrew the metal frame at the back and it should drop down. Don't just yank this out or you'll break the wires that power that light. Press together the two metal tines mentioned before and the holder will come loose. Then pull the metal cover off and you're looking at the bulb. I don't remember what the bulb size is supposed to be, but I used a 194 in mine with no issues.

 

Thanks. I know they changed the dash in 2001, so I don't know if things would be different than your 2000 for the ashtray light or not. I'll have to take a good look at it tomorrow.

 

I'm looking at the Haynes and the Chiltons. They say they're the same. BTW, I use one of the Bobken ashtrays that can go in the cupholder or hang on the door. It works much better...

 

Excellent, thanks. The 2001 FSM seems to be silent on the subject (unless I'm not looking in the right place).

Yeah, I've thought about that, but I only have one cupholder down on the shifter console, and my bottle of Coke is always there. I wouldn't want one hanging from my door. You'd think they could have designed a decent ashtray in the first place (it isn't rocket science); I've never seen such a ridiculous design and placement for an ashtray before.

 

See a reason to quit lol jk but yeah I have noticed they are far away I dont even use mine well my cb is in the way so it cant be used.

 

haha I was going to say the same thing, quit smokin those cancer sticks and you wouldn't have a problem lol. My 02 doesn't have an ash tray but my 01 did and would always fall down everytime I hit a bump. And I don't remember if it was lit or not. I don't think it was.

 

there is a tiny light on the 01's but the spring thing that opens it is broken so it stays shut.

 

I don't know what you mean by that. Can you elaborate?

I think mine is different (and judging from pictures of 2000 Dakota interiors, the ashtray from the outside looks different). I looked at mine briefly today (but I didn't have a flashlight with me to get a good look), and I didn't see the things you mentioned after pulling out the little ashtray box.

Has anyone here replaced the ashtray light on a 2001 - 2004?