Non-Smoker Tray

Not being a smoker the ashtray supplied with the Boxster seemed like a real waste of space. PCNA, in all their wisdom, chose to delete the non-smokers option from the MY 2000 option list so I was stuck with the ashtray when I placed my order. At least temporarily. While the option was no longer available, the parts were. There are actually 3 parts to the non-smokers kit. The tray itself the rubber pad, and the dummy lighter plug. The part numbers for what I installed are 996.552.596.00 (rubber pad) and 996.552.096.01.A03 (tray - officially called a shelf). The A03 suffix specifies the soft touch black console. The steps needed to replace the ashtray with the non-smokers tray are outlined below. Although it is also possible to replace the cigarette lighter with a dummy plug I chose not to perform that step.
	The first step is to remove the ashtray itself. This is accomplished by opening it and then just pulling straight up. Doing this will reveal the 2 plastic screws that hold the ashtray and switch assembly in place.
	After removing the screws set them aside since you'll need them later. Then, grasping the assembly near the passenger side edge, pull up. This will take a little effort. Note that there is a clip on this side of the assembly that also helps to hold it in place. After removal the wiring harness will be exposed.
	Disconnect the plugs from the switches. There's no real trick here but they do take a little force to get them to come off. Make a note of which connector goes where! When finished the wire for the ashtray pilot light will no longer be used.
	The next step is to remove the switches from the ashtray assembly. To remove these use a small flat blade screwdriver or similar object to pry on the switch housing. Place the screwdriver between the switch and the switch housing. It may take a little effort to get the switch extracted from the assembly. Move one switch at a time in order to be sure they are in the right place / orientation.
	Here is the new tray with all of the switches installed. All that's left to do at this point is to plug in the connectors and snap the unit in place.
	After putting the tray in place remove the captive screw bosses from the ashtray and push them into place in the tray. These plastic pieces just push in. Reuse the plastic screws to hold the tray permanently in place.
	The last step in the upgrade process is to put the small rubber mat into place. This gives the tray the "finished" look. BTW - my StarTac fits perfectly in the new tray.