Ash tray 12V power
 

Ok so I pull my ash try and there is no terminal for the 12V cigar lighter.

Is this a typical issues or do they just have a tendency to fall behind the center console? Also how do you remove the center console trim panel?

Thanks

Don't have a complete answer, but chiming in here so I remember to watch for smarter folks chiming in!

On our 78 300SD, there is no connector. I've confirmed 12V is present at the slider contacts on the left side, but have no power at the cigar lighter socket.....

this is correct. the radio connector powers the bracket for the outlet, when you get the entire tray assembly out, you will see the wires that power it.

to remove the base for the tray, you need to remove the radio, then the trim around it, then the screws under the pull out ashtray, then the assembly comes right out.

I'll take a look to verify that's the case in my car as well. Thanks

I've never had to remove the radio to get the ashtry frame out. There are two screws that hold the ash tray frame in and the center console wood down. Atleast thats how it is the the 123s.

you are right, the ash tray frame actually holds the radio in... brain fart, sorry.
either way, the process is
1. remove ash tray,
2. remove two screws below the removed ash tray to release the frame.
3. gently unhook the power socket connectors. I don't remember exactly what's there, I think it's either two wires connected into a socket that attaches to the frame, or two separate wires...

As mentioned, I've got power to the contact points on the side of the tray... but no power in the cigar lighter.

Taking the ash tray apart looks like it involves destroying rivets. Any suggestions?

ashtray
 

Forgive me if I misunderstood your post...but you should not have to take apart the actual ashtray itself. open the ashtray then you have a metal bracket that pushes down allowing the ashtray to be removed. Once that is out you will see the 2 phillips head screws that hold the ashtray frame in place..when you remove the frame it should have a connector on the back of the frame which also connects to the radio itself

If you want to really take apart the ashtray I am thinking if you look real close, it does have some screws on it. If I were to take one apart it would be to replace either the pitted metal or the bad wood..??

Getting the ash tray out is easy - got that covered. DVM says I have 12VDC at the contacts located on the driver's side (US driver's side) of the surround.

What I don't have is volts at the center contact v. side wall of the cigar lighter. Darling Wife and I being non-smokers, this wouldn't be an issue.... except: we'd like to be able to power music making devices off the cigar lighter.

The frame and the ashtray itself are parts of the circuit. You only have power to the receptacle when the ashtray is fully open and properly "snapped" into place. I believe there is a chrome tab and a brass tab that connects up.

If you inspect the ashtray closely when it is removed, you should be able to see what I mean.

If no electricity in the receptacle but good power at the connector it could be a bent tang, dirt/corrosion, or just misalignment of the ashtray.