I don't think it's the metal either, but I'm guessing that there's a clear coat or anodizing that's changing color, maybe due to heat, maybe due to out-gassing of some plastic parts.

Curt

I agree. It might be something where with the heat and finish that's causing a redox reaction to occur.

I think this forum belongs on another site possibly dealing with chemists.

Next time don't keep the condoms in there.....pull em' out before hand!

Did you (or a shop) work with any chemicals and possibly touched that area?

you guys are gonna have a hard time convincing the dealers u dont smoke hehehhe

Do you drive mostly at night? I think its due to the light and heat build up in the ashtray, and the top is the only place that air can escape. And probably because you don't smoke, the resins that are still in the plastic insert of the ash tray are whats causing that. Try taking the insert out and cleaning it with alcohol, maybe that will stop it from returning.

That's odd. Let us know what the dealer does.

Too bad none of you live in Virginia. I was on the phone with the dealership this morning to schedule some maintenance, and I described the problem to the service manager. He said they hadn't seen the problem at their shop so far, but that they would replace the piece under warranty without question. So if you feel like driving from TX to Richmond, VA, let me know and I'll set you up.

^^what was the question??

Well, if there's no trace of any kind of smell or any burn then chances are he didn't smoke.

WTF holy shiznit, i have th e same problem guys. i just had appointment w. dealer couple days ago about something else and i asked him about the yellow above the cig lighter (my GF was actually the one that noticed it) and hes like ill have the guys in the back try to clean it never seen that before, but i picked up the car later and forgot to ask about it. wtf is it???

Just came back from dealership...They said they will fix it free...I didn't ask why it happened because they didn't know either..I hope they will figure it out.

you gotta ask - i mean after this wholoe detective guessing game you put us through - we need to know. if the dealership covers it - its a warratny issue - and from my experience with dealers - they try to avoid coverage on practically everything. for our future reference in case it happens to us, ask please.

haha, once again, 2003.5 > *

I think that is probably an enamel that's coating the aluminum. I've seen it happen on vintage stereo equipment and even on some wheels.