Hey Dust, I will give you a run down on how to get to the switch, so you can check it out.
Gently pull up on the rear of the wood gear shifter surround, the bit that starts under your ashtray and goes nearly all the way to the cup holder. Slide it rearward, then lift it off.
Use both hands and pull the complete ashtray assembly out towards the cente of the car. There are only 4 clips, could be a bit tight, but persistence will pay off. Access to swith you now have.