Center Console Lid

10/19/2007, Updated 10/20/2007

I had to remove the cup holders to remove the ashtray assembly (getting some fab work done to put an aftermarket HU there) and after putting the cup holders back the console lid won't stay closed.

It seems like the latch is looser than before and I was wondering if there is supposed to be a small spring or something in/under the latch to keep tension on it? Hard to describe but the latch swivels around a center mounting point slightly when you push on it to open the lid. Mine now has no tension whatsoever and rattles a bit. The allen screw holding the latch to the lid is tight, however.

I can't find my allen wrench set atm or I'd rip it apart BEFORE asking. :)

It's probably just a coincidence that it started doing this at the same time I took the cup holders out but you never know. Might've knocked something slightly out of alignment just enough so the latch won't stay latched. /shrug

Any help is appreciated and if anybody has '98/99 cup holders lying around that they'd like to sell hit me up after I get paid Friday. I definitely want to pitch the 'star wars' cup holders as soon as possible.

Scott

'96 TR/Gray
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Yes, there is a piece of metal set into the top of the latch that acts as a spring. No alignment to it though.

I have a spare 98/99 cupholder.

Daniel J. Holtman
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Well something isn't right with that latch. I'll see if my Dad has a set of allen wrenches to remove off of the console lid and take a look. Hopefully it's easy to fix that metal strip/spring since the console not staying closed is quite annoying.

Like I said, I get paid Friday. Shoot me an email off-list and let me know what you want for the cup holders. I can send Paypal anytime Friday - my check is direct deposited at like 1:00 am.

While I'm replacing the cup holders I might as well ask if anybody has an extra console compartment from a 98/99 - I'm assuming they're bigger than the 96/97 since they don't have to waste room accommodating the retractable cup holders?

Just thinking ahead in case I want to mount a cd-changer or iPod dock in there.

Scott Hiatt
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As far as I know, the console compartments are the same? I know I've heard of a swap of starwars cup holders into a later year somewhere before, and I didn't hear of any problems

Eric Hildebrand
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The compartments themselves are the same size. The latch is a torx bit - T20 IIRC (but don't quote me on that). Are you sure you didn't break the little hook on the end? That's what commonly breaks - usually from people just lifting right up on the lid and not pushing in the latch first.

Daniel J. Holtman
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The little hook on the end of the latch still seems to be there. I'll snap a couple of quick pics when I get home from work (posting on break).

Scott Hiatt

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If the little hook/latch at the top of the pic is what you're talking about it is still there. The metal 'spring' is probably broken, though - I can flip the latch back and forth with no resistance. If I put pressure on the right (passenger side), forcing the driver's side forward it will stay latched. If I let go, though, it will unhook if any pressure at all, like an elbow, is placed on the lid. I didn't have time to hit up my Dad for his toolbox today since I worked late. I think he has a small torx set, I know he has an allen wrench set.

Scott Hiatt

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10/20/2007

It turns out that the metal piece that acts to keep tension on the latch is fine, the problem was that a little piece of plastic that held the metal piece in place was broken, allowing about 1/8" of slack. I cut a piece of cardboard and folded it into place as a temporary fix - I'll make something more permanent with either plastic or metal and some good glue.

Daniel, you have PayPal for the 98/99 cupholders. Thanks again. :)

Scott
1996 TR/Gray
47k and climbing

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