Center Console Top Lid Latch - Simple Fix with OEM Part (4 Viewers)

[Snow Wagon]

I’ll start with not taking credit for this idea, just completing the write up with pictures.
User erikvogel I think first mentioned this fix.
IMO, this procedure is much easier and has much less risk than the procedure that requires completely separating the leather portion of the lid from the plastic portion.

Background: The top latch is NOT SOLD SEPARATELY (for the LC, LX, or Camry) except on eBay, does NOT have a part number you can order from Toyota, often breaks, and it’s not obvious how to remove the broken latch, since there are no visible screws.

I started with purchasing an OEM used black center console latch from a 2002 - 2006 Toyota Camry / Lexus ES300 on eBay.
It cost me $19.51, including shipping.

Note: There are typically multiple colors of latches available on eBay.
Black was a perfect match for my 2003 LX grey interior, but there were several shades of grey that would’ve worked as well.

Once it arrived, I removed the center console lid from the SUV (4 screws) and used the new latch to determine where the screws are in the broken latch.
The screws are located under the plastic of the inside of the lid.

I used painters tape, marked the holes, and VERY CAREFULLY drilled 2 access holes.
Started with 1/8” drill bit, then 13/64”, then finally 1/4”.
I used a variable speed cordless drill on the lowest speed setting.

After the access holes were drilled, I could see the 2 screws.
Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, I unscrewed them.

In order to not break the 2 locating pins, 1 located beside each screw, I gently pulled the leather part of the lid away from the plastic part of the lid, then removed the broken latch.
It easiest if you have 1 person pulling apart and 1 person removing the broken latch.

Note: I still broke 1 of the 2 locating pins.
I VERY CAREFULLY drilled out the broken locating pin to give the new latch, with 2 good locating pins, room to be installed.

To install the new latch, it’s the reverse of removal.

Gently pull apart the lid and slide the new latch in, making sure the locating pins line up.
Use your screwdriver to tighten the screws.

Reinstall the lid in the SUV.

Drink a beer (or a White Clam) to celebrate.

Pictures to follow in a few mins...

Took me less than an hour from start to finish.
With this write up, it should take you under 30 minutes.

Enjoy.
Tom

 

[Snow Wagon]

Pictures...
In order...

 

[Snow Wagon]

Pictures 6 and 7...

Picture 6 shows the locating pins (broken on the broken one (top), intact on the new one (bottom).

Picture 7 is the final result.

 

[Hokie LX]

You are my new favorite person! This has been broken on my truck since I bought it and haven't wanted to spend the $500 for a new lid. I'm going to try this out.

 

[Snow Wagon]

I’m sure you’ll like me even more after letting you know I’m a 1994 Graduate of Virginia Tech

 

[Rokketz]

awesome, thanks for the info, i too have been living with a broken latch for some time, painters tape to hold the lid down!! I found just the latch on ebay for $17 and free shipping thanks to your tip!

 

[Snow Wagon]

Hello Rokketz,
Glad to help.
Let me know how your replacement goes.
If there’s anything you’d like me to add to the write up, I’m open to suggestions.
Enjoy.
Tom

 

[aroq]

can someone post the part number for reference?

 

[Snow Wagon]

I’ve reviewed the 2003 Toyota Camry online parts catalogue and the Console Lid Latch is NOT sold separately.
Just like the LC / LX, you have to buy the entire Console Lid.
It may be sold separately for some other Lexus or Toyota, but I haven’t been able to find it.

 

[l3n0x]

I've found part numbers for this a couple months back (58971-33030)(if I remember correctly it's written inside of it), went to toyota and they couldn't see it in their system. So it's either discontinued, or was never sold in europe:/
I managed to fix mine with superglue, and while it's a little dodgy, it seems to hold up well.

 

[Snow Wagon]

I stand corrected.
It has its own part number, but it’s not sold separately

 

[Moto Therapist]

Thanks for this tip mate.

 

[RootX]

Hi All, I'd like to tag on to this conversation...does anyone know the part number for this center cupholder assembly? All the diagrams I can find do not show my version that has the weird floppy cup holder. For me, the latch addressed in this thread is not broken, but the latch that holds the cupholder in place is, so when I raise the armrest, the cupholder flops down. I don't think the latch itself can be replaced, but I might be able to replace the whole cupholder folding assembly. I have seen the armrest top including the cupholder for sale online but it is pretty spendy ($200+). Thanks for any help. -Matt

 

[suprarx7nut]

Hi All, I'd like to tag on to this conversation...does anyone know the part number for this center cupholder assembly? All the diagrams I can find do not show my version that has the weird floppy cup holder. For me, the latch addressed in this thread is not broken, but the latch that holds the cupholder in place is, so when I raise the armrest, the cupholder flops down. I don't think the latch itself can be replaced, but I might be able to replace the whole cupholder folding assembly. I have seen the armrest top including the cupholder for sale online but it is pretty spendy ($200+). Thanks for any help. -Matt

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Bump. I have this exact problem.

I'm looking to replicate the broken part, but can't disassemble the two plastic pieces that make up the spring tab.

 

[xtyle8]

Bump. I have this exact problem.

I'm looking to replicate the broken part, but can't disassemble the two plastic pieces that make up the spring tab.

Use needle nose plyers to squeeze the taps and is should pop out. Still doesn't help finding a replacement part which mine is broken too. I did to above trick with the up latch and it worked like a charm. Thanks Snow Wagon!

 

[JefferiesFarnol]

I've just done this on my Land Cruiser Amazon, thanks to this thread. I also bought a Toyota Camry latch from America on Ebay and I can confirm that it is exactly the same. I decided to follow this method with the holes and bought some 6mm closed grommets to fill them in at the end. I had read on another thread about the method which involves removing the top leather section from the black plastic part of the armrest but it looked tricky and potentially damaging. However, the glue on my armrest must have perished because after unscrewing the broken latch, they came apart anyway! I needn't have worried, as it's not as destructive as it looks and doesn't need gluing back together unless you really want to. The screws for the hinge and the clips that wedge underneath the latch are enough to hold it in.

Anyway, that's my fourpenneth on the subject, I'm sure others have thought of filling the holes in with grommets as well but I thought I'd mention it. If I did it again, I would separate the two halves and avoid drilling the holes in the first place.

 

[thabruiser]

Just commenting to confirm this fix worked on my '06 LX470. Bought a used latch from eBay, unscrewed my broken one, and installed the new one. No more floppy console lid! My wife won't know what to do!

 

[jflow88]

my latch seems to be in good repair, however is no longer latching, slips out easily, i thought maybe the whole cover had slipped forward but that doesn't seem to be the case, anyone else have this problem?

 

[thabruiser]

My 80 series was like that. Only thing I could surmise is that the other (immovable) part of the latch was just getting worn out to where the good latch was no longer able to hold on to the console anymore. Does the console hole look disfigured where the hook goes in and latches on to?

 

[excessive]

I have the same problem as well