Lexus 450 Center Console problem

[peterkcc]

I've got a new to me 1996 LX 450 and I can't for the life of me get the center console lid to close...
It doesn't look like it's missing any pieces or that anything is broke. Anybody help me out??

 

[clx16]

hinges get loose and need to be tightened.

 

[mingles]

When you say “can’t close”, do you mean won’t physically fold down, or won’t latch?

Your latch looks just like mine and mine latches fine. The two bumps on the lid bottom rest in matching dimples on either side of the latch hole in the base. Doesn’t look like there are too many reasons it wouldn’t work.

Photo of mine is below.

 

[JohnVee]

My most recent LX has the same issue. Hinge is tight. Latch just doesn't reach. Some PO had drilled some new latch holes in the wrong direction but it doesn't work even when relocated to the original holes. My plan will likely be to build up the latch lip with JB Weld or similar to extend its reach.

 

[clx16]

My hinge is loose from doing this mod. I forgot to tighten up either the bottom or top part of the hinge and i have to push mine a little back to get it to catch. I didn't have this issue before and i haven't tightened it up because i have another mod planned and i only remember when I am driving. I don't remember if one side of the hinge can slide and be tightened in a different position either forward or back that might help you both out.

 

[peterkcc]

Thank you guys for the replies. @clx16 Is there a way to tighten the hinge back up??

 

[NLXTACY]

The hinge in the back may be off enough to push the lid forward when its closed not allowing the latch to catch.

 

[clx16]

mine are loose at the phillips head screws, I just have to figure out how to use that screwdriver. But if yours are loose in the joint I am thinking maybe pliers and crimping them backdown. I would have to look a lot closer to see.. and honestly unless someone has hyper extended the hinges a lot i doubt your joint is stretched etc. Your screw holes might have pulled the screws through a little though. I would take the hinge off and just see if you can position the lid and latch to see where they start to work. I think that is what NLXTACY is hinting at above.