Hello all,
I've read around and know that I'm not the only one that has to apply 50lbs of pressure to get my middle console open. Lucky for us this is a really simple fix. This is my first "how to" thread so bear with me here.
Step 1: Remove latch from middle console by pushing in on the two tabs on the side.
Highlighted in red are the locations of the two springs inside the lock. Be careful when removing, I lost the small spring for about 10 minutes after it shot out.
Step 2: Find the lock cylinder removal tab and press inward with something small.
These are all of the pieces that should come out of your assembly. The one that we'll be modifying is the plunger circled in white. Notice the smaller circle where the flat edge of the plunger is? That's what we'll be modifying.
Step 3: Use a file and file down ONE side of the plunger. There's a small piece that sticks out on the plunger. I have an arrow pointing to it. That's the side you want to file down. However, you will only file the tip at about a 45 degree angle. DO NOT shorten the total length at all, simply file the one side enough to create a small angle.
This is the side that slides against the latch itself. Creating this angle ensures the two pieces slide smoothly on a larger contact patch. You can see in the image below how the latch has an angled surface where the plunger slides against it. Now your plunger angle matches.
Step 4: Reassembly. If you know how to put it back together then you need not read forward. However I'll explain for those of you who may be lost. In the bottom of the main latch cylinder where the latch itself goes, there's a small nipple inside which I have an arrow pointing to. This is where you set your small spring.
Step 5: Take the latch itself and put it in that slot. You'll notice a small groove where the spring rests to push the latch outwards.
Step 6: Hold the latch into place with one finger to make sure it doesn't move out of place. Turn your main latch cylinder upward and place the large spring into the opening.
Step 7: Your lock cylinder and plunger have small grooves that can only come together one way, which I have pointed out with arrows. Make sure they mate up like so.
Step 8: Insert the lock cylinder into the main latch cylinder. The little tab you used to get it out can only be inserted one way.
Once the lock cylinder is in place put the whole assembly back into your vehicle. You're done! It also may be helpful to spray a dab of silicone lubricant in the latch where the plunger contacts it, just for a little more ease of movement. Now opening my middle console no longer requires brute force. Just one of the little things!
I've read around and know that I'm not the only one that has to apply 50lbs of pressure to get my middle console open. Lucky for us this is a really simple fix. This is my first "how to" thread so bear with me here.
Step 1: Remove latch from middle console by pushing in on the two tabs on the side.
Highlighted in red are the locations of the two springs inside the lock. Be careful when removing, I lost the small spring for about 10 minutes after it shot out.
Step 2: Find the lock cylinder removal tab and press inward with something small.
These are all of the pieces that should come out of your assembly. The one that we'll be modifying is the plunger circled in white. Notice the smaller circle where the flat edge of the plunger is? That's what we'll be modifying.
Step 3: Use a file and file down ONE side of the plunger. There's a small piece that sticks out on the plunger. I have an arrow pointing to it. That's the side you want to file down. However, you will only file the tip at about a 45 degree angle. DO NOT shorten the total length at all, simply file the one side enough to create a small angle.
This is the side that slides against the latch itself. Creating this angle ensures the two pieces slide smoothly on a larger contact patch. You can see in the image below how the latch has an angled surface where the plunger slides against it. Now your plunger angle matches.
Step 4: Reassembly. If you know how to put it back together then you need not read forward. However I'll explain for those of you who may be lost. In the bottom of the main latch cylinder where the latch itself goes, there's a small nipple inside which I have an arrow pointing to. This is where you set your small spring.
Step 5: Take the latch itself and put it in that slot. You'll notice a small groove where the spring rests to push the latch outwards.
Step 6: Hold the latch into place with one finger to make sure it doesn't move out of place. Turn your main latch cylinder upward and place the large spring into the opening.
Step 7: Your lock cylinder and plunger have small grooves that can only come together one way, which I have pointed out with arrows. Make sure they mate up like so.
Step 8: Insert the lock cylinder into the main latch cylinder. The little tab you used to get it out can only be inserted one way.
Once the lock cylinder is in place put the whole assembly back into your vehicle. You're done! It also may be helpful to spray a dab of silicone lubricant in the latch where the plunger contacts it, just for a little more ease of movement. Now opening my middle console no longer requires brute force. Just one of the little things!
