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Quick fix for your center console lock

38K views 21 replies 10 participants last post by  GoodLife 
#1 ·
I was about to go buy a new lock for my center console because it would stick as if it were locked. It gradually got worse until I couldnt push the lock open anymore on my console. This fix should work for most models and years because the lock is pretty standard. Mine is on a 2003 TJ. The "catching" symptom is caused by the center pin being tooo flat (such as an unsharpened pencil). This fix will round off the center pin allowing it to glide smoothly against the lock plunger.

Here we go:
1st, remove the lock mechanism by pushing in both tabs located on either side of the bottom side of the lock, see pic A. See pic B for mechanism removed.

2nd, now push in the single (1) plastic clip on the side of the mechanism located above my thumb in pic C to remove the lock out of the housing. Do this over a table to catch the pieces that will fall once the lock is removed. there are 4 internal pieces.(2 springs, center pin and the plunger see pic D).

3rd, I've already rounded off the flat side of my center pin (see pic E). Your's will come out flat (like an unsharpened pencil). Shave off the edges of this plastic piece and the plunger will slide easily again as if it were brand new. Put the lock mechanism back together in the reverse order and you should have no problem. You just saved some cash. Good Luck.
 

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#5 ·
funny, i was actually looking for one of my 3 files and couldnt find even 1. So I just chiseled away with the first knife I found:doh:. The pin is soft plastic, so yes the file would do great.
 
#7 ·
I've heard about these locks failing from a number of jeeperz who have had the same issue. It's a matter of time. It's a simple fix though. Either "Jeep" should go with a metal center pin to avoid warping, OR just have this pin rounded on the manufacturing assembly line huh?
 
#10 ·
Be aware that getting the spring replaced so that it actually works again can be a challenge..... :( I thought for sure I had totally screwed mine up, but finally, I got it all put back the right way...... :cool: This is why I don't do much installation.... I'm very good at removal, installing is a whole nuther story..... :D
 
#13 ·
I should add a warning not to shorten the length of the pin, only round off the edges.
Sorry to hear you had a little trouble Bob.
 
#14 ·
Wrangler1212 said:
I should add a warning not to shorten the length of the pin, only round off the edges.
Sorry to hear you had a little trouble Bob.
If anyone has the same issue of it being to short, put some layers of duct tape between the plastic part you're filing and the metal locking mechanism to lengthen it, don't ads too much though. As the op says don't file all of it, just one side
 
#17 ·
Great write up, but won't work for my 2000. After pulling it all apart, I found that the lock cylinder was actually used to move the latch! Just a small tab on the cylinder is making contact with the release, so I either live with it, or replace the lock cylinder entirely…
 
#22 ·
Wish I would have seen this last month. Mine finally got completely stuck. I broke it off getting into it. At some point I'll have to replace the lock cylinder if I want to lock or even latch again.
 
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