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Center console gettin harder and harder to epen

3K views 27 replies 24 participants last post by  *Steve* 
#1 ·
The locking center console (b/w the front seats) has been getting more and more difficult to open. I really have to push hard to get it to open. Anybody else have this problem and found a solution? Gracias.
 
#3 ·
sooo frustrating!!! i had this problem too. it pissed me off so badly one day, i just ripped up on the bastard and exploded the lock....

now that it's broken, i don't keep anything important inside, but it sure is nice not having to fight the damn thing just to grab my work hat.
 
#4 ·
I had this problem for a long time. I finally removed the center console cover via the two Phillips head screws on the inside. I took it over to the bench and sprayed WD40 in every crack I could find in the locking mechanism. Worked it for a while and it eventually loosened up.
 
#5 ·
Cixpak, you're more patient than I am... I took BeaverJeeper's route and ripped it open. While the instant gratification was tremendous, I wouldnt recomend the "Hulk-Smash" approach to anyone else. Now I've got one more thing I have to replace!
 
#6 ·
BeaverJeeper said:
sooo frustrating!!! i had this problem too. it pissed me off so badly one day, i just ripped up on the bastard and exploded the lock....

now that it's broken, i don't keep anything important inside, but it sure is nice not having to fight the damn thing just to grab my work hat.
i wouldnt put anything valuable in there anyways, the things junk.

once you actually get it unlocked you have to worry about not snapping those cheap hinges.
 
#7 ·
i have the same problem. To unlock and lock it is a pain. but i also have a hard time opening it. but i found the trick on how to open right. now just everyone else has problems. i would like to find a way to fix though. that would be pretty chill.
 
#9 ·
There is actually a write up on how to remedy this. Can't remember if it was on here or YouTube.

Basically you take it apart and file down the pin/plunger that has mushroomed out over time.
 
#11 ·
Kevbz said:
There is actually a write up on how to remedy this. Can't remember if it was on here or YouTube.

Basically you take it apart and file down the pin/plunger that has mushroomed out over time.
This^^^^^ it's easy and it works. I did the PB blast thing for a while. it helped but didn't fix it. Then I finally I took the thing apart and filed the catch flat again...😃. Works like new for over two years now
 
#16 ·
#19 ·
Found the article for filing down the plunger...

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f19/quick-fix-for-your-center-console-lock-70488.html

Super easy, took about 15 minutes. Doesn't really require any tools, just something to file with and something like a screwdriver to get the lock out of the cylinder.

Here's my plunger before...


View attachment 156925

Here's the plunger after...



View attachment 156928

Works great so far! I'll update if it starts to fail again.
Thanks for that link. My W-40 is starting to wear off. I'm thinking of giving this a try.
 
#20 ·
BLK00TJ said:
Thanks for that link. My W-40 is starting to wear off. I'm thinking of giving this a try.
Yeah no problem. I used a file not the knife that appears to have been used in his tutorial in it works great! Also, it's really only one side of the plunger that needs to be filed to make it work, though I went all the way around.
 
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