Console lid latches driving me crazy!

[MoonMagic]

I have a 2002 Sport Trac, purchased used a while back. What is with the lid latches on the console lid? The lid seems much harder to open than I think is necessary. But sometimes, after I open it, either or both of the latch parts on the box stay down in their holes instead of popping up like they should. I then have to pry them up with a screwdriver or I am unable to latch the lid down tight. Can someone please tell me what is wrong here? I am mystified and frustrated. Thanks.

 

[600remguy]

Is the hinge loose, sorta letting the catches slip by when you open it, not giving them enuff of a snap to open?

 

[MoonMagic]

No, the hinge is definitely not loose. Everything is lined up perfectly it appears. I just have to really tug on the lid to open it and sometimes the lid latch catch in the box edge goes back into the recess for some reason, preventing me from closing the lid all the way.

 

[TRACMOB]

Had the same problem in my 04 Trac what I did was looked at which one of the latches was giving me the most problem. Then I simply cut off about .250" of the hooked shape latch on the lid itself, never had a problem since. Latches down firmly still with the one good side and stay steady on the other side with whats remaining.. It worked for Me!!!

 

[Flounder]

Heh. Had the same issue with the passenger-side metal clip. It ended up breaking off the hook-shaped piece on the lid. However, it now opens and closes easily as the driver-side clip and hook don't have the same problem.

 

[MoonMagic]

TracMob,

That sounds like a good fix. The amount you cut off seems like a lot to me. Just to confirm, you are saying 1/4", right? Thanks for the help.

 

[TRACMOB]

TracMob,

That sounds like a good fix. The amount you cut off seems like a lot to me. Just to confirm, you are saying 1/4", right? Thanks for the help.

Yeah about that, but you can always start less do alittle at a time till their's no interference. You pretty much just want to clear the glove box latch.. Hope this helps. BTW after I've done this I've never had any problem again and I'm always in and out of the center glove box.

 

[Talan423]

Had the same problem with mine and I just sprayed some silicon lube into each of the latches and works much better (not like new, but much better).

 

[theluke19]

Thought it was just me. Even broke part of the passenger side one trying to pop it out of place lol..