SupraLB

Has anyone ever removed the center console in the 330? My spare keys slid behind the lid that covers the cup holder and I cannot get them out. I have to remove either the console or the lid - but I can't find any way to remove either. The spare keys are stuck down there and I can't even open the lid to use my cup holders.

Any suggestions? Help?

Thanks!

drurywoodson

You can get the full details at techinfo.lexus.com for $10, but the rough idea is:

1) slide both seats fully forward
2) slide the console fully back
3) Pop out the side panel inserts on both sides of the console. They are held in by 8 claws - 5 on the top edge and 3 on the bottom edge. A small screwdriver should work well, just be careful not to mar the plastic.
4) Disconnect the console box lock control cable assembly.
5) Remove three bolts on each side that will become visible after you remove the side panel inserts.
6) Disconnect the clamps & connectors. The console box is now free of the vehicle
7) flip the console over, and remove the front side panel. This held on by 8 claws, and you ought to be able to see what you are doing with the console out.
8) Remove the bottom of the console box by removing 6 screws, and disengaging 4 clips and a claw


There's more, but if you haven't recovered your keys by this point, the rest of it is pretty straightforward. You'll have full visibility to all of the screws, and it should be obvious.

SupraLB

This worked great. Thanks so much for all the information!

lformby

Just wanted to add an additional thanks for the above info. My cellphone got stuck in the same place and these directions were spot on! Check out the pic (that's my cellphone stuck in the back of the cupholder). Lori

PS - anyone know where the spring for that top door attaches? it popped out during disassembly and I can't figure out where it goes.

draco

I hate that spring!! I put mine back after I had dismantled it and now I have to firmly push on the cup holder cover to get the darn thing to open.

Carver

LOL! It's very good to know my shiny new car tends to eat things. There does seem to be a lack of storage compared to my old RX300.

Klamalama

I'm just trying to get the console to slide in either direction. I followed the manual's instructions about pulling on the lever inside the cup holder, but it won't budge. Any ideas?

LS430LX470

how the heck did the cell get stuck over there???...lol

I JUST BOUGHT A 04 RX330 MAYBE I SHOULD TAKE MINE APART TO SEE WHAT TREASURES I CAN FIND....

lformby

If the lever pulls up but the console won't budge, the cable inside may be disconnected or broken. I only know this because I put the whole console back together, put it back in the car and forgot to reconnect the cable. And yes my husband laughed as I had to remove the console all over again.

lformby

It was like the best magic trick ever! One minute it was in the cupholder, next minute it was not. I really have no idea how it got back there.

bradcory

Has anyone replaced the springs that open the doors to the center console? Ours are "worn out" per the dealer, they want $430 to replace them. I can get it to open but not to close. I have an 06 RX 400h

DennisMik

Lexus does not sell the springs separately, only with the lid mechanism, so they are replacing more than just the springs. You can try and find some place that sells springs, but that is a long shot. Find a RX in the junk yard and get springs from that car is more feasible.

lxdxb

useful video for removing the panels