EuroSS

Below are step by step DIY instructions for repairing a sunglasses holder that will not stay closed.

Tools Required:
Flat Head Screwdriver
Philips Screwdriver
Epoxy or Soldering Iron

Step 1
Use the flat head screwdriver to pop out the plastic doors providing access to the screws.
Remove these screws with a Philips Screwdriver.

<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7828_zps85ggrgjo.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7828_zps85ggrgjo.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7828_zps85ggrgjo.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7827_zpsq1gqtus7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7827_zpsq1gqtus7.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7827_zpsq1gqtus7.jpg"/></a>

Step 2
Use the flat head screwdriver to carefully remove the clear interior light diffuser on both sides.

<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7826_zpshtls9ryi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7826_zpshtls9ryi.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7826_zpshtls9ryi.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7825_zpsujfj5fze.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7825_zpsujfj5fze.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7825_zpsujfj5fze.jpg"/></a>

Step 3
After removing the diffuser you will see two screws on the left and right side.
Remove these screws with a Philips Screwdriver.

<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7822_zps7jfekiny.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7822_zps7jfekiny.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7822_zps7jfekiny.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7821_zps5viajtfp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7821_zps5viajtfp.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7821_zps5viajtfp.jpg"/></a>

Step 4
You will be able to access and carefully remove the entire overhead control unit (it's not necessary to unplug this). Once this is removed will see two additional screws holding in the push button for the sunglasses holder on the other side. I would recommend using a magnetic screwdriver if possible, since these can easily be dropped or lost or holding the overhead control as horizontal as possible.

<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7818_zpsiuckbfml.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7818_zpsiuckbfml.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7818_zpsiuckbfml.jpg"/></a>

Step 5
Removal of damaged plastic center piece. Carefully push or pull on the (tan color) push button. You should feel some slack or looseness. This is an indicator the small plastic piece is broken on the inside. Use caution, since this piece may fall out very easy. At this point it's very easy to remove the broken top piece, center metal rod, and the bottom broken plastic piece.

<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7810_zpso96lfapp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7810_zpso96lfapp.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7810_zpso96lfapp.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7811_zpsxlz8ak5v.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7811_zpsxlz8ak5v.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7811_zpsxlz8ak5v.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7813_zpsaxwh22xj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7813_zpsaxwh22xj.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7813_zpsaxwh22xj.jpg"/></a>

Step 6
Match up the broken top piece with bottom piece and either plastic weld or epoxy these together. I would recommend with this step to be extremely careful with the epoxy (less is always better), since excess glue or plastic welding will throw off the tolerances and reinstalling will be difficult.
If you decide to use glue remember to let it dry completely otherwise your push button will be completely stuck

<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7814_zpsaujbnfyu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7814_zpsaujbnfyu.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7814_zpsaujbnfyu.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7815_zpsal22dnrf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7815_zpsal22dnrf.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7815_zpsal22dnrf.jpg"/></a>

Step 7
As an option to increase the feedback of the button you can remove the push button (tan piece) and stretch the spring slightly on the inside providing more resistance. Do this before you install the repaired plastic piece. After the repair piece is install back, insert and align the small center rod (you can use a paperclip or something very small to push it and guide it). At this point you should have a functional button with enough feedback. Reassemble and enjoy your functional sunglasses holder

<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/user/italiadesigns/media/Lexus/IMG_7816_zpspv7puusj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/italiadesigns/Lexus/IMG_7816_zpspv7puusj.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7816_zpspv7puusj.jpg"/></a>

5t341th

iTrader: (16)

excellent. will be useful later on. thank you

Fixman

Thanks as mine is not functioning properly. Was going to use a dab of lithum grease on it. But now I will dismantle it chick fix increase the spring tint ion and use a dap of grease.
The post came just in time.
Thanks agean.

wise2k

Mine doesn't stay closed only in cold temperatures. I guess it's the science that things shrink in the cold.

Fixman

Shrink, cold. Lolllllll I guess it's a commune issue with alllllll...

wise2k

Lol, I'm sure it is a common issue. Probably because most (if not all) of the earlier years have 'aftermarket' sunglass holders. Mine is an 01, and it used to be the Lexus link controls (similar to OnStar) but when analog phased out in favor of digital, they replaced the Lexus link controls with a sunglass holder and just left the analog antenna on the roof. It was a neat mod, but it obviously has its shortcomings

Tom57

The '01 - '04 sunglasses holder is slightly different than the '05 - '06 holder. And, as pointed out, the Lexus Link system overhead controls were subject to a Lexus campaign (lsc-4la) to remove the combined Lexus Link/sunglasses holder and disconnect the Lexus Link ECU in the trunk.

LS430inDE.

EuroSS---incredible write-up! It's one thing to give a step by step instruction, but it's above and beyond to photograph each step with such attention to detail!

My holder won't stay shut unless I manually pull down on the button before pushing closed the glasses holder.

I won't even attempt to do this DIY. It's a little above my patience level when dealing with such small and delicate parts & pieces.

Tell me you're a brain surgeon for a profession or a watchmaker or jeweler, etc?

99LSBrad

I have this issue as well, except the pin that holds the latch is missing. Trying to find a way to rig it. Not spending $1275 for a new one. Can get the whole assembly on ebay for $50 but probably will eventually have the same issue.

Is there a way to pop the sunglass holder lid out without removing the whole console?

shane8305

Is it still available?
Tx

semar

try ducttape

pang55

Thank you for the explanations with photos. After careful inspection (with magnifier and proper lighting), I found a very small crack on the inside black moving piece of the latch that holds the cover. The latch parts can move freely without the pin. But the latch will have difficulty to move once the pin is inserted. The pin is purposed a little bigger than the hole. But the central piece expands to block its moving because the big pin to push the crack to open. I made the pin a little thinner so that it still holds everything but not to open the crack too much to block the movement.