I need help....my single electronic car key fell into the cup holder well. The spare key was sitting in the cup holder and when it was pushed back, it disappeared.
I can't see a way to dismantle the cup holder. Anyone have any suggestions. Don't like leaving my car sitting out doors with a key inside of it, even though I can manually lock it.
Thanks so much

 

Carefully and slowly remove the chrome bezel trim around gear shift. Pry up using flat screwdriver with tape over the tip. (Or, if you have plastic/nylon pry tools, use those.) Then pry up the wood laminate cover over the gear shift and ash tray. There are a total of four (4) plug-in fasteners in the corners of the wood laminate piece. Then you will have access to the area under the cup holders. Replace the wood laminate cover and gently push the fasteners to snap in. Then replace the chrome bezel gear shift trim in the exact same position as it was removed (there are plastic fins on the sides for retaining into metal clip). Gently push down evenly into place.

 

Thanks for your reply Tom. Is this someone anyone can easily do or should I take it to a certified lexus dealer or any dealer for that matter. If that, what should it cost me?
Thanks
PS - I don't want to damage the car

 

It is not difficult, just take your time and do it slowly. Here are some drawings that show what Tom57 already said. Hope this will help you to assess how you want to proceed.

 

It's easy if you're a DIY'er. Even easier with the drawings supplied by RKW. (You don't need to unscrew shift lever ****.) A Lexus stealership may charge anything from free (goodwill) to $100. If you're careful and follow the instructions, you won't damage anything. Good luck!

 

Just to make sure that we're not sending you down the wrong path, I decided to go through the procedures and take some pictures of the steps for you.
Sure enough, the instruction was not exactly correct. You see, there is a seat warmer panel that is sitting atop of the shifter panel. Without removing the seat warmer panel, you cannot lift the shifter panel up. I'm glad I did the dry run and avoided making trouble for you. Here goes...

 

Well, your directions are excellent. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for testing it out for me. I'll let you know how I do.

 

Great directions - I was able to get the seat heat panel off, unable to disconnect it though, but able to simply move it out of the way. Then I could pop that back up off near the arm rest.
Unable to pop the front cover off #5. and it seems like the gear shift would be in the way. Had to move it up to neutral to try but still no success. afraid to force it.

 

rkw, you're definitely a stand up guy for going through that process when you didn't have to. I may use those steps for diagnosing my stuck open cup holder when I get a chance.

 

djs123, first of all, congratulations for giving this a go...

No worries, let's try another way to pop the front corners. Insert your screwdriver about 3/4" from the front edge until it hits the bottom. Pry with steady force and feel the panel lifting from its socket slowly. Avoid prying at the area where the panel has only a thin strip of material. It's also a good idea to rock the rear of the panel up-and-down to help the front clip separate.

 

Remove the chrome bezel around gear shift before prying that console cover up.

 

I agree. That bezel attaches to the transmission and must come off first, otherwise it will help hold the console down in that area and make it more difficult to remove.

 

Ok I'm going to give this a go ok tomorrow.
I will let you know how I do. I appreciate your help.....thank you so much
Keep you posted
Thanks
djs

 

Tom

I am happy to say after your latest instruction I was able to remove the entire console and get my key (although I did put a small gouge into the wood finish). If I can attach a photo I will. I'm wondering if there is something I can put on the gouge to conceal it. That being said, no one but me would notice it.
I'm so thrilled, thank you for taking the time to give me such great instructions. Wishing you well
djs

 

ok...so I've gotten this far. How do I get to the bulb under the gear shift to replace it? I can't see how to get it out??