I am new to this forum, suspect this issue has been discussed many times still learning how to navigate the site. I am the owner of a 2005 RX330, it has 285000 miles on it but runs well and for the most part was well maintained by the prior owner (my sister who bought it new in 2005). Completed some necessary mechanical work and am now working on aesthetic stuff. My immediate problem is the cup holder won't open. Lexus is quoting over $800 to fix, I have removed it and suspect some kind of odd issue with the spring I see no broken or misaligned parts but cannot figure out how to install the spring and there is virtually no pictures or explanation of how this mechanism should work. Does anyone on the site have a procedure to repair, pictures of a properly installed spring assembly, or even what to check and a close up of the return spring on the driver's side of the assembly.
Apologize for the long missive but something which seems so minor and simple is just becoming a quite the challenge.

 

Welcome to Club Lexus and your first post!

+1 for keeping the RX in the family.

I replaced my driver side cup holder with a good working unit from eBay.

Mine was completely broke, thanks to me breaking it worse when trying to remove it. Haha

I can't remember exactly how I did it so hopefully someone remembers and can help.

I do remember that there are two very sneaky hidden screws that come up from the bottom on an angle.

The whole unit should slide out like a cassette tape

Also, can't remember but I had to remove something to get access to the hidden screws.