I always thought that my center console cupholder cover was difficult to open/close on my 04 RX. I just got a loaner 07 RX and the center console cupholder cover is VERY easy to open/close. I figure that there was a design change to make opening/closing of the cover much easier.

Is there a TSB out there to replace the older covers to make them easier to open/close? I'd really prefer to have that.

 

Are you talking about the two cup holder in the front of the center console sliding bin? If so, the one on my 04 needs just a slight depress and the lip flips open. There is absolutely nothing hard about opening it or closing it. It is possible something is wrong with yours since day one.

 

Are there cup holders for the rear at all? I could not find them on my RX350.

 

The rear cup holders are in the rear center arm rest. You have to pull it down, the open the cup holder lid.

 

Markpaco,
I have the same problem. It has a mind of its own (1 day it decides to open or shut close). If your car still under warranty, they will replace it. Mine is out of warranty & will cost me $600+. I called Lexus HQ about the this, she was very nice & tried to apply "Out Of Warranty Assistant". It's been about 2 weeks now, I'm still waiting for a reply.
It's probably best to call the HQ to let them know that you have the problem too so they can document it.

 

$600 !! for a cupholder cover!!! i think at that point i would just opt to leave it open, which 99% of the time it is.

i agree w/ CK6Speed - it's probably something wrong since very early on, so best to get it taken care of if you are still under warranty. mine has been smooth and operable since Day 1, no different from the RX loaners i've gotten in the past.

the only gripe i have about the cupholders is the little flap that comes down has gotten very loose over the years, including too much armor all from detailing. so it doens't really want to stay down on its own when you remove a drink. i'm going to get some black velcro to take care of that

 

You use armor-all for detailing

 

no, i just don't know the name of the stuff my detail guy uses. whatever the thing is that cleans/rejuvenates black plastic parts.

eventually those little springs that hold that flap are going to get slippery. i noticed on the new loaners that they totally redesigned that little flap to work better. i would retrofit my old 04, but at this point i think it's easier to use a little DIY velcro

 

Lexus HQ just called to tell me that the cup holder replacement will be free of charge & just go ahead to schedule to bring my car in. Talking about pursuit of perfection, they really live up to there motto. Thanks everyone for the input.

 

Shouldn't it be on the TSB for the early model years?

 

Is armor-all not good!!???? I have used it once on my '04 RX330 that I bought a week ago. Should I stop using it?

 

I guess if enough people complain about it, maybe TSB will be issue. Not too sure how that works.

 

I guess many must spend $600 at dealer. Dealer will send report to manufacturer for TSB??

 

I just got the car back today and they replaced the cup holder and cover. It works a lot better now although it does not press down as far as the 07 does. The only problem is that they forgot to transfer the cupholder retaining tab. This is the part that pivots to conform to the shape of your cup.

I went back the next day and they installed it.