2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Cheap plastic parts @ 39K

[d.miner]

At 39,000 miles I went to get my sunglasses out on a sunny day and the little plastic latch in the overhead console broke. That's right, at 39K and not 35. 9K. How they create plastic parts that will fail just out of warranty is beyond me.



Anyway, $ 23. 00 later I have a new door w/ latch to install. The part looks like it would change out easy enough, but the old one is proving hard to get out and I don't want to force anything and break something else $$$.



Has anyone done this before? I'm coming to my TDR brothers for help... I'm sure it's not that complex, just need to know what's worked for others in the past.



Your input here is appreciated.



Thanks, Dan

 

[Boondocker]

Wow, yours lasted 39K! You must be gentle. I ended up finding a pair of magnets, about the size of watch batteries and glued them to the lid and console. I took the broken tab, trimmed it, turned it around as a handle and glued it in place. That's been working good for a while. I haven't had any luck getting the console out though. I'm a little shy about breaking things myself. Some day it has to come down because I plan a switch panel for auxillery lights and such.



Hopefully you'll get the tip you need to finish your job.



Neil

 

[MKinner]

My sunglass holder did the same thing, at 27,800 miles. still under warranty so i will be going to the dealership with it!! and yes, quite cheaply made.

 

[dresslered]

Dan, I just rechecked mine and for the life of me I can't remember exactly the method I used. I think that you just gently lift upward on the metal spring and then while gently prying each individual hinge up and outward they will come loose--look at the new one so you can see what your dealing with. (do a search on 'sunglass' and you will probably dig up a little more detail as this has been discussed before)



Along with the plastic sunglass holder (my dime) I also had the center console replaced twice due to the plastic hinges breaking (the end of the tabs fall off). Fortunately this was covered under warrantee as they have to replace the entire console. The latest one seems to be holding up well and maybe where your truck is a bit newer, you won't have the problem. My wife's Durango which is 2-years older has metal hinges on her console--must have saved a few cents with the new design.

 

[BKenny]

My, brother had a 99 1500 and his cup holder in the dash broke wile he was driving and flung his coffie everywere . So im taking it easy on mine