Hi there I would like to ask the following: I've got a Gen3 2009 Prius. Is the handle needed to open the center arm rest if it is closed? Or is it only needed if you want to fold it up? Because my handle doos nothing if the arm rest is fully closed Thanks, Jacob
If mine is latched fully closed, it won't open unless one squeezes the release trigger first. Is something interfering with the latch, or interfering with the sliding lid closing? the way that lid can't be opened to expose the little tray underneath without jamming it back against whatever or whoever is behind it is one of the car's most annoying features.
When I slide the armrest forward, the handle doos'nt grab anything to hold the armrest. When I look at the mechanism that's behind the handle, I can't seem to spot the place where it supposed to hold the armrest in place when closed. I can spot the place where it holds the armrest when it I slide it back and I then have to push the handle to pull the armrest up. Can somebody tell me where the armrest hooks when it is closed? Many thanks, Jacob
^ That's a stumper. Like you, I can see the slid-back locking components. When the armrest is slid forward, there's a locking sound/feel, but I can't see what it is, when slid back and reopened. It must be INSIDE the components you see on the underside of the armrest. There's tabs along the sides of those components that can be flexed away from armrest shell. I'd suspect they're at least part of what locks it all together; you're going to have to open it up see what's happening inside.
Have you tried pulling the armrest up and then slide the upper half further up? In this way you can see more inside the armrest. I can see the mechanism of the handle, but not where it has to go when it is fully closed. Thanks, Jacob
If I understand correctly: you mean to slide it back, tilt it up, and then while still tilted up slide it in upwards direction, lengthen it as it would when closing. Mine doesn't want to do that, locks in the shorter position. If yours will, maybe a clue? Not sure.
Well, then that's certainly a clue. Mine can slide up in that position. I wil investigate more and post when I found something. Thanks for your replies Jacob
I found that the center sliding part is held in place by a mechanism at the back of the arm rest (in closed position). This mechanism was fallen out of place. I opened the arm rest and took the mechanism out. I also noticed that a long plastic part that stretches from the lever to the back of the armrest is missing. The previous owner must have broken it. I will contact the dealer so they will order this part for me. I will post back when I fixed this.
