I'm tired of it popping up every time I so much as breath on it, and black gaffers tape just looks so low rent.

This weekend I took the console lid off and took the cup holder assembly out and had a look. It has cracked at the plastic eyelets that the lid pivots in and the previous owner has drilled 4 small holes and used metal ties to tighten up. It works ok, except when in the closed position the bottom of the cup holder lid moves towards the gear selector causing the spacing where the lid latches to be too great and it won't catch.

I'm thinking of removing the springs. Anyone tried this? I'm thinking this will be a suitable "manual" work around.

 

The 2000MY XJ/XK had the updated metal hinge cupholder assy. The early lids will not fit correctly on the new repair kits because the hinges are too thick. You might try to fit one but it will bulge slightly!!! I repaired one with a ring type wire connector bent to a 90 degree angle and drilled into the plastic that replaced the broken lower hingepoint. You can find a newer console lid in a salvage yard and replace the whole console lid top with cup holder!!!!

bob gauff

 

Thanks for the tip. So the 98-02 lids will fit my '97? I'll have to check the salvage yards and see what I can find.

 

My 98 XK8 cupholder did what yours is doing. I decided that the last thing I wanted to happen was elbowing a cup of coffee into the console assembly. There are multiple wires and switches under that console cover. I took mine apart...cut the springs and hot glued the thing together. Looks fine..it just doesn't open. I don't eat or drink in the car awyway.

 

The console lids are interchangeable from 1988 to 2003 for the XJ sedans. Some later colors are not the same for earlier interiors. I put a 1999 'LFJ' nimbus grey console lid in my 1992 XJ40 and had to have the lid dyed to match 'LDY' sevile grey trim color.
Cup holders were first offered for the U.S. on the 1994 MY.

bob gauff

 

itspec60, I see what you mean, but I would like the option to open it if I could... It's somewhat useful for holding my cellphone!

Bob, thanks for that info! What years have the upgraded metal hinges 2000-03?

 

The cupholder with the metal hinges started with VIN F00035

bob gauff

 

You can buy the cupholder new with upgraded hinges. Around $170 at several internet sites.

 

Just to update (hate seeing unresolved threads):

I removed the springs by sliding them out without breaking the assembly and am happy with the results. The previous owner drilled 2 small holes in the base and 2 small holes in the lid and used sturdy wire ties to keep the lid attached. Without the springs, the lid latches shut and stays that way. It still has a full range of motion and functions as well as expected as a cup holder when needed.

 

xxxxx