Fixing Early 3rd Gen Cup holders

Quick and easy fix. You have to pull the console bezel off. Once off, push down on the tabs of the cup holder to get it to slide off the console bezel, this was the hardest part. After getting it off unscrew the metal plate, and you'll see that the spring is held with a plastic which breaks.
I used a 5/64 drill bit to drill a hole through the location where the plastic that holds the spring broke. Drill from the inside of the component housing up to the top so you can get an accurate location. It's a little difficult but location matters.

I then stuck a nail through the hole as a replacement since the metal nail will last way longer.

My nail was too long so I cut it to 5/8, which made it long enough to go through the hole on the metal plate once put back and short enough to allow the cupholder to slide in and out when using it.

It has to go through the metal plate to work as extra grip from the spring tension.

It's best to use a nail because the top of the nail will keep it at the top to stop it from sliding through the bottom.

Lastly, slide it back in and test it out.

I replace the other side since it will eventually break. Just break the plastic tip first to make drilling easier.

 

Great write-up. Where can one get just the tension-arm at?

 

The arm that holds the cup? If that's what you're looking for you would have to get a new one or get one from someone or a junkyard. Get a broken cupholder to save money and just use the arm for the mod.

 

That cup holder is in a rediculous place. I hate mine. If you actually use it, you can't see dash controls.
Very poor design. I guess it's because there really is nowhere else to put it.

 

yup..poor design and placement....