Rear section center console wont stay connected

[jbarrow8081]

Hi,

I have an '04 xc90 2.5 AWD with about 105,000 miles. I have a seemingly minor problem that is the source of quite a bit of frustration. Typically when a passenger gets in the front of the car they lean on the rear section of the center console. Most of the time the rear section separates from the front and slides back and I have to refit it back into position. Volvo told me this was about 250 to fix which seems way out of line given that it looks to be a simple "magnet" that holds the two sections together.

Does anyone know how easy this is to fix and/or what parts I should look into? Plan B is some strong epoxy given the car is starting to show its age but I would rather not go down that road.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Joe

[stone36]

There is some kind of mechanism that is involved, what looks like the magnets are actually the power points that supply 12V to the power outlet, or if you have RSE with the single DVD player, it powers the dvd player.

If you reach down to the floor in the back there is a handle you pull out do disengage the clips that hold the armrest console in place. I am guessing that one of the "clips" that holds it in place broke, or possibly is stuck open/partially open (food or other junk stuck in there after 9 years...) I would pull the whole thing out and have a look, I haven't done it myself, but there are probably access points that will get you to the cable or clips. Otherwise hit the junk yard and you can probably get one for $50 or less. Dealers $250 to fix is just buying a new one, they aren't likely to repair yours.

It's actually pretty sweet that it comes out for the leg room, I just wish they had though of putting an arm rest on the seat like the RX300, if I had that I'd probably leave the console out all the time...

[Nicodemus0]

This thread never got followed-up on, and it surprises me that it hadn’t because I would have thought this a more common problem. I’m assuming that my kids have destroyed mine by kicking it about 100 times. Anyway, aside from replacing the entire rear console from a junk yard (which may actually be cheaper, as described above, if you can find the right color), there is an easy DIY fix for this I just did yesterday.

There are different part numbers depending on your model year and interior color. You are looking for the bottom panel of the rear console, which contains the spring mechanism and latches that hold the rear section to the floor. I have a 2006 2.5T with a black interior, so my part was 39853012. Here’s a photo for reference:

The cost was about $100 for a new part. Hopefully that will provide enough info for others to find the right part. When getting the new part, first thing to do is unscrew the 2 torx screws in the cap that covers the console release handle and protects it in transit. If you don’t do this before installing, the rear center console will be permanently locked to the floor. Not so bad, you may say, after dealing with this thing breaking. Well, if you lock it to the floor you will also prevent future access to the panel that allows you to service anything in the front half of the console, so not recommended:

Now, flip the old console to get to the base. It is a quick 6 torx screws to remove the panel. However, two are in a bit of a fiddly spot just under the release handle:

Once you remove these, the panel is nearly free to remove. Note that this bottom panel also holds the track/guide for the cupholder mechanism, so you need to slide out the cupholder and as you do so, take quick note of how it slides into the track/guide on the bottom panel:

Now make the switch. Insert the new part and replace the old cupholder into its track/guide. Secure your 6 torx screws and you’re back in business.

[crw4bama]

With you saying that your bottom to your removable console needs to be replaced new bottom section 200 from dealership full console 760 dollars I am looking at the pull it yourself junkyards around us

[Krons]

Appreciate these old threads, need to diagnose this one on the kids XC90.

[MoVolvos]

Appreciate these old threads, need to diagnose this one on the kids XC90.

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Due to the repair to the shifter assembly the 2012 XC90's entire center console it out. If you need comparison photos let me know as it won't be back in for a bit. Only the front carpets have been removed and pressured washer cleaned. Still trying to find time to remove the entire rear carpets for the same.
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[Krons]

Mine is currently at the shop getting timing belt, water pump, cam seals and AC work…will investigate before I duct tape the armrest back half to the front console.