First post on s2ki, hope it helps someone.

Inherited this issue from the previous owner of the car; the cup holder door would not latch and stay closed. Turns out its a common problem due to some under-engineering by Honda and some over-smashing by S2000 drivers. Couldn't find a decent how-to thread on the interwebs so here is my best:

Begin by removing the center armrest console, which includes the perforated leather armrest, the cup holder and extra pocket, the e-light and vert top switch, and the e-brake and shifter cover (all of this is one connected piece).

There are 8 clips that hold this assembly to the car, shown in the pictures below. I was able to gently pry them loose using my fingertips starting at the back and working towards the shifter.





Go ahead and remove your shift knob by holding it firmly and loosening the locking nut below (rotate nut clockwise), then unscrew and remove the knob and nut.

Lift the now loose console and unplug the e-lights switch and vert top switch. These are typical electrical plugs; push in the tab in the center and wiggle them out.

Now the console is free; remove and place on a soft surface. I also removed the switches (each has two screws) which made it slightly easier to work with and allowed me to clean some dirt away while I was at it.



Now looking at the lid/latch assembly, the lid has an internal clip that is SUPPOSE to have a small pin protruding out of it that engages the latch assembly when pushed closed. Many people have claimed that the pin has fallen out or become loose. Many people (like me) will discover a previous owner of the car has already tried this fix and failed miserably by using a toothpick or other wooden piece that has worn out. Whatever it is, either remove the old pin or drill out the previous owner's toothpick and get this hole clear.



Now we need to replace the old pin with a new one. I used a small nail typically used to hang pictures with a diameter very close to that of the hole in the lid tab. I used some wire cutters to cut it to a proper length.



Test fit the nail into the hole and loosely hold it into place as you close the lid and let the latch engage. If it seems to move smoothly and doesn't scrape or pop loose, then you have the perfect length. Otherwise cut a little more off or try again till you get it right.



Once you think you've got it, super glue the nail into place. Or if you used a screw instead of a nail, you are done as the threads should hold it nicely. Allow glue to dry before reassembling.

Look ma, no hands!



Be sure to clean the crevices on the armrest and the area below your removed console while everything is apart!

Now simply slide the console back into place, plug in your switches, snap your clips back in by applying moderate pressure, and reinstall the shift knob. Now enjoy your fully functioning cup holder door!



The tools I used: wire cutters, knife (removing old pin/toothpick), superglue, Phillips screwdriver, picture hanging nail, drill w/ 1/16th bit (removing old pin/toothpick).

 

Where was this last month when I was trying to fix mine? lol

I just bought a new one but I will give this a try before installing it.

 

is this also a fix if the lid will not open and close with the one touch? or is this simply for the lid not closing?

 

What do you do when the bracket with the hole in it, cracks across the hole!?

(I hot glued mine for now and its working, but who knows for how long!)

 

Well, that sounds like the circular spring on the lid is broken, as it is no longer providing tension to automatically open the lid. I would suggest pulling the panel off (since its so easy anyway) and taking a look at that spring. It might just be dirty or have spilled soda all over it, Hah. While its off, check the pin and latch to see if they look ok.

 

Ouch! Who was using your cup holder, the Hulk? I would try the same method and glob on the superglue or hot glue like you did. Unless you really want to buy the replacement part from Honda.

 

I let my 1 year old daughter crawl around the inside of my car, she likes to open the cup holder and try to put her feet in there...

 

doing this tomorrow

 

The spring in mine is gone. Wondering if I can get a spring from some hobby store or if I just need to get a new cup holder.

 

Thank you for making this post.. I leaned on mine this morning and broke it. It actually works better with the nail too, doesn't flex like plastic.