Broken center console latch (2016)

Bouv442

Member
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Mazda CX-5
I've got a 2016 CX-5 Touring. The spring loaded latch that holds the armrest closed snapped off for me today, and I've been unable to find the part number for the replacement. Is it the same as the prior models? My understanding was that the console is different on the 2016s.
 
Why are you worried about the part #? This is the dealer's responsibility under the 36 month bumper-to-bumper warranty.
 
I'm a good distance from the closest dealership, and the part is simple to swap out. I'd rather spend a few bucks, and not have to take the afternoon off to have the dealership handle it.
 
Do you slam it shut? Perhaps I am over-cautious, but I pull the latch up and close it gently.
 
You could trying calling or emailing your dealership and solve the problem remotely, take pictures and email them of the broken part and request a new one be sent.
 
You could trying calling or emailing your dealership and solve the problem remotely, take pictures and email them of the broken part and request a new one be sent.
That would be a stretch for any dealer, no matter how good-hearted they are!
 
I'm a good distance from the closest dealership, and the part is simple to swap out. I'd rather spend a few bucks, and not have to take the afternoon off to have the dealership handle it.

I guess your location is no longer Catonsville, MD, since Russel Mazda appears to be just minutes away?
 
Do you slam it shut? Perhaps I am over-cautious, but I pull the latch up and close it gently.

I didn't slam it shut, but I don't always pull up on the latch when closing it. I will do so once it's fixed though, considering this one only lasted 6 months.
 
I did see that one, but I'm hesitant to believe that the same latch was used on the 2015, since the rest of the console was redesigned.
 
How to replace the latch on the center console

I had the same problem! I had to wedge a water bottle between the console and seat to keep the console lid in place!

I tried calling the dealership... I spoke with service who said "come on by and we can take a look. We can schedule you for an appointment on... [date two weeks away]. I asked if I could just buy the part and the sent me over to the parts department. They claimed to not know what piece I was talking about. The dude kept calling it a "console lock" (I found out later that this is indeed the correct piece), but he "couldn't in good conscience allow me to purchase the item without knowing exactly what it was. So he kicked me over to the service department. So, I said "screw this! I'm gunna figure this thing out myself!" And I did.

Step 1: Gather the correct tools
Small slotted (flat-head) screwdriver or plastic pry bar.
A pair of small needle-nose (or similar) pliers.

Step 2: Take the center console apart

Using the pry bar or small slotted screwdriver, gently... I SAID GENTLY wedge the hard plastic under piece of the center console and the soft rubber/vinyl cover (don't pull TOO hard, but you should hear plastic pieces start to pop or separate within the console assembly...).

http://imgur.com/bStOIfl Pry near the red arrow

http://imgur.com/F4EL9Rz

Begin to gently work your way around the perimeter of the console. Eventually, you should be able to get your fingers in between the gab and pry the two pieces apart.

http://imgur.com/qonQ9Rv

Completely remove the plastic piece that contains the console latch and take it to a safe working area. We're going to be focusing on the top portion where my hand is holding it up.

http://imgur.com/6m3kcpF

Step 3: Remove the latch assembly from the plastic backing

Take a quick second to look over the piece. Notice the main pieces you're working with are the plastic backing, a metal rod, a spring and the plastic latch itself. You'll notice one end of the rod is pointy and the other is abrasive. Take your pliers and squeeze the pointy side of the metal rod so as to push it inward (see picture below).

Pointy end of the rod

When you have enough of the abrasive end sticking out, use the pliers to pull from that end and completely remove the rod.

http://imgur.com/jpfVU8W Pushing the pointy end.

http://imgur.com/EbOFp1r Pulling the abrasive end.

WARNING: There are small pieces. Pull the rod out slowly to make sure you gather the spring and the rod. If you lose either one, you'll have to buy the whole assembly as the new latch does not come with a rod or spring.

http://imgur.com/U7I8H1h The spring and rod.

Step 4: Placement of new latch

Take a quick look at the spring and rod together with the latch below (assembled outside of console for demonstration purposes):

http://imgur.com/5W6Palm
http://imgur.com/s7GDsST

Notice the placement of the spring... The pointy end goes outward. If you put it in incorrectly, the latch will not work properly.

Set the spring on the back of the latch and place it into the plastic backing. Hold the spring with your thumb and run the rod through the hole on the left side, pointy end first (the way you found it, originally). The rod will run through the holes on each side and through the coils on the spring. It should look like the picture below half way through...

http://imgur.com/svaw6SO

Push the rod as far as it'll go with your fingers and finish the job with the pliers, until the pointy end is showing on the right side and the abrasive end is flush with the left side:

http://imgur.com/8vGq46H

Test to make sure the spring is working correctly by pressing on the latch release multiple times. Place the plastic backing back into the console cover and snap into place. Squeeze around the sides (similar to closing the lid on a tupperware container) to ensure it's seated properly. Close the console lid. As long as it stays closed and opens when you press the release, you're all done! If it doesn't work properly, go back through steps 1-3 to ensure the spring is set properly.

http://imgur.com/Yz5MvUt ALL DONE!
 
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thanks RichieRescue, awesome info. just a thought for those out of warranty, is it possible to get some magnet latches from Home Depot and screw one part into the console box front interior and the other under the lid front so they mate when closed ?
 
I have the same problem - broken center console latch (2016 CX-5 still under warranty) - dealer says it's NOT covered under warranty and it will cost $75 to fix.
That sucks - seems that others are experiencing this issue also and a latch should hold up longer than 6 months(?)
Anyone else get this fixed under warranty?
If not, I'll probably wind up fixing it myself - I'll probably order an extra latch as well since this one failed so soon.
 
Sometimes the latch doesn't seem to catch and it is tempting to bang it down, sort of ham fisted like, and that breaks the latch.
 
This same issue just happened with our 2016.5 Touring today!

Why Mazda would make that latching part out of plastic is beyond me, especially for a part that is probably used just as much as a driver door....

IMO, that part should be metal - OR at least made of stronger plastic if manufacturing cost is an issue.

Has it been confirmed this would NOT be covered under the warranty provision? I mean it should be covered, as I see it as a Manufacturer's defect since others are having the same issue on vehicles that are less than 8mos old (we bought ours in March 2016).

I'll be calling our Dealer tomorrow about the issue.
 
Update:

For anyone who has experienced this issue, according to our selling Mazda Dealer:

1) A broken console latch IS covered under the Mazda 3yr/36k bumper to bumper warranty provision.
2) "It's a common issue with the CX-5"

So ours will be getting fixed this Friday under warranty (2016.5 Touring).
 
Thanks for the update.
I just scheduled the same for my car with my selling dealer (Mazda - Roswell) - part on order.
They said they will cover it under warranty as long as I have < 36K miles.
Guess I should have taken mine there to begin with.
I originally took mine to Mazda - Mall of Georgia and they refused to cover the repair under warranty - want to charge me $75
Pays to shop around - and frequent the forum :)
 
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