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Armrest Not Staying Up In Open Position

Smitdog

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My armrest doesn't stay in the fully opened position, and keeps dropping down on my hand when getting things out of the compartment.... Becomes an annoying 2 hand task, one to keep it open and up, the other to retrieve something.

Anyone else having this issue? Any advice on how to fix? I see there is a screw on the underside of the interior hinge, so thinking about trying to take it apart to see if I can somehow stiffen the spring that's intended to keep it fully upright and open.

Ford F-150 Armrest Not Staying Up In Open Position 2021-06-30 12.02.14
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My armrest doesn't stay in the fully opened position, and keeps dropping down on my hand when getting things out of the compartment.... Becomes an annoying 2 hand task, one to keep it open and up, the other to retrieve something.

Anyone else having this issue? Any advice on how to fix? I see there is a screw on the underside of the interior hinge, so thinking about trying to take it apart to see if I can somehow stiffen the spring that's intended to keep it fully upright and open.

2021-06-30 12.02.14.jpg
Mine is a KR and it does the same thing. Unless I am on a slight uphill I have to hold it with my elbow.
 

RB82

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My armrest doesn't stay in the fully opened position, and keeps dropping down on my hand when getting things out of the compartment.... Becomes an annoying 2 hand task, one to keep it open and up, the other to retrieve something.

Anyone else having this issue? Any advice on how to fix? I see there is a screw on the underside of the interior hinge, so thinking about trying to take it apart to see if I can somehow stiffen the spring that's intended to keep it fully upright and open.

2021-06-30 12.02.14.jpg
Yes, I have a Platinum and it does the same thing. It has since I picked it up 3 weeks ago. I took it in to the dealer this week for the 21B33 recall and told them about the armrest. They said they ordered a new one and will call me when it arrives to swap it out. I'll update when the new one goes on. When's yours built? Mine was 5/10.
 
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Smitdog

Smitdog

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Efalcon80z

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Yes, I have a Platinum and it does the same thing. It has since I picked it up 3 weeks ago. I took it in to the dealer this week for the 21B33 recall and told them about the armrest. They said they ordered a new one and will call me when it arrives to swap it out. I'll update when the new one goes on. When's yours built? Mine was 5/10.
Please update us. I have the same problem on my 2021 King Ranch
 

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My 5/7/21 KR does the same thing. Didn't see it as a problem, but as a 'feature.' Now I'll add it to the dealer list. None of my prior Ford pickups did this - but it seems part of the design - just like the new 'delete' on the fold-down rear seat headrest - just a 'thing' with the '21's - but your dealer seems to think it should stay up, so who's to argue - we all want an erect armrest!
 

Rowlem

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My XLT without the workstation has the same problem , it won’t stay up and it’s a pain in the a$$.
I had my dealer order a new one but not getting a warm fuzzy that the new one won’t be any different since it seams like we are seeing a lot of these being non erect .
 

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Add me to the list, I have the same issue.
 

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Yes. It’s a PIA. Does anyone have an armrest that doesn’t do this?
 

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The more I look at it, the more it appears to be designed to work this way.
 

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Smitdog

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The more I look at it, the more it appears to be designed to work this way.
Why do you think that?

Why would anyone who wants to open and access the armrest storage box want it to default to the nearly closed position?

With what is a simple one-handed task with 100% of the other armrest storage designs I've experienced over the past 45 years, this is the only one that wants to close on your arm as you attempt to retrieve something.

Design flaw, weak spring, etc is my take on this. It also becomes a safety issue if when driving you have to use both arms/hands just to quickly retrieve something.
 

KartRacer25

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Was another thread on this too.
My XLT with work surface barely stays open if parked on flat surface. Was thinking of putting threadlocker, Pepsi, Viagra, spray adhesive, or something in hinge(s).
Let us know if anyone gets replacement that stays open consistently.
Or even better anyone comes up with an easy good fix.
Oh yeh I see 1 long hinge with spring(s).
Either design flaw and they use same spring as the lighter console lid which dont have enough (k) spring constant. Or theres 2 spring part numbers and we have wrong one? Where's the part look up guy who has the latest parts catalog?
Wonder if replacement lid comes with new stiffer spring and cant order seperately?
If so I'm asking dealer for new one too.
Maybe Eibach can come out with an aftermarket high performance off road spring set for it, lol.
Could heat springs with a torch then cool to stiffen up maybe. But have to remove from plastic...maybe it comes out as an assembly with springs loaded up...
Pic: how do we fix this part? LOL

Ford F-150 Armrest Not Staying Up In Open Position 20210706_125102

I see white goop near spring. Maybe lube, Tried blowing out with Brake Kleen no help. Prob will start squeaking. Seems so close to working well, some small tweak might work...
 
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Hambone

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My armrest doesn't stay in the fully opened position, and keeps dropping down on my hand when getting things out of the compartment.... Becomes an annoying 2 hand task, one to keep it open and up, the other to retrieve something.

Anyone else having this issue? Any advice on how to fix? I see there is a screw on the underside of the interior hinge, so thinking about trying to take it apart to see if I can somehow stiffen the spring that's intended to keep it fully upright and open.

2021-06-30 12.02.14.jpg
Armrest lid FIXED:
Complete write-up with how to. This repair will cost about $0.10 and 2 minutes.
Tools needed: Slotted screwdriver
First, go to the auto parts store, you are looking for any type of candy bar or treat. Pick up your favorite and go back out to your truck.
Next, lift up the armrest and curse that you have to hold it up. With the free hand, remove the trim piece directly below the spring to reveal the entire spring, hinge and bracket. The springs each have one "leg" that rests against the metal bracket; those are what will be adjusted.
Take two nickels from your coin holder and set aside. With the slotted screwdriver, gently pry/lift up one of the legs on one of the springs. Slide nickel below raised leg and remove screwdriver. Repeat for the other spring. Now, let go of the armrest and BAM! Stays up!

Jump back into the driver's seat and drop that candy bar/treat into the now "hands free" fully opened console for future snacking.

Ford F-150 Armrest Not Staying Up In Open Position Console1


Ford F-150 Armrest Not Staying Up In Open Position Console2
 
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Smitdog

Smitdog

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Armrest lid FIXED:
Complete write-up with how to. This repair will cost about $0.10 and 2 minutes.
Tools needed: Slotted screwdriver
First, go to the auto parts store, you are looking for any type of candy bar or treat. Pick up your favorite and go back out to your truck.
Next, lift up the armrest and curse that you have to hold it up. With the free hand, remove the trim piece directly below the spring to reveal the entire spring, hinge and bracket. The springs each have one "leg" that rests against the metal bracket; those are what will be adjusted.
Take two nickels from your coin holder and set aside. With the slotted screwdriver, gently pry/lift up one of the legs on one of the springs. Slide nickel below raised leg and remove screwdriver. Repeat for the other spring. Now, let go of the armrest and BAM! Stays up!

Jump back into the driver's seat and drop that candy bar/treat into the now "hands free" fully opened console for future snacking.

Console1.jpg


Console2.jpg
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