This is my first post and thought I'd try to start out by making a contribution.I started looking at mid-size trucks but wanted one that could tow a compact (race) car on anopen trailer and the Dakota seemed to fit the bill. I hit the various forums and read a few bad things but not enought to scare me away. I went shopping the week after Christmas for a 05-07 Dakota and noticed none of the center consoles would open. I ended up with a nice 06 SLT QuadCab with the 4.7, towing package and a nice Leer topper but the console wouldn't open! The dealer promptly pulled a latch handle from a new Dakota on the lot and switched it for me but I immediately saw the problem;

The plastic handle has a fin molded into the backside that acts like a wedge when you push it in against a metal extension on the latch to rotate the mechanism and release. The problem is that the plastic is trying to slide under the sharp edge of the metal stamping which then cuts into the plastic and makes a notch and tends to lock the two into position. I covered the metal part with a piece of 1/4" plastic tubing about 1/2" long and it works like butter! A piece of drinking straw or a couple wraps of tape would probably work just as well. Enjoy!

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There is a repair package for this. Part # 68038811AA and retails for $105.00. But should be fixed for free if your truck is under warranty...

 

Thanks for the info. I didn't find anything about it in the Dakota recall or TSB list. At any rate, this should be an economical alternate repair for trucks that are out of warranty. [sm=smiley20.gif]

 

This totally works! Do not pay the $100 for the dealer repair kit when all you need is some tape and less than 5 minutes.

I didn't have any tubing so I used Gorilla Tape. I cut a 1" X 1/2" piece and wrapped about two turns around the metal piece and it works great. I think the tubing might be a better long term fix because eventually I think the tape will get torn up by the plastic fin.

Also - if you are having trouble getting the armrest to open so you can fix it, try tilting it so it's at a 45 degree angle with the seat. This made mine easier to open.

Thanks for posting this fix!

 

So this is for the console with 60-40 bench right? Not the bucket seat console...

 

I cant see the pics? I think I know what you are talking about though.

 

Mine didn't open when I bought my truck so I pulled it apart and shaved the plastic down with my knife. After that I lubed it with some lithium grease and its been butter smooth since.

 

I have found that white lithium grease works just fine. I didnt have to change anything to fix my sticky latch.

IF yours is stuck shut, tilt it up so you can see fine, and slide a flat screw driver in where the latch is. simply twist the driver and push toward the center of the latch. Works every time.

 

No, mine is the bucket seat console I think with the tiny "seat" in the middle that my 30 lb dog barely fits on. Will try to remember to take some pics and post them up here, but once you take it apart it's pretty obvious.