[dan_in_oregon]

I just bought an 2006 Sienna LE to be able to haul things occasionally.

There is a compartment in the center dash to the right of the shifter and above the pop out cup holder. The compartment has two doors: one opens up and one opens down. You can see it on the right here: 2004-2010 Toyota Sienna Console Molding Shifter Bezel 55420-AE010 OEM | eBay

First question: is there a name for this compartment? I tried a bunch of searches and couldn't isolate it.

The lower door won't open very far. There is probably a coin or the like stuck in there that is preventing it from opening properly. I notice that newer years don't have the lower door, so I'm guessing this was a common problem.

Anybody know of good tips to getting the lower door unstuck?

 

[sixto]

This is how far ours opens -

If yours doesn’t open as far, there’s probably something jammed in the mechanism. Look for a YouTube video on how to remove that panel, possibly part of getting to the shift mechanism, to see what you’re dealing with.

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 198K miles

 

[dan_in_oregon]

Nice picture. That's what I expect, but mine only swings open a fraction of an inch.

I tried looking for videos, but I couldn't find anything related to this particular door. Lots of stuck sliding door videos, though. That's why I was wondering if there was a specific name for this thing.

I'll just let it be if it involves removing the whole panel. I know how to do that, but it's way more effort than this is worth.

Thanks,
Dan

This is how far ours opens -

View attachment 57686

If yours doesn’t open as far, there’s probably something jammed in the mechanism. Look for a YouTube video on how to remove that panel, possibly part of getting to the shift mechanism, to see what you’re dealing with.

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 198K miles

 

[MGB]

Originally there was a square plastic piece that divided the lower and upper sections in the cubby space created by the two doors. Those dots on the side loosely held it in place. Check to see if the plastic piece fell to the bottom of the cubby space and is interfering with the opening mechanism. I doubt that is the issue but worth a try.

 

[dan_in_oregon]

Originally there was a square plastic piece that divided the lower and upper sections in the cubby space created by the two doors. Those dots on the side loosely held it in place. Check to see if the plastic piece fell to the bottom of the cubby space and is interfering with the opening mechanism. I doubt that is the issue but worth a try.

That piece is still intact and not the problem. I can take it out and nothing changes.

Good thought, though.

 

[BillG]

Called the Console Coin Holder, I think: P/N: 55450AE010 or 55450AE030. I had a similar problem with my center console door. I let my father-in-law drive my van and he cleaned off the center console by pushing a bunch of fossilized shark teeth into the bin, except most of them went into the gap between the lid and the bin. It wouldn't open when I got it back and I had to get a toothpick and slid it back and forth to knock them loose and then use a vacuum while doing the same with it open to draw them out.

 

[dan_in_oregon]

Called the Console Coin Holder, I think: P/N: 55450AE010 or 55450AE030. I had a similar problem with my center console door. I let my father-in-law drive my van and he cleaned off the center console by pushing a bunch of fossilized shark teeth into the bin, except most of them went into the gap between the lid and the bin. It wouldn't open when I got it back and I had to get a toothpick and slid it back and forth to knock them loose and then use a vacuum while doing the same with it open to draw them out.

Console Coin Holder is correct. Here is (at least one version of) the part: Toyota Sienna Console Coin Holder. Interior, INSTRUMENT, PANEL - 55450AE020 - Genuine Toyota Part

I'll give toothpick + vacuum a try.

Thanks

 

[bencahill]

It's not too hard to remove the entire panel area. You start by removing the two sides (left/right; left has the emergency flasher button) with a butter knife, then the top above the radio, again with a butter knife, then work your way down. Four 10mm bolts for the radio. If you look up a YouTube video for changing the cigarette lighter plugs, that should get you going. I didn't remove this compartment, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's easier to access or remove after removing some things above it.