So How does the armrest open on my 96SE?

It won't open in the down position or in the up.

Any suggestions on getting it open?

Cheers,

James

I'm not sure I understand your question. Is it possible to get a picture of what you are asking?

I think he wants to know if the top of the armrest opens to reveal a compartment?

The only secret compartment I know of in the arm rest is the one behind the red switch in this picture.



That cover just pops off. There'* a small tab on the top.

I have a '96 SE and have had trouble in the past with getting it to open. What I found works best is to have it completely down on the seat, as flat as it will go. Anytime I have had even a slight incline it feels "locked".

If you are looking for an actual secret compartment, I do not have one on my Bonne, though I always liked the hatch that could open into the trunk from the back seat! If you are referring to simply get the armrest open, try this:

Flip the armrest down so it is completely flat. Feel around the front side of it for the little tab. Squeeze the tab lightly and pull up, which pulls the top half of the arm rest up. Assuming you have tried that, and its not working, as you grab the tab and top of armrest with one hand, grab the bottom of the armrest with your other hand at the same time, holding it down flat on the seat. As you are pulling the top piece up, trying firmly rocking the lid piece from side to side as you pull up. That was the second problem I had. Either it was fully in the down position, or if it was fully down, I had to squeeze the tab while pulling up and lightly rocking it while pulling up to make it "pop". Hello flimsy flip out cup holders!

Thanks for the info, yes this is what is happening, the lid won't open, it has always been difficult as you describe but now it won't pop.

I will try the rocking motion.

Cheers,
James

Dan'* showing off his toggle again

jk

The floor of that compartment comes out as well.

that definately isn't a option from the factory.

Not the switch, that'* for my ELC over ride. And ya Todd, I forgot about the hidden compartment on that bottom as well.

If you mean the main compartment in the center arm rest, mine has the same problem, if you have the bench seat up front. That damn armrest always locks up on me, probably a worn out lock or something. I figure it'* there so kids can't open it in the back seat while it'* up, but it just gets annoying when i'm trying to open it haha. I can never get it unless i push it as far down as it will go, then it'll open up for me.