How do you fix a Audi cup holder?

Answer 1

This is a very general question. I'm working off of the following assumptions:

-drawer style cup holder, in A4 and S4, at least up to 2002, maybe more years. Spring loaded to come out, located high above the stereo, on top of center console.

-drawer does not slide out, when you push to release it, or doesn't push in.

-you assume all liability for damages, injury and any unintended results.

Step 1: gently pull out trim around cup holder/emergency light/fog light buttons. It pulls out in the direction of the cup holder movement. Gently pry it out around the edges using a small screwdriver wrapped with tape, or better yet a small sheetmetal ruler. You'll probably break it and the retaing clips will be still stuck on the dashboard. You'll need to glue these back again later, and they will break every subsequent time you remove them - so don't reinstall until everythings good.

Step 2: right above the cup holder, are 2 small sheetmetal clips that retain the cup holder. If you stick a small screwdriver between the cup holder and the clip (inside the dashboard slot that holds the cup holder) you can push (gently nudge) the clips upward, and that will release the cup holder. While pushing upward, pull the cup holder out.

Step 3: the anchor point to the spring is very weak. This is a "constant force" spring, and looks like a rolled up party blower (paper noise maker that unrolls when you blow). There is a small T shape at the end of the spring that attaches to the front of the cup holder chassis (front is towards the car occupants). Reattach this in the T shaped pocket - glue/epoxy it back on. I used glue, and I also used a thick piece of sheet plastic that I glued over the entire T area, to hold everything down.

Step 4: reinsert cup holder. Remember to leave the trim off until everything feels good and works well.

Step 5: remove the 6 clips that are supposed to hold the trim onto the dash. Glue these back onto the trim. Wait for glue to dry.

Step 6: carefully line up the trim to the dashboard, and with a single swift move, snap the trim back on. I hope you got it right, because removing will break the clips off again, which would require you to glue again, after which you will be sick and tired of this process, which will force you to be impatient again, resulting in improper install, repeat trim removal, glue again.

Answer 2

It depends what cup holder you are talking about. You can use duck tape and tape it together. If it is broken enough you can just buy another one they are cheap to replace. It depends on the type of cup holder you are buying.