Work Surface Console won't stay open after "Penny trick"

[sbi]

Like many others, I "fixed" my refusing-to-stay open Work Surface console cover.
Apparently, the two coins weakened the springs even more and now the console won't stay up even when the truck parks on a level surface.
Did anyone find a good and permanent solution to that, or found a good mod, that will allow the console to stay open like it should?

Thanks.

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[GJG]

Tag….same issue

 

[Kodiak]

I always thought the nickel trick might be a problem later as I was sure it would probably end up stretching the springs. My hope was that Ford would correct this problem with beefier springs but that never seems to have happened.

My mod for addressing this still seems to be the best method.

 

[gnikdaor]

I can confirm that they STILL have not fixed this issue with the 2024's. Just like they have STILL not fixed the PITA "battery saver mode". Four freaking model years into this generation, and they STILL haven't fixed these issues. Wanna bet these will STILL be issues on the 2025's?

 

[Zedbra]

I mounted a small strut in mine to keep it open and it works like a champ. Maybe not 'the best' as stuffing a rag between the seat , but I want it to stay open as I am lifting it with one hand and grabbing something out of it - so the strut works best for me.

Costs a bit more than a few pennies, but won't break the bank. This is Canadian cost - no doubt less in the US.

 

[sbi]

I mounted a small strut in mine to keep it open and it works like a champ. Maybe not 'the best' as stuffing a rag between the seat , but I want it to stay open as I am lifting it with one hand and grabbing something out of it - so the strut works best for me.

Costs a bit more than a few pennies, but won't break the bank. This is Canadian cost - no doubt less in the US.

Is that metal square with the square notches, attached to the bottom of the console, part of this fix, or did you add this for something else?
Also, did you find the side of the center console "beefy" enough for a screw to hold on over time (the strut's screw)?

 

[Zedbra]

Is that metal square with the square notches, attached to the bottom of the console, part of this fix, or did you add this for something else?
Also, did you find the side of the center console "beefy" enough for a screw to hold on over time (the strut's screw)?

The molle rack is from Builtright and yes, it is attached to the bottom of the console. It is not part of the strut addition, but the molle rack did dictate where I could and couldn't mount the strut. The plastic seems 'beefy' enough to be holding this strut - you don't need to put any backwards pressure on the console that would stretch the screw holes, because the strut pushes it up and holds it.

 

[sbi]

The molle rack is from Builtright and yes, it is attached to the bottom of the console. It is not part of the strut addition, but the molle rack did dictate where I could and couldn't mount the strut. The plastic seems 'beefy' enough to be holding this strut - you don't need to put any backwards pressure on the console that would stretch the screw holes, because the strut pushes it up and holds it.

Thanks Zedbra.
Just to clarify: The molle rack is not 'part' of the strut solution, correct? If I understand correctly, you installed for something else, I don't need it for the strut. If you didn't have it, would you be able to screw the other end straight to the bottom of the console?

 

[Zedbra]

Thanks Zedbra.
Just to clarify: The molle rack is not 'part' of the strut solution, correct? If I understand correctly, you installed for something else, I don't need it for the strut. If you didn't have it, would you be able to screw the other end straight to the bottom of the console?

Yes and yes. Rack was on first. I couldn't get any pennies under my springs and wanted a solution to hold up the console. Bought the smallest strut I could find and then figured out a way to make it work. The already mounted molle rack dictated where I could place the strut mount on the console, otherwise I would have made it more straight; though it works fine on the angle it is mounted now - they are quite versatile with their mounting positions avaialble. My current set-up works smooth, no binding, and the console stays up perfect even with the added molle rack weight and attachments I may have on it.

Another angle of the molle rack and strut.

 

[sbi]

Yes and yes. Rack was on first. I couldn't get any pennies under my springs and wanted a solution to hold up the console. Bought the smallest strut I could find and then figured out a way to make it work. The already mounted molle rack dictated where I could place the strut mount on the console, otherwise I would have made it more straight; though it works fine on the angle it is mounted now - they are quite versatile with their mounting positions avaialble. My current set-up works smooth, no binding, and the console stays up perfect even with the added molle rack weight and attachments I may have on it.

Another angle of the molle rack and strut.

Thank you sir! Looks like I have a project on my hands

 

[Zedbra]

It's an easy one to do, for sure. My friend and I overthank it all and in the process, many wobbly pops were consumed trying to figure out where to mount that little strut - but we were hydrated all right.

 

[WI…tom]

I can confirm that they STILL have not fixed this issue with the 2024's.
...

Maybe I lucked out.
The center console stays up, even with slightly bumping it on my 2024 XLT built in March of 2024.

 

[Kodiak]

Maybe I lucked out.
The center console stays up, even with slightly bumping it on my 2024 XLT built in March of 2024.

HA! Maybe you got lucky. However do you have the work surface feature? I think that adds some weight to the lid.

 

[WI…tom]

HA! Maybe you got lucky. However do you have the work surface feature? I think that adds some weight to the lid.

Yes, have the work surface, the shifter drops down and the console flips into a surface.

 

[Kodiak]

Yes, have the work surface, the shifter drops down and the console flips into a surface.

That is good to hear. Maybe you did not just get lucky. Maybe Ford beefed up those springs, or is in the process of clearing out the old and using better springs going forward. I would be curious to hear from the 2025 people when they start getting their trucks if this is the case with 2025 work surface F-150's. I hope it is a better spring and not some design change also. Old pre 2025 folks would like to just swap in better springs.

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