I learned a lesson. Don't put change in the top console tray. I did this as a habit and when opening the lower tray the change rolls back. No harm right. Well I guess it jammed the ability to open the top tray and I broke the hinges off the top tray which I never heard or felt.
Once I opened the top tray I could see the damage.
Guess what the top tray is part of the console armrest lid and runs almost 600 bucks to replace. You can't replace just the tray, how nice.
Had I known this would happen clearly I would not have made this a habit of putting loose change there.
Oh man. I should buy a lottery ticket. I used to keep change in there too and did get some change caught in the hinge area. I was lucky enough though and was able to retrieve them with no damage. Now I keep my change in one of the cup holders. One drawback of having 4WD. I typically don't keep change in the car so I usually dump it in a jar at home.
I actually bought a change sorter for my Jeep to avoid that issue. I have an EZ Pass, but I keep change handy for parking meters and other things where electronic payments aren't accepted.
I got really frustrated with that top tray in the console right after I got my Jeep - that's where I carry lots of small items (penlight; small pen; etc.) and every time I opened the bottom compartment all the stuff in the top would roll around; etc. as the OP stated. Then I took the microfiber cloth that I kept in the glovebox, emptied the contents of the top tray, spread the cloth out over the now-empty tray, then put everything back in on top of the cloth and folded the cloth over all of it. That keeps all the contents in place when I open the lower compartment. As for change, I keep that in a small plastic bottle in the glove compartment.
I now use the center console where the USB, aux is located for change. It works well there and wish to heck I would have done that before I broke the top tray. Glad you all came up with good solutions...
i have a smokers ash cup from an older jeep and i keep it in the bottom of the console...also have 2 coin holders from other cars with 3 slots for nickels, dimes,quarters and they are spring loaded to keep the coins in them
I use to hold my change in the top tray till one got stuck in the hinge. Luckily I got it out without breaking anything. Recently I found out if you lift the top tray and look at the rear of the center console there is a place for change. I'll try and take a pic later and post it.
That location for change is OK is your console isn't full which mine always is. I found the center console where the USB and aux are located is a great place for change. I don't keep anything but a micro USB and IPhone 6 charging cords so it works well for me.
Change doesn't move around either at that location...
If you pop off that back cover on the 14's and above the park release for the transmission is under that. If you have to flat tow with the electronic shifter messed up, then you can release the transmission out of park to roll onto flat bed. It tells about it in the manual.
I have sourced a used center console which was 109 bucks via eBay. I have taken the console I sourced apart and have the new part removed. Will need to get to the broken part removed and new part installed.
Will take some pictures and post them...
Here is how I replaced my top tray which the rear hinges broke off when coils jammed the area.
The first thing I did was locate via eBay a replacement console. Most of the time they come complete with arm rest. To disassemble the arm rest the first thing that needs to be done is to get the under side cover off the arm rest. This is what is right above the top tray when closed. This is what hides the two hinges which you use your fingers to pull up on to open the console. Right tab to open the top tray. Left tab to open the bottom main storage. To get that cover off just gently pry between the padded console and the plastic cover by the levers which hide the hinges. See the pics to get an idea of what I am talking about.
Once you have the cover off you can see the 3 screws that hold the assembly to the console arm rest. You just remove the 3 screws which releases the console arm rest itself. Now there is a small plastic cover that hides the hinge area that is attached to the console housing. Pop that cover off (see pics) to reveal the 3 screws needed to remove the hinge. Also pop the HVAC back cover off by just pushing back toward the rear to give the hinge assembly room for removal of the old broken tray hinge and install of the new hinge. Also it allows you to get the change that feel and the broken plastic hinges out. See the pics again for this.
You can see the 3 screws that hold the hinge to the main housing. There are two taps that help correctly position the hinge so that reinstall of the screws is easy. Remove that assembly back with the HVAC rear cover removed to allow it to clear the area. Reinstall the replacement hinge assembly with the serviceable hinges. Attach the 3 screws to the main body and then the 3 screws to the bottom of the arm rest console. The plastic cover then just snaps back in place all around. The repair is now done.
I never did this before and took me maybe 15 mins just being careful.
Resnap the HVAC rear panel back in place and operate the console checking the operation of the top tray and the main storage lever too.
Hope this helps. My description isn't that good so hopefully the pics make more sense...