I have a new 2015 F350 XLT. For the life of me I cannot open the lid on the center arm rest. I have read the manual, and I can't open the lid. This is my 5th Super Duty with the last being a 2010. So you would think this would be a no brainer. I can pull on the handle and its not opening.
Pry the damn thing open? Is there a hidden lock?
Hidden treasure?

 

Does the handle click upwards when you pull on it? It's kind of like a glove compartment lever - I put the butt of my hand against the front of the lid and just pull up about 1/2" to 3/4" with my fingers and it unlatches! Not sure why you're having a problem unless the latch is physically stuck. Mine's a 2015 F350 XLT too...

 

Is it locked?

 

I'm betting this is the reason!

 

Yeah, I never even noticed it on mine... it has a lock and uses your ignition key to lock/unlock. That's probably your problem!

 

Like this.....

 

Nope. not the lower lid. The lid on the center piece of the seat that folds forward in the XLT.
The lower lid under the seat has a lock.

 

Oops... RightWingNutJob and I have bucket seats and a full console, not the fold down 60/40 seat/console. I guess you need to wait for someone else with that arrangement to pipe in! Sorry... misunderstood.

 

I have the same kind of center console (on the back of the center seat) as Ricohman, and have never had any trouble with it. I will see if I can get some pictures so you can maybe figure out why yours won't open. Mine opens every time with no issues and I am quite certain there is no locking mechanism.

 

Never had an issue opening mine, same style on '15 250. I just rest my arm, grab the handle to pull it, pulling it towards you(fingers closing towards the seat back) and then lift. Might just take a time or two to get it loosened up. I really don't think you can pull the handle too much.

 

Is the console folded forward, or upright? It has a lock that prevents it from being opened when upright. Maybe that is stuck.

 

Have you figured it out. If not I can probably film on my phone tomorrow.

 

If I pull any harder I'm sure it will snap.
I would think I am pulling with at least 25lbs of force. This thing is not opening.
I am tempted to pry around the edges but there must be a better way to open this lid.
I am thinking I have to go back to the dealer for something that should have been checked by someone along the way.

 

I had the same problem. Took it back to the dealer, there was a small piece of rubber under the latch they forgot to remove. It is there to prevent opening during transport. If I remember right pull back on the latch and look down at the front of the latch towards the cupholders. It should be in there. Just remove that piece of rubber and you should be in business.

 

Why isn't Ford fixing it???