how to reinstall console lid 2010 Lincoln Towncar - the kind that can open from either side.

It's actually very easy. There is a lever toward the front of the lid on the underneath side that will release the spring. With the spring released just install lid by pushing hinge pins in enough to fit in holes in console.

Doesn’t work on 2004 Town Car. There is no lever???

The release is a small pin on the front of the plastic part the padded armrest is attached to. When you push it the spring that holds the two buttons tight releases. I found you can just put the armrest on and center it, then push one side of the other in and it should be reattached.