I have fiddled with this issue twice. Here was my easy fix today:

With the armrest OFF of the console, you will be connecting one side only. After you have connected one side properly, the other side will function normally when you close the armrest completely.

With the armrest OFF of the box/console, I put my large C-clamp on both buttons and compressed them. A bit frustrating trying to hold it with one hand and maniuplating the armrest back in place, as in the next step.

I then flipped open the black lever near the rear connection and slid the back pin into place.

Next, take a flat screwdriver, compress the FRONT pin in as far as you can and brute force the FRONT PIN into its socket. Voila...miracle accomplished.