My 5MT 4th gen was easy as cake to take apart, my new purdy 2k2 automagic... not so much.

I've tried searching and haven't found any actual useful information... only that there is a philips head screw underneath the ashtray. Ive taken out the screw and I cant figure out how to get the shifter trim out.

The problems im having:

1. The top of the shifter trim is starting to pull out, but the trim around the climate control is in the way of it coming all the way out
2. I cant figure out how to get that climate control trim off.. the bottom is off, and there doesnt seem to be any clips on the sides, it is just stuck on the top and I dont see how to get it off without breaking anything (there is not enough room between the climate control and stereo to get anything in there to try and pop off the top either.)
3. The shifter trim is so tight all around that I can't get anything (i.e. screwdriver/butter knife) in to pry it out

So... really.. what I'm looking for is either a link to a good description of how to remove the trim, or any knowledge someone may have on removing:

1. Shifter trim
2. Climate control trim
3. Center vents & trim around them

I'll be painting these pieces black and custom fitting a momo shift boot with a momo universal **** onto my automagic.

 

there is a metal shelf holding HU and AC which screwed to the metal frame at top and bottom, so you need to take out the center vent in order to unscrew.

you could take out the center vents & shift trim (if it's AT, put in 2) by using a flat covered with cloth screwdriver

 

i pull off the trim which holds the shift boot, (just grab the boot gently and pull it out with the trim). Get your hand in the opening at the rear of the shifter and pull up. The part of the plastic piece you want to remove which is also fitting behind the heater controls needs to come down while you are pulling up. Hard to describe but easy to do. Then Disconnect the cig lighter and hazard switch.

 

Yea, that's exactly how I did it in my 4th gen with a manual... but in this automatic there is no opening near the shifter to get inside of to pull up the back

I cant get anything underneath it to pry up either because the fit is so tight around the trim

 

Be firm but gentle. It will pop. Screwdriver with a rag around it will work. Start at the seam in the dash right where the trim bends from flat to go upwards towards the climate control. There's a seam in the dash and you can get a screwdriver in there easier than the rear.

If you really get stuck, pick up a set of these:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...yword=pick+set

They come in handy for all sorts of interior trim popping.

 

I didn't thoroughly read all of the responses but the procedure to remove the center stack is very straight forward.

1. Remove the center vents by prying them out with a flathead screw driver that is covered with a rag. It will pop out after some force is applied.
2. Remove the ash tray liner (pop it out). Then remove the phillips screw that was behind the ash tray.
3. Pry out the shifter bezel the same way the vents were removed.

All of the screws to remove the HVAC and stereo should now be exposed as wellas the front screws to remove the center console. There are also screws at the back of the center console at its base that have to be removed from the back seat. There is also one screw inside of the center console compartment that must be removed as well harnesses under the console.

 

After watching a friend screw up his car with the screwdriver and rag method, I use my grocery store card to pry loose most things. It's stiff enough to get the side marker lights and most of the pop out trim sections. When that won't work I have some squeegees from when I made signs (the hard plastic ones for smoothing out vinyl, not the ones you clean your windows with). I'd much rather use plastic than metal.

 

You dont need a rag or a screw driver if you take out the bottom two screws below the HVAC control head and pull. The top vents will pop out on their own. It seems scary but it is safer and will not scratch anything !

 

2000-2003 MAXIMA INTERIOR TRIM REMOVAL TIPS

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/NTB99-045.pdf