How to remove the center console

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

05-15-2014, 03:13 PM

shaxs

Junior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Dec 2013

Posts: 43

How to remove the center console

I dropped a few screws into the center console area when installing my radio. I need to remove the center console to find them. Does anyone have any directions on how to remove the center console?

05-15-2014, 03:16 PM

Amerikaner83

Senior Member

iTrader: (17)

Join Date: Jul 2011

Location: WA

Posts: 11,388

what year, specifically?

But basically, remove the shifter trim by prying upwards and rearwards, remove the screws holding the radio / hvac in. Remove the front vent panel if you haven't already as well...

05-15-2014, 04:02 PM

shaxs

Junior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Dec 2013

Posts: 43

2004 I35 sorry.

I mean the ACTUAL center console. The part around the shifter and the arm rest ect.

06-11-2014, 08:11 AM

03_I35

Newbie - Just Registered

Join Date: Dec 2010

Posts: 16

I need to remove mine as well. Have not found any instructions with visuals. If any one has them, please post them up. Below are some written instructions I found.

Open the hood and disconnect both battery cables. Wait at least 10 minutes before you begin work inside the car. This allows residual electricity in the system, which can cause an accidental inflation of the airbag, to dissipate.
Open the glove box. Remove the airbag connector cover on the top-front of the glove compartment, and then disconnect the wiring harness.
Use a socket to remove the nut that connects the dash side lower finisher, which is the plastic piece on the side of the dashboard. Insert a small flat screwdriver into the seam between the dash top and the side finisher. To avoid scratches, place a soft cloth over the tip of the screwdriver. Gently pry the panel to release the two metal clips.
Remove the driver's side lower instrument panel. This is the panel below the steering wheel that attaches to the center console. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw on each side. Insert a flat screwdriver into the seam at the top of the panel, and then gently pry it of. There are three metal clips you must release along the top, and two plastic tabs on the right side that pull straight out.
Remove the shifter finisher. This is the piece that fits around the gearshift (fake wood trim). Pry off the two metal clips on each side of the shifter finisher with a flat screwdriver. When the piece is out of the console, disconnect the wiring harness from the rear of the cigarette lighter. (Be careful because it is easy to brake this piece of fake wood trim)
Remove the glove box. There are two Phillips screws along the bottom of the bracket, and one screw in the top-left corner of the bracket. There is also a single metal clip on the right side that you should be able to release as you remove the glove box assembly.
Remove both instrument stay covers. These are the plastic pieces on the bottom left and right sides of the center instrument cluster, close to the cigarette lighter and ashtray. There is a single screw on the side of the panel closest to the front of the vehicle, near the bottom. There is a single metal clip on the opposite side of the screw. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the clip out, if necessary.
Remove the screws from the center console. There are two screws in the front, one on each side of the gearshift, one screw inside the console box (which you can access with the arm rest/console lid open) and one on each side of the console, near the rear. You can now lift the console off of the vehicle's floor.

Tips & Warnings

When prying on a part to remove it, try to place your screwdriver as close to the metal clips as possible. You can locate the clips by sliding the screwdriver along the seams.
It is essential that you disconnect the battery cables before beginning this task. You have to handle the passenger side airbag wiring harness, which always carries the risk of igniting the airbag.