Replacing my cluster bulbs and need to remove the center air vent as part of the process. I know there are 4 clips above and 4 clips below but prying at the area between the vent and the wood trim doesn't do much but produce a bunch of cracking sounds. What's the trick? I don't want to crack up the dash. I'd rather pay a professional to replace the bulbs than spend that money on a bunch of dash replacement bits.

 

Anyone? I'm talking about the long center vent that sits over the climate control. Any tips for removing this vent without ripping apart the whole dash.

 

What year is your RL? I have a 96 RL and I took the vent off way back. I couldn't remember the right way, but when I took it off I broke all the clips lol. I"ll check the manual for you later on today. Are you plan to replace the cluster bulbs by yourself? I highly suggest you get it done by a professional because I replaced my cluster with the LEDs and now my odometer display is out. Where are you in So. CA?

 

depends on the year of the car. I have a 99 and i did not have to pry out vents. There were clips at the top of the center piece. Do pry anything too hard. Clips are easy to break. Have patience and you shall prevail

 

hope you can see these

96-98(i would use something super thin or youll scratch up the bezel)


99-04

 

Be VERY careful, I broke mine (and I was careful) and had to superglue it back together

 

Sorry, I should have stated earlier. I have an 2002 RL. I feel that if I would have pulled any harder, I would have ripped the center vent out along with the wood trim. It does not come out easy. I was following those same diagrams...wait a second. I think I was reading the wrong diagram. According to the second diagram, it looks like the whole console just pulls out as a unit...the climate control, audio and center vent and wood trim?

Here is a picture showing where I was prying (red arrows) and where I now think I need to be looking for the 4 clips (blue arrows). This pic is not of my car, I don't have nav...I hacked it from the web.



So after removing the 2 bolts below the radio, where are the other 2 bolts located? Do the other 2 bolts need to be removed before snapping those four clips at the top of the console? Are the 2 bolts behind the console and do I need to pry the top part of the console off to get to them?

 

Go to Acura World . com and look for the following title...RLuke did a great DIY on an AUX. Shows how to remove center console

"How to: AUX IN for 99 RL (iPOD, MP3 players, etc.)"

 

In 99-04 you do not have to pry anything, the center consol have bolts that needs to be removed, it comes out all in one piece with the navi and climate control. first you have to remove the shift plate and woodgrain have clips and should just pull out, there are bolts there, and there are two more bolts and the left and right under pice of carpet above (that pulls out) the floor mat in the corners.