I had quite a frustrating weekend, trying to install this thing. I got as far as removing the shift knob and retainer nut... but that was it. Pulling as hard as I possibly could, I could not move the center console and unsnap it from the clips. I'm not even sure where I'm supposed to grip. I tried pulling with my fingers near the "Not an Ashtray" writing, and I tried hooking my hands into the shift boot housing and pulling that way - no dice at all.

Is there a trick to this that I am missing?? I'm pretty close to calling my dealership and asking if they'll do it, but I want to use that as a last resort.

I appreciate any help that can be offered here.

 

Did you even read the isntructions provided by Comptech? If not, well that's a start. Also, I'd HIGHLY recommend using the Neuspeed instructions (run a search here, or visit the Neuspeed site).

Without reading the instructions you will probably never get the center console apart. And if you do, it'll be in more pieces than it should (ie; broken).

Take your time, read carefully, and don't be a when you are pulling on the right areas as the plastic will break.

 

I absolutely did read the instructions. All it says is, paraphrasing, "Starting toward the front of the vehicle, remove the center console by pulling it up". I definitely tried doing that.

I found the Neuspeed directions after running a few searches on here. They're great once you have the console off and everything, but before that they're not much help regarding the console removal specifically, because they're done for an Accord.

I'm not just being lazy and looking for an easy reply here. I have read all threads regarding SS installation I could find both here and on the "other" forum. I've spent about an hour in my car trying to get the console to lift up. It just isn't happening.

 

Wrap a flat head in electrical tape, push DELICATELY near the front clip location and pull up at a 45 degree angle. Again, you run the risk of marring the console, but if you are careful it will pop up. Seriously pull. You can also do the same by putting a finger in near the parking brake boot and start there, but don't start at the rear of the boot as that is a thinner piece of plastic with no support.

 

I feel your pain, and know exactly what you're talking about. I used the Comptech instructions to try to get the middle console up so that I could route some wiring up into the dash, and couldn't get the damn thing up. I almost snapped some trim pieces, so I just decided to leave well enough alone and re-route my project. I was actually hoping to do the SS install simultaneously. I'm all for ideas at this point... One guy I PM'd said he broke a bunch of clips, so he's only using 4 to hold the trim piece in place now.

 

I think what I did was start by the Not An Ashtray area and just use thumb and finger power (so it was more of a thumb-push rather than pulling up with my hand). Eventually it'll give, so you want a controlled movement -- not yanking with a hand.

Put your thumbs on the not-an-ashtray area, and your fingers on the frontside of the panel you're trying to remove. Push them apart using this "grip", rather than a pull grip. Why? Because by making it a push motion, you are more in control and have less chance of breaking soemthingonce the first clip does pop loose.

Once the first clip(s) are done, just take your time and use controlled pulls from then on.

 

Where are you from? Maybe somone local will be kind enough to assist you

 

Here ya go. This is one of the best writeups on center console removal:
http://andylee.us/gallery/console

This was written by Arcticcl9, so all props go to him.
...And yeah I'd be glad to help if you're in my hood

 

Ok, that looks very promising, thanks a TON for that link!

And to those asking, I'm in Stamford, CT - we'll see how I do this weekend but I would definitely be down for an install mini-meet!

Thanks for the help so far everybody.

 

A little tip, don't have the cup holder door open when you pull it out. even though you may be inclined to because it gives you a place to grip. When it's open, some of the opening mechanism moves outward and will scratch the console in the back corners. May not be a problem if you have quartz or ebony but it will make a noticeable mark on the parchment interior.

 

IMO, you're doing it exactly right, just pull harder, like Hulk "don't make angry" harder. I usually hook my thumbs into the shift boot and grip my fingers near the 'not an ashtray' and pull. don't pull back, it could bend the console in the middle.

 

This post was the silver bullet. I got my SS kit in today, although it took me about 3 hours. What can I say, I'm new at this. I love it, though!

I used the CompTech instructions to take apart the interior, and the Neuspeed instructions to install. Didn't break a thing; interior looks good as new Took a very short test drive and was pleased with the results.

Not sure I notice a difference from the metal shifter housing bushings I installed, but for $24, it's good to know they're in there.

Now awaiting my Skunk2 gunmetal shiftknob. Next step: RSB...

Thanks for the help, everybody.

 

Since you have already done the shifter housing bushings, you could also do this mod to complete the short shifter setup.

 

I'm glad you got it done. Isn't it a rewarding feeling....haha...Enjoy man

 

It's certainly tempting. This may seem like a silly question but I will ask it anyway: how do you access the area displayed in your pictures? I'm not sure where that is right now. It does seem like something I'd like to pursue though - I'm loving the more precise and solid shifting, and if I can make any more progress on that, why not?

 

^^
You need to remove the intake tube along with the stock airbox.

 

HELP NEEDED!

Got my SS kit today & I've been working on it for a couple of hours. I'm using the Comptech instructions and I got to Step 7 & now I am stuck. I'm trying to get the shift cable clip to undo the shift cable and I am stuck. I would appreciate all the suggestions I can get.

Thanks guys!

 

Alright, got shift cable out, now what is the easiest way to get the plastic bushing off? Thanks for your suggestion guys!

 

Well guys, I've successfully installed the Comptech SS. This is my first time doin anythin like this and I'm glad it worked out fine at the end and the car runs great & shifts great too. Took me about 4 hours, still got some cleanin to do. I broke a little white lever kinda thingy below the cup holder, the cup holder lid seem ok though. Does anybody know what that is?

Thanks guys & I'm sure I would never have done this without all the great info out here! Acurazine & its members rock!