Hello!

I just got a 2013 Acura TL SH-AWD SH-AWD. Seems to be a great machine so far. Someone forced me to total my 2005 Acura RSX, which I absolutely loved. I'm still getting over that which I owned for 12 years.

So, I didn't notice this before purchasing the vehicle, but someone had to have spilled a bottle of cologne in the center console. It's way, way too strong. I've tried dousing it in vinegar, baking soda, left charcoal in the console for over a week, etc. I'm 99.9% sure that's what happened, as I don't smell it at all unless the console lid is opened.

I removed the rubber liner at the bottom and trying to leave that covered in baking soda for a while. But I'm curious, how do I get this bottom latch open? And if I do, what's underneath it? I don't want to pry too hard with a screwdriver or something and break it if it's not actually supposed to be removed... I wonder if some cologne seeped under there.

Also, anyone have general suggestions on how I can get this smell out? This car was professionally detailed before I bought it, smells great until I open the console lid. See pictures belowl

 

People have had really good luck with this stuff removing odors
Ozium 4.5 Oz. 4 Pack Odor Eliminating Gel for Homes, Cars, Offices and More, Outdoor Essence, 4 Pack https://a.co/d/5l9xhtG


might be worth a shot

 

I don't know how to get rid of the smell, but i *can* tell you that under that panel are the steel cables that go from the handbrake to the rear parking brake drums as well as the adjustment nuts for them. Pulling that cover off is specifically how you get to those adjustment nuts.

It's not even clipped in, just get a thin screwdriver and pry the front edge of either of those little cutouts toward the front of the console, and it'll lift up.

 

OP is gonna pull that panel and find an open, upright bottle of Acqua di Gio nestled in amongst the cables.

 

It could be worse. Imagine if the car had been a repo, and the repo'd owner knew the repo man was coming and chose to put a few sardines in there

 

or milk

 

Replace it with another one from the boneyard.

 

Serious and comedic responses alike, thank you. Still getting used to anything other than an RSX

- Donnie