Spent three days trying to remove the panel in that area and I still can't figure out how to.

I know there are 8 clips, the problem is I can't get enough leverage anywhere to pop the clips.

Anybody here know of a way to get the panel off?

Oh, and the SNHOND3 works great. Now I just have to get a headphone amp so I can plug it in without having to turn the car stereo up to 32/40.

Already up to $550+ - now to see if I can keep this project below $700.

I'll post pictures when I get all of it together.

 

The center console?

1) Grip around the shifter boot or whatever ATs have
2) rip like the Hulk

seriously, you just gotta pull even if you think you're going to break the thing. Pull from front to back, try not to bend it.

I broke 1 clip off on the back doing it, but it stays fine still.

 

Ack! I don't wanna break any clips!

Hmmmm - I wonder if I can get a mechanic friend to open it up for me.

It took a lot of guts (for me, at least) to yank out that storage compartment. Ripping like the Hulk would put it a little beyond my courage limits.

 

Eat your wheaties and rip that thing out! The first time I did it I used a screw driver to pry the front up but you can easily damage the plastic with the screwdriver. Just pull untill it gives.

 

I have an AT. It is different than doing it on a MT. On the AT you have to use your finger tips to press towards you and up. You are going to press at the lip where it meets the "Not an ashtray". Just grow some balls and give it a good yank. After the first clip gives way the rest will be easier.

Good Luck.

 

I found a pretty easy way to remove the center console, and I have details and pictures on how to do it, check it out

http://andylee.us/gallery/console/

 

That is pretty good. However, I find easier to start from the other end.

 

I tried from the other end before..my finger was sore and nearly bleeding from gripping it so hard

 

hmmm... if I had to remove the center console again, I might try that...

yeah, on an AT, there's no boot area to get a good grip of... there's nowhere to grip, period... I had to pry it up thru the "not a cigarette lighter" panel after I removed it to gain access... and even THAT wasn't very easy....

 

I'll give this method a try next time but there's just something satisfying about using the patented BFI method (Brute Force and Ignorance) to remove the center console.

 

i have an AT .... I got the center bins out ( the one with the cup holder ) ... well not all the way out ... I was able to get the aft of the bin out meaning hte cupholder side, but once I get to the front near the heated seats area ... I have no idea. I kept pull but the clips would't realease. Is there a special technique? Do I have ot remove something first?

 

Here is ElD's patented technique:

If right-handed, sit on the driver's side, put a baggie over the shifter, make sure the NOT AN ASHTRAY door is open, pull straight up, AND PRETEND IT ISN'T YOUR FRICKIN' CAR!

The first time is often the hardest, and it might hurt a bit afterwards, but it gets easier.

 

HEY El! Good luck today