I'm assuming you mean the one that's just in front of the shifter?
1. It is NOT a button - it purely indicates the status of the passenger side airbag (which is operated by your key inserted into the passenger side of the dash - visible when the door is open).
2. You beat the cr@p out of your buddy as he has probably broken the little plastic thiingy which looks like a button.

Regarding removing the panel (if that's what you need to do), I can't help you.