Replacing Cupholder with Storage Bin / HOW TO
To all members:
I did my due diligence and searched the forums before posting this and the only threads that I could find on how to replace the cupholder became very off topic and didn't give very clear instructions.
So below, here are what I would consider to be detailed instructions for anyone looking to replace the cupholder or access the console.
Tools:
Flat head screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver
T10 TORX screwdriver
Socket tool (and appropriate socket size)
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1. Gently lift up the shift panel by sliding a flat head screwdriver just below the silver trim closest to the mirror control and it will lift up. It is very durable and won't break from this. I personally only lifted it from the part near the mirror control and left the clips near the coin holder/ cigarette lighter attached.
2. Under the trim are 2 phillips head screws that will need to be removed.
3. Remove the rubber cover from the shift lever. This is the hardest part, but don't worry. Many people on the forum suggest using dishwasher soap. That's good and well, but I didn't like the sticky residue that was left, so I saturated the inside of it with some WD-40 in it and it came right off. Wipe off the excess oil off the metal lever.
4. Open the storage bin in the middle console and pull the carpet from the furthest point of the rear about 2 inches up and it will expose 2 lugs that you will need to remove. Do so using the socket tool and appropriate attachment. I apologize for not paying attention to the size.
5. Lift the entire center console up over the shift lever to expose that the mirror control's wires are connected to the vehicle. There are 4 small tabs around the housing of the wires. Use the flat head screwdriver to gently lift them up (they will snap securely when you re-attach it).
6. Flip the console over on a towel or soft area to remove 4 T10 TORX screws that are holding the cupholder in place. This will remove the cupholder which you can keep or sell on eBay (mine is for going on eBay today if anyone wants it).
7. Leave the slot empty until you are done reassembling the entire console back in your car. I found it much easier to have that opening for leverage and to hold by.
8. Reconnect the mirror wiring.
9. Get the metal lever around the rubber opening on the emergency brake and work the console back into place from here. If you don't remove the entire shift trim, then I would suggest having a friend hold the trim up while you get the console back in place.
10. Put the lugs back in the storage bin console. Put the screws back in near the shifter.
11. The 2nd hardest part. Getting the rubber piece from the shift lever back around the metal lever. Again. Saturate the inside of the rubber piece with WD-40 and it will slide on relatively easily.
12. Lift the emergency lever up as high as you humanly can and place a rag around the base of it. All of the WD-40 will slide out the end and catch on the rag.
13. Finally, the new storage bin in replace of the cupholder can slide right into the opening and it will click into place about 90% of the way in.
I personally much prefer the bin to the cupholder already. The cupholder (even when working properly) had such a flawed design that was prone to breaking or spilling. I will never forget borrowing my managers Crossfire and going to Chick-Fil-A to get a #1 combo with a sweet tea. Put it in the cupholder and about 30 seconds later the cup broke out of the holder and sweet tea everywhere in his new crossfire.
The bin is only large enough to hold a cell phone and possibly a wallet. My Blackberry Pearl and Wallet fight for space.
I hope this write-up helps out a little more that the others and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.