OK -- now I've stepped in it, big time! I'm replacing the center (front) console, and everything has to come out including the dash pad.

I'm stuck at the moment on two things, how to disconnect the LHS air bag's wiring:

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...tml#post601263

And how to disconnect the wiring from the radio bezel. I have the bezel loose otherwise, and one connector from the end was easy to disconnect. The four or five that go to the various switches (wing, hazards, locks, etc.) is the problem. Here's what the 2006 FSM says:

"4. Disconnect the console switch group at the catch
lugs (2).
5. Remove the console switch group (1) from the
cover."

Elsewhere on the site says:

"After you get it loose, be careful not to mess up any of the wires for the switches as you are pulling it out.
To get the switches out, the easiest way to do it is to start on the outside with the seat heater switches and a flat head screwdriver and press on the switch as you press the tabs with the screwdriver. Do the top first on both sides and then the bottom. Don't pull them out too far, maybe a 1/4" tops. After you get some space in there, do the same for the blank and tow switches and then finally doing the traction control/hazard/lock switch. After you get them all out, you can lay the bezel aside."

The FSM implies that the whole switch group can be disconnected together, where the user's post says to remove the switches independently (and the center hazard switch seems covered). How did others do this? I did get the little cover for the four or five plugs open, but each connector looks to be a pain to disconnect. Thanks!

 

This, from the SLK site, implies that it is easy!

SLK Home Page

Then go to "Disassembly" then "Dashboard and Center Console".

 

Wasn't _that_ easy, but did work. There's about 12 black tabs to press inward, and they kept snapping back when working on the other side. Adding a little pressure on the buttons helped push them up as the tabs were pressed.

 

FYI -- I was able to replace the "center front console" without removing the dash pad, or even the instrument cluster cover. Did have to pull off the key's antenna ring, but that was easy (just don't pull to hard/far since there's a lead attached). Almost done with the reassembly.