Has anyone removed the front center console? (The center console from the shifter forward all the way up to the radio)... I was reading in the shop manual and one of the steps it removing the steering wheel...can this be correct? I can't believe you'd have to remove the steering wheel to get to the center console??? Any help would be appreciated.

 

danimal can help you out with this. He once sent me instructions and a diagram, but I'm not sure where I put the file. It's really quite easy, but there is one trick involved. You have to remove the brake handle cover. It's a bear to pull off, but if you give a QUICK spray of WD40 or even a soapy solution in there, it will wiggle off with some effort. Do the same to replace the handle.

I'm sure he'll see this and respond, but a PM may get to him faster.

 

Thanks for the info. Are you referring to the back section of the center console or the front? The piece I want to remove starts at the shifter and goes forward up to the dash...

 

oops. i guess i wrote before fully reading your post. indeed, i was referring to the back part. sorry.

my recollection is that you'll have to remove the back part before you can remove the front part anyway. once again, i bet danimal knows.

 

Lift up the fuzzy liner in the back/bottom of the console box and then remove the two 10mm nuts.
Using a PLASTIC wedge, pry the shifter surround off, starting from the back and pushing forward.
Remove the two screws that connect the rear/forward consoles together.
Note the fingers that connect the rear/forward consoles together.
Lift the rear console straight up, then the back up higher, then move it towards the rear of the car to clear the front console fingers, then lift it out. It is best to stand on your head when performing this part of the procedure.

Oh yea, did I mention that the rubber on the gear shifter needs to be removed first?

To remove the front console is a much bigger job. The steering wheel really doesn't have to be removed, but you might wish you had removed it after the instrument cluster bezel cracks...

 

PM sent with additional info.