01-05 Center Dash/Console Removal

[robinjoe]

I broke one of the center vent grills by hanging a GPS unit on it. I'd like to remove the center dash and repair/reinforce it (from behind) with a steel rod and epoxy so I can safely hang the GPS from it again.

How difficult is it to remove the center console?
Anyone have instructions for it's removal?

Thanks!

[chris15]

It's not difficult. I'm sure there's a guide around here somewhere, but I'll go ahead and give you a brief explanation.

1) Pop out all of your A/C control knobs.
2) You have to pry out the window switches. Grab a thin piece of cardboard or wood and slide it in the gap between the switches and the center bezel itself. (Bottom works best) Use a flathead screwdriver and GENTLY pry the switch out. (First time you do it, you'll be extremely hesitant.. after that, it's easy)
3) Disconnect the harness connected to the window switches.
4) Unscrew the bolt at the top center of the bezel that attaches it to the frame of your dash.
5) Lastly, you have to pry off the center bezel, applying the same practice as the window switches. I have found it's best to work from the bottom edges, up.


And the age-old phrase applies, 'Installation is reverse of removal'.


Any questions-- feel free to ask.

[SRG]

Originally Posted by chris15

......
5) Lastly, you have to pry off the center bezel, applying the same practice as the window switches. I have found it's best to work from the bottom edges, up.

Rather then pry out the bezel, you could also grab it by the hole where the window switches were, and carefully pull it out. It should pop out pretty easiliy.

srg

[YoungCruiserrr]

use the search option on the forum, it works great. I suggest taking a flat screw driver and popping the windows switch thing out from the top, then there is a screw and you unscrew that and will be able to pop it out with ease, no scratching it and no breaking clips


EDIT:

here is a link if you got 06+ I'm not sure if your talking about dash, or bezel, but here is another link that helps, I suggest taking out center bezel just to help the process run smoothlyHow do you remove the dash top panel?

[chris15]

The problem with simply pulling it from the gap in the bezel is that you're putting a LOT of stress on a pretty weak plastic piece in one area. By using a piece of cardboard or cloth and gently prying with a screwdriver, you minimize the risk of snapping another piece on the bezel by using multiple points of low stress as opposed to just one high point of stress.

[YoungCruiserrr]

If you put a screw driver in this part I squared off I won't weaken any plastic, then the blue spot there should be a screw there.

Click to make LARGER!

[robinjoe]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think I'll try it this weekend.

[robinjoe]

Task completed. It was a piece of cake once I knew what to expect thanks to all the help from you guys!

[YoungCruiserrr]

good to hear! sorry I didn't have a good explanation or good pictures!

[Jtwheels2007]

Can any1 take this a step further and tell how to remove other parts of the dash, *i.e, the piece near the drivers side knee where the fuse box cover is located, and the same piece on the passenger side? is there any screws to remove, or it as simple as prying in certain places?