rwheelz

iTrader: (2)

I am trying to remove the black plastic trim piece at the lower center of the dash, and I think the wood trim surrounding the shifter needs to come out. I am trying to install a prodigy brake controller in the ashtray location, and need to get this black trim piece out to drill a hole for the wiring. There are two tabs where the arrows are that I cannot get to release. The tabs at the top of the black trim come out easy enough, but there is no way to get at the bottoms. I was told on IH8MUD to remove the wood center console trim by pulling straight up, but on the 03's it is still attached at the front near this black trim.

kingomar

here's how you do it:

1.) put the car into "L" gear (after setting the emergency handbrake).
2.) then unscrew the **** labeled "H,N,L"
3.) open up the cupholder and pull up grabbing the lid of the cupholder. you might have to use a little force to disengage the clips.
4.) once you can get your hands under the trim piece, there are five plugs (i believe) you will need to disconenct to entirely remove the wood trim piece (2 heated seat controls, 1 AHC control, 1 "PWR" plug and 1 "2nd" plug.)
5.) the wood trim assembly should be free at this point.

now to remove the trim piece around the ashtray, just get a flat screw driver covered in paper towel and gently pry it off. it is also clipped in.

rwheelz

iTrader: (2)

I can easily lift the center console piece up.. the problem is it is attached at the front under that black piece so you can't lift the front of it up. The black piece has tabs at the top which I can get out, but not the ones at the bottom (arrows). I am not sure what I am missing here!

Does anyone have a diagram of this?

kingomar

did you remove the entire center console piece? it's not gonna be enough just to lift it up

rwheelz

iTrader: (2)

The front of it doesn't "lift up" until the black piece, that I can't get out, is removed.