How to remove your centre console - TF

[CJJ]

As per my other post, I removed my centre console to fit one that I had colour coded.

This was on a TF and there may be differences on Fs.

I followed Tonys post http://www.apttony.co.uk/Servicing/CentreConsole.html but felt it didn't have the CJJ standard of 100 photos

First thing to do is remove your radio/head unit. this all depends on the type you have. It could be the wire type tools, keys or screws. Make sure if it is a coded unit, that you have the codes, otherwise you are stuffed once you disconnect the power. Mine just forgets half it's settings, which is annoying enough.



I then removed the top air vent to give me more room to work. This is held in by 2 plastic lugs at the top and 2 at the bottom. Carefully lever the 2 bottom lugs out and the unit should pivot out on the top 2. Be carefull what you use to do this as you can end up marking the vent or dash if you use too much force or a sharp object.



The centre console is held in by 5 spring clips and one plastic locator at the base.



This is what the clips look like. The circled bit is the bit that you need to push with a screwdriver to release the clip.



Start with the top 3 clips. Put your hand in where the radio was (watch out for sharp edges) and gently pull until you create enough of a gap to expose the clips.



You then want to use a long narrow implement, such as a screwdriver, and push the release lug on the spring clip. If you do this correctly the clip should release while you are pulling on the console. You shouldn't need to lever the console out. In the picture the screwdriver is pushing on the centre of the clip and NOT levering the console.






Next you should remove the gear knob and gaitor. The knob simply unscrews (unless you have an aftermarket one). The gaitor should just lever out as the silver plastic ring is only held in place by 4 plastic lugs. Again take care not to mark or damage the console.



You can now lever the very bottom of the console (circle 1) so that the plastic lug comes free. Once this is out you can slide the bottom of the console towards you, releasing the 2 spring clips as you did for the top 3.



Put the gear lever into 4th to give a bit of clearance and move the console carefully towards you until you have enough clearance to access the electrical connections.

Carefully unclip and remove the 3 plugs from the top.
Small White = Oil Temp Gauge
Small Black = Clock
Large White = hazard switch




Now carefully remove the plugs from the window switches, fog light switches etc

2 large White plugs = windows (can't really mix them up)
Green plug = Front fogs
Blue plug = Rear fogs
Black plug = Not used on mine. Possibly rear window or A/C

They are keyed, so you shouldn't be able to mix them up.

[CJJ]

As with the upper plugs, you should unclip the plugs before removing them. You can see the lever that unclips on the side of these plugs. Just press these and pull the plug out. Pulling on the plug or wires without uncliping can damage the connections.



You can now remove the console. The picture shows the 2 lower clips and plastic lug. You can also see where they are normally located.



If you are replacing the console, like I did, or even swapping the gauge and clock over which is a popular mod as well, you will need to undo these 4 crosshead screws on the rear top of the console. This module holds the 3 upper clips and the gauge/clock.



You will also need to remove the radio/head unit cage from the old console and fit it in the new one. Normally it is just a case of unbending and bending some metal lugs.



If you are fitting a new console you will need to attach the Oil Gauge/Clock module, remove any switches and blanks from the old console and fit them into the new console. The switches simply push out from the back of the console and are fitted by pushing in from the front. The foglight switches etc are keyed and will only fit in their correct cutouts.

Now you are ready to refit the console.

Reconnect the plugs to the Oil Temp Gauge, Clock and Hazard switch at the top of the console.

Reconnect the window switches, fog light switches, and any other switches your car may have

Slide the bottom of the console in so that the 2 lower spring clips and the bottom plastic lug are correctly located. Then push the top of the console in until the 3 top clips locate.



Place the Gaitor back in place. I found it easiest to locate the top and left lugs in place and push the right and bottom lugs in place from underneath with a screwdriver.



Refit the radio/head unit and screw the gear knob back on.



And that should be it.

While the console was off I took the chance to move the fog light switches to the 2 nearest blanks to the drivers seat.

As mentioned before, the switches themselves are keyed



And will only locate into the correct space



This is overcome by removing the "key". I did this with a Stanley knife. The picture shows me cutting towards my hand, this is bad practice as if you slip you will cut yourself. This was the only way I could hold it and take a picture. Your hands, your choice.



So, get them consoles off and get them painted. No excuses now.

[Baracus]

Nice 1 Cjj

[smokie999]

brilliant thread only wish it had been there last week when i did mine lol

[Lee121]

Nice one CJJ, looks fab

Pete, I think this deserves going on your website

CJJ why didn't you swap the clock and oil temp round......a really useful simple mod

[Petevick]

nice one CJJ

[Herbie]

Very good CJJ. I hope you have checked the gearchange mech nuts and gave that area a good grease (moving parts) ?

[CJJ]

Originally Posted by Puds121

CJJ why didn't you swap the clock and oil temp round......a really useful simple mod

Nah. To be honest it has never bothered me. My eyesight is good enough to see the gauge where it is.

To be honest, the fog light switches bugged me more. Why have blank switches next to the driver and live switches furthest away?

[Bromsgrove man]

Top guide

[Fast Jan]

You make everything look so easy Me and Baracus had soooo much trouble getting the console and clocks out of the TFwhen we fitted the SSK even though we knew what we were doing!

[Baracus]

Originally Posted by Fast Jan

You make everything look so easy Me and Baracus had soooo much trouble getting the console and clocks out of the TFwhen we fitted the SSK even though we knew what we were doing!

didnt we just lol.

those bloody clips drove us nuts lol

[CJJ]

Did you try levering them out instead of releasing them?

[Baracus]

Originally Posted by CJJ

Did you try levering them out instead of releasing them?

tried releasing them but they wouldnt release for some reason. we managed it in the end though but it was quite alot of tuggin nice to practice on jans car 1st though before i ever have to do mine

[CJJ]

Yep, always good to practice on someone elses.

[AutomanUK]

Excellent guide with super clear pics, thanks for taking the time and effort it will make life so much easier for those that follow

[mdenton]

great descriptions and pics. particularly the 'rings' showing exactly where these plastic clips etc are. i suspect there are plenty of console fronts with a clip or two missing

no excuse now though

[Petevick]

now added to the How To - Interior section of my web site

[MyRomeo]

a lot more professional than my method, remove gear stick thing, ram screwdriver in bottom clip, lever out. yank the whole thing off thinking its gonna snap any second...

nice writeup once again and the blue is looking tidy!

[Fast Jan]

Originally Posted by MyRomeo

a lot more professional than my method, remove gear stick thing, ram screwdriver in bottom clip, lever out. yank the whole thing off thinking its gonna snap any second...

That was our method in the end too

[jimlowe]

hi i am a new member and have just bought a replacement centre console,and was wary of fitting it it but your how to is excellant.one point i'm not sure of though are the clips attached to the car or should they come the console. my new console has no clips attached.would have posted a pic but not sure how to.