08 SE Center consol removal

[JAKSTER]

I need to remove the center consol. Has anyone done it and have you got some tips I really need to remove the storage area below the radio where you caan plug in your IPod. I am going to install a small micro switch that is normally open. When the door is open a small digital light will come on and no more dark hole to fumble around in. I also plan to install the same set up in the between seats consol. Try and locate a CD at night or anything is a bummer.

[touringcamry]

Remove the shift knob by turning CCW until it comes off and put it aside
Remove the two pieces to either side of the storage bin by pulling towards the rear of the car
Lift up piece that goes from near the storage bin, to the parking brake, to the arm rest. It's just clipped on
Remove the two philips screws holding the bin in place
Disconnect the two connectors in the rear of the bin

[EuroPlate]

I took it apart a month ago when installing a Sirius kit...

Hopefully this will help you...




In step 5...remember to pull up from the back (edge closest to the armrest) as the front has little hinges...



Let me know if you have any other questions...

[scjrod]

These pictures woulda been useful for me today before I took my console apart. I wasnt sure about the 2 pillars running up and down. The first one on the left side I finally popped out with my nails and fingers on the outer trim pulling to the rear of vehicle as mentioned and it flew onto the floor of my passenger seat. lol... Then I got the 2nd one off fine. Then removing the top of the console was a matter of lifting up but there was something still holding the forward end down.... Happened to be 2 clips sticking into the bottom of the "cubby hole". One of them cracked =(. Cheap plastic clips... Then to pull up the whole piece, I had to kinda turn it to the right and maneuver it. It gets kinda stuck but I managed to remove it. The piece I was missing was to remove the shift knob trim panel before lifting whole center console piece up. It makes it easier to lift out but is not necessary.

I didn't want to splice into the existing car wiring or run new wires into car from battery/fuse box so have this mod going using the car adapter port, which I removed, from the top center console to split into 3 car adapter plugs using a 3 port switch under my console. Then from there I grab juice by splicing car adapter wires. Only powering LED tubes. I really need to buy a digital camera... I'm hooking it up this way cause I dont wanna forget that I left some light on after I pull my keys out as well...

[JAKSTER]

Thanks to everyone for the information. I am building a wire harness for the lights. I am using Anchor brand wire because it is tinned and will not corrode also I am running it in a heat shrink shield to protect from any wear and because under the consol is a harsh environment. Everything will be soldered and heat shrunk all the way to the switch. The little micro switches came from Radio Shack SPST Momentary 275-1571 that is normally open. So when the door is closed the light is off hopefully. Just to the left of the door space is a small area about 3/8 inch wide it will be a reach to get the switch in but a pair if hemostats or some thing like that will work. The switch which is actually a button only moves about a 1/16th of an inch to turn it off and the button will be sticking out about 3/16th of an inch. If I have to make any adjustment to make the switch turn off it will have to be in the door by removing a little plastic. I am going to make a measurement by using a small ball of wax actually ZOGS SEX WAX haha! To close the door on and squish it down and make the measurement. Clay would work or window putty what ever. That will be the end of the dark hole and I will then have some power to the consol front and rear hopefully constant power so the key does not have to be on. The power outlet is not power on unless the key is on. If you have found this wire let me know please. I will go to the fuse box if need be in fact if they have a spare spot I would like to do that as long as it is always hot. I have not done anything but picked up the switches. So just remember the switch like it is in the package would be power on, when you press it is power off. I only said that because the guy at Radio Scrap said I needed the other way around then I explained again and he gave me back the switch I had originally picked out. Helpful guy but he got confused then with no problem at all I confused myself somehow when I said normally on or closed. So is it normally open that is on or normally closed that is on. This could be another thread.

[DrewsCam]

Originally Posted by EuroPlate

I took it apart a month ago when installing a Sirius kit...

Hopefully this will help you...




In step 5...remember to pull up from the back (edge closest to the armrest) as the front has little hinges...



Let me know if you have any other questions...

Do you have this as a pdf?