SE overhead console removal

[hyisbm]

okay, researched like crazy and tried to remove it a couple times already with no luck. Anybody have directions and tips? Pictures? I already broke a little part and don't want to break it anymore. I'm trying to locate some wires up there to tap into my radar detector otherwise I'm going to have to drive around the side panels and down to the power outlet.

[hyisbm]

okay, after over an hour of messing with it, my sister was finally able to figure it out and get the overhead console off. Don't think we would have been able to do it if we didn't cheat and look through from the sunroof. Let's just say that although it's just clips that sucker was on there supertight. She was practically hanging on it and it still wouldn't budge. Luckily we didn't do too much damage.

My sister ran out of time so I'm waiting for my second round of help to finish the wiring. Hopefully that goes much smoother.

[kj1688]

Hi, Hysibm

Can you post the instruction how to take it off? I want to replace the mirror with auto dimming one.

Thanks
KJ1688

[hyisbm]

okay, so luckily a cousin who happened to be a mechanic in the house was able to come over and help finish up. We couldn't get pictures as it was dark already and he was working with a flashlight but I do have the following pictures for you guys which will definitely give you a idea of where you need to grab and what you need to try and get off.

so, before I forget. We had to do some testing to see which wires we could use and they are one of the blue wires (positive ignition) and the white wire (ground).

this is how it looks from the sunroof opening.



this is where the front clips (windshield) goes. These were really hard to get off. You have to squeeze it a little while really pulling it hard straight down. Be careful that you have a good grip of the whole unit and not just the trim. We broke some clips on the sides but luckily it was a easy fix.



and here is the back of the unit. As you can see, there are four clips that are holding it up. I would say if you have a sunroof, go through that opening and get the back clips off first. But if you don't, get a good grip and do the fronts first.



hopefully this makes it easier for those trying to get it off.

[gs3tek]

I had a hell of a hard time getting access to the overhead console also.

I believe I removed both inside visor clips and gained access THROUGH the sunroof opening. I didn't take out anything else.

THere are no screws holding the console up so DON'T bother removing the cover to gain access.

PLUS, the SE came with the 12 pin -plug for the autodimming mirror already that was tucked in the over head console.

My mirror was a 10 pin plug so I had to cut the factory wire and hard wired it.

[hyisbm]

was that 12 pin plug taped up and hidden ? My helper couldn't find it. We had to test all the wires until we found one that was the ignition only.not to mention we Couldn't get a good ground with any of the screws up there. Had to find a ground wire also.

[gs3tek]

Originally Posted by hyisbm

was that 12 pin plug taped up and hidden ? My helper couldn't find it. We had to test all the wires until we found one that was the ignition only.not to mention we Couldn't get a good ground with any of the screws up there. Had to find a ground wire also.

it was was nestled between 2 clips-right in the middle of the overhead console-go towards the front of the windshield.

after you remove the visor clips, gently pull down the headliner to gain access and you'll see the clip-you'll have to contort yourself.

lean with the your back against the center console.

you can see a notch in the headliner where the wires will exit through.