HOW TO REMOVE CENTER CONSOLE FROM 2013 RAV4 LE
I just removed my center console from my 2013 Rav 4 LE. It probably wasn't the best route as it was trial and error, but I had success! I wasn`t able to remove the entire piece, couldn`t figure out how it was connect to the dashboard, but I was able to remove the part with the cup holders and gear face plate. And I could lift the back of the console to clean under the storage cabinet area (spill).
I left a small bottle of milk in the console over 2 very hot summer days and when I came back to the car it had exploded and the worst rancid smell. So I wanted to remove it all, wash it out and underneath. I was able to clean under the storage compartment without removing the whole thing, but once I got started I felt the need to keep going and give it all a good clean. A major tip - Use a plastic tool because anything metal (like my screwdriver) will leave major scratches and dents. It's very soft plastic.
1 - unscrew the 4 bolts inside the storage compartment. You need to remove the felt pad bottom to access them. You will need a 7/16 socket wrench, although mine weren't on too tight.
2 - Not sure if it's necessary, but I also popped off the back panel of the console. If you go to the backseat to get a good angle, you can just pop it off by wedging your tool in a few spots to wiggle it lose. Should come right off with minimal effort.
3 - Using your plastic tool, pop off the cover from the hand brake. Its the plastic cover that surrounds the brake, it looks like it`s one with the rest of the console, but once you can wedge it off a bit you`ll see some yellow or white clips that if you push on you will release it from the rest of the console. Imagine a clip in the shape of the number 7, just push back into the inside angle of the 7 shape and push it back so it unclips. Should also be fairly simple once you get the hang of it. you can now remove the handbrake leather cover and clean that if you like.
4 - unscrew the shift stick cap, just hold the knob and unscrew.
4 - This part was messy, I don`t have a great tip here, but I found there were those white or yellow clips all along the side of the console, where it attaches to the large plastic piece that sits by your feet. If you follow along the seam you will see these clips, just keep pushing them in and pulling the console top up on both sides (driver and passenger side). the whole top should pop off, right until the small area under where the USB charger and heated seats area is.
There was also 2 small screws holding the top and bottom (by your foot) pieces, I did remove them but I can`t remember now if that was necessary. It would definitely be necessary if you were to figure out how to get the entire piece out.
I hope this was a good explanation because I couldn`t find an answer anywhere online. If you read this in front of your console it might make more sense. The biggest trick was discovering it was all attached using those white and yellow clips, once you can release those it just comes off.
Good luck!
