Well, that's going to be tough as you need to be able to open the bin to unscrew retaining bolts at the bottom to remove the centre consle. Maybe there is a foreign object jamming it?

 

I got the compartment open and didn't see ANY screws or bolts.

 

Opps, thought this was posted in the 1st and 2nd gen Camry forum. Sorry, can't help you here mate.

 

Does anyone know how to remove the console ? I put a letter opener in the drink holder amd it slipped to the side. Now the cover won't open all the way . It appears that only way is to remove the console and retrieve the letter opener. Any suggestions on how to remove the cover(console) would be appreciated.

 

On either side of the front of console there are two posts, one right and one left with chrome trim at the base of them. Those pull straight out. Put one hand at the top and one at the base and pull straight out. Once those are out take the shift knob off. Now pull the console out by pulling up from the color keyed plastic outer trim of the console. Do not pull from the shift plate or cup holder area. Those are screwed to the console from underneathe. The cosole is held in place with metal clips so pull firmly.

 

Just pull up on the console piece. The only things that are screwed are on the center stack.

Remove the shift knob first. The brake handle can stay.