Nifty Console Discovery!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 10:05 am

So I removed the entire center console today for some deep down cleaning...old coffee stains, various other stains all made themselves at home on it, and I had to remove them.I discovered two fantastic things in the process though! One, the 12V outlet inside the console is a snap to remove...literally. Two snaps hold it in place. In the event anyone wanted to remove it to run wires or whatnot.Second, and more exciting, is the plastic "tray" with the two little coin slots under the e-brake can pop right out. The best part is, it is the same size hole as the buttons next to the steering wheel, where we have two blanks, a coin holder, and the liftglass release button. This means we can easily install a switch under that e-brake for just about anything!I'm going to go to the dealer and order a couple extra blank panels, but if I can just figure out how to run a wire from the console under the carpet to the main dash, I might have a better location for my FM signal booster...

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:26 am

Any tips on how to remove the entire center console? Houston, in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4310 is probably still trying to get his pen out.Also, in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5805 you said you got Bart "Nifty" makes me think you should have gotten Ned. If you do get some extra blanks, please post part # and price.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:44 am

quote:Any tips on how to remove the entire center console? Houston, in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4310 is probably still trying to get his pen out.Well, I'm referring to the center console, as in armrest. He wanted to remove the console surrounding the shifter. If someone knows how to get that out, let me know, cause that's crucial to me running wires from the ebrake area to the dash.Anyway, to remove the armrest console is stupid easy.Using the appropriate nut driver (10mm I think), and a very long extension, remove the two screws under the piece of fabric in the rectangular area directly across from the shifter bin, and then remove the other two screws from under the fabric inside the armrest.Lift up the console, but don't force it up! You need to reach underneat and disconnect the 12V outlet. It unplugs on the right side, and it's just like most harnesses, push down the lever and pull out. Then just lift the console out. It's easier to remove the console when you have the e-brake ENGAGED and the handle in the upright position. Then, to remove that particular rectangular coin holder, flip over the console, and just release the two tabs holding it in place!quote:Also, in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5805 you said you got Bart "Nifty" makes me think you should have gotten Ned. Nifty, not so much. Now if I said "spectaularoony" or "fan-didly-tastic" then yeah, I'd agree. quote:If you do get some extra blanks, please post part # and price.In the words of our fine peer Geo, *nod*I'm gonna hit up the parts department tomorrow morning...will let you know how I fare...

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:51 am

Ok, depending on who is talking, "center console" can be anything from the flasher button to the rear cup holder, inclusive. I got the book, I'll see if there's a simple wayGood luck on the parts tomorrow, around me, every dealer's parts department is closed on Saturdays.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:52 am

quote:Any tips on how to remove the entire center console?I posted directions here: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... te:Houston, in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4310 is probably still trying to get his pen out.Houston is talking about the bin under the shifter, attached to the dash. Mike is talking about the console between the seats with the armrest and parking brake handle.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:54 am

quote:I posted directions here: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1682Well, mine are better! j/k.quote:Houston is talking about the bin under the shifter, attached to the dash.Can you post the thing from the service manual that says how to remove that entire plastic area under the shifter? I'd love to get that out and run some wiring to the console area...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:56 am

quote:Uh Oh.. ?

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:57 am

I didn't understand what Mike was referring to. I remember Houston's dilemma, and thought Mike's post was related. Alas, I am wrong again.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:58 am

Yeah, he was just clarifying...he wasn't shooting you down or anything......What's the avatar about joatmon?

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 12:00 pm

quote:What's the avatar about joatmon?You kids are too young to remember album art.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 12:04 pm

quote: Anybody make any more excuses for him and I'm gonna screamWasn't an excuse...just preventing a suspected unjustified retaliation, ya know?quote:What's the avatar about joatmon?You kids are too young to remember album art.Try me.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 12:30 pm

Focused? We can't stay focused...which reminds me of a fun icon...

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 12:32 pm

The service manual refers to the interior piece that the shifter is on top of, (the one that Houston wanted to remove) as the "Front Floor Console" and the one that is between the two front seats as the "Rear Floor Console"The instructions for removing the front floor console are:Remove the front floor console trim plate (see below)Remove the front floor console storage doorRemove the screws that hold the front floor console tohte instrument panel assembly (Drawing shows 5 phillips head screws, 2 horizontal ones at the top, two vertical ones midway in the shift boot, one horizontal behind the storage bin)Pull the front floor console rearward and up.To remove the Front Floor Console Trim Plate:Note: book only describes for manual trans, not autoUnscrew shift knobPull center AC control knob.Remove one screw behind removed control knob.Pry that sucker loosedisconnect lighter and outlet wires

Attached files

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 12:54 pm

Many of us enjoy pictures. Thus, here are pictures!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 12:56 pm

quote:The service manual refers to the interior piece that the shifter is on top of, (the one that Houston wanted to remove) as the "Front Floor Console" and the one that is between the two front seats as the "Rear Floor Console"The instructions for removing the front floor console are:Remove the front floor console trim plate (see below)Remove the front floor console storage doorRemove the screws that hold the front floor console tohte instrument panel assembly (Drawing shows 5 phillips head screws, 2 horizontal ones at the top, two vertical ones midway in the shift boot, one horizontal behind the storage bin)Pull the front floor console rearward and up.To remove the Front Floor Console Trim Plate:Note: book only describes for manual trans, not autoUnscrew shift knobPull center AC control knob.Remove one screw behind removed control knob.Pry that sucker loosedisconnect lighter and outlet wiresThanks for the directions joatmon..any chance someone can scan the page so I can get a visual on this task?

dmitri · Post by **dmitri** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 2:27 pm

lol dammit mike you always have to make things harder for yourself

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 2:28 pm

quote:lol dammit mike you always have to make things harder for yourself Keeps me on my toes.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 10:42 pm

OK, I did this today, not too hard.Here are my notesRemove the front floor console trim plate (see below)After this step, it's token effort.Remove the front floor console storage doorYou open it and pull it up and outRemove the screws that hold the front floor console to the instrument panel assembly (Drawing shows 5 phillips head screws, 2 horizontal ones at the top, two vertical ones midway in the shift boot, one horizontal behind the storage bin)On mine there were only three. Two on the top edge, and one behind the storage bin. The one behind the storage bin was at the top right of the area behind the bin. Here's a pic to show where the screws are (after console is removed to show what they screw into)Pull the front floor console rearward and up.slid out easilyTo remove the Front Floor Console Trim Plate:Note: book only describes for manual trans, not autoUnscrew shift knobCounter clockwise off (Is that "anticlockwise" in canada?)Pull center AC control knob.Pretty straightforward...Remove one screw behind removed control knob.Could post a picture, but there's one screw behind the knob. Hard to miss. A phillips head.Pry that sucker looseI wiggled the lower end of the trim piece to free up what I could easily, but the top end was being a bit stubborn, and I ended up pulling the trim piece around the radio and actually had to pry a little bit to get it loose. Once the bottom part is free, the top part can be persuaded to slide out to the reardisconnect lighter and outlet wiresThat's how much detail the manual puts into this step. This step took me ten times as long as the rest of the steps combined. After I was done, I realized that I didn't need to disconnect these wires if my goal was only to remove the front floor console, could have just left them attached and push it out of the way, but live and learn. The wires for the lighter are easy, but the wires for the AC switch and outlet were in this non-removable box part of the trim panel. I ended up having to partially remove the plastic piece with the AC switch and outlet, then release the catches to pull the switch and outlet out, and then I could disconnect the wires. Spent a lot of time trying to get that plastic piece off the trim panel, and I eventually did, but not in any repeatable steps. It has three tabs along the top, and two hook like holes in the bottom. The tabs were easy to release, but those hooks were trouble.Mike, when you rip yours out, you can take lots of pictures and explain any differences with the auto trans.

Attached files

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 7:35 am

Went to a dealer today to get additional "blank" panels for where I removed the coin slots from the console, as well as to remove the button I installed by the hatch glass release button. We couldn't find the exact part on the diagrams, they identified the security light and the hatch glass button, but not the blanks. But the guy THINKS we orderd the right part. It should be in Thursday or Friday, I'll let you know the part number if it turns out to be the right part. The cost is $2.75.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 10:58 am

With the help of joatmon's info, removed the front floor console today. (See how-to post: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5940). While in there, I ran wires from the radio area to the center main console in case I decide to install a switch in my newfound slot somewhere down the line. Here's pics (as if I'd explain it without 'em!)Using just a cable snake and some wire, I ran 'em under the floor, up into the shifter, and up into the radio, just because i figured I'd leave them somewhere acessible do I don't have to rip EVERYTHING apart to get to them when I do decide to put the wires to use.Here's where they'll come out of the floor and under the console. Then they come back up behind the front floor console bin, and inside the shifter area... Then I just coiled up the excess next to the radio until the day I need 'em. And here's a pic of the reinstalled console with the crazy coin slots removed and a blank installed. Stole a blank frm next to the steering wheel. The extra one I ordered (I hope) should be in next week sometime...

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 11:10 am

Thanks to you guys for providing this information. I think I'll wait for those expected photos showing how to handle the removal of a console with an automatic shift before I tear it out to retrieve my pen. Fortunately it doesn't seem to be causing problems in there.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 9:34 pm

When I had mine apart, I switched the AC switch and outlet. Figure this must be giving me an extra 10 HP at least.

Attached files

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 10:05 pm

The shifter is probably more in the way with the outlet in the center, but not sure that it really matters. There's still space between the outlet and the shifter, which is closest when in third. Having the outlet on the right side is probably better for running a power cord off to the side. So not a recommended mod for any functional purpose, just playing around.The AC outlet is cool and all, but so far I have hardly ever used it. The things that I would like to be able to plug into it, like my laptop, draw too much current, and other things, like my cell phone, charge faster if I run it from 12V instead of AC.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 11:47 pm

quote:Thanks to you guys for providing this information. I think I'll wait for those expected photos showing how to handle the removal of a console with an automatic shift before I tear it out to retrieve my pen. Fortunately it doesn't seem to be causing problems in there.Your wait is over. How To: Remove Front Floor Console, Automatic Transmission (Graphics Intensive)

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 12:42 am

quote:Really?Somerset Pontiac in Troy, MI ran computer printers off a few Vibes when the power went out last year.I am not kidding. I remember reading about that somewhere, maybe a post here, but search didn;t find it (at least with what I was searching for)The laptop I have is a real power hog POS technology. Also a three prong plug. There really isn't enough space in the trim panel to replace the 2 prong outlet with a three prong one, it's too narrow, so I have used an extension cord and one of those 2 to 3 prong adapters. About the only thing that I have used the inverter for regularly is to recharge batteries for my digital camera. (but that's a well establshed different thread . )

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 12:56 am

I run my laptop off it all the time...especially when traveling, as the laptop becomes my "navigation system."Ah, bless MS Streets & Trips!

Geo · Post by **Geo** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:06 am

Awesome stuff there, I'll have to see what I can come up with to make this of good use to myself.*nods in approval of raginfish's ideas*

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:22 am

quote:Awesome stuff there, I'll have to see what I can come up with to make this of good use to myself.*nods in approval of raginfish's ideas* *nods back*Like I said, I ran the wires cause I was in there -- have no planned use for them at this point in time...

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 8:14 am

Thank you, Ragingfish. Too bad I gotta do all that just to retrieve a lousy pen, 'cause it means that unless that pen causes some kind of problem in there, it's gonna stay.I did print all that, though, because ya never know...Thanks, again

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 9:16 am

It seems like a LOT more than it really is...Should take a person, on their first try, maybe 10-15 minutes to do!I say give it a shot...because I bet it's a nice pen!

Houston · Post by **Houston** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 12:54 pm

You bet it sounds as though it would take more than 10 to 15 minutes. Taking you at your word, though, I just may soon give it a try.As for that pen... no... it was one of those freebies that somebody gave me - probably a certain Pontiac dealer.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 12:57 pm

quote:You bet it sounds as though it would take more than 10 to 15 minutes. Taking you at your word, though, I just may soon give it a try.As for that pen... no... it was one of those freebies that somebody gave me - probably a certain Pontiac dealer. Well heck, a Pontiac pen deserves to be retrieved! Plus, it's just cool to see all the shtuff goin on under there...

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Mon Sep 08, 2003 2:28 am

quote:Oh, and after consulting with NSimkins, I've decided to deem myself King of Pictures because I can't seem to post lately without a pictoral supplement...Salsa!, any comments on this challenger for the throne?

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Mon Sep 08, 2003 6:03 am

In the quest to get a aux input into my stereo we removed the middle console and ran wires from the glovebox to the middle console. I was going to post about this when I finally get the radio with the new firmware sometime next month.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Mon Sep 08, 2003 6:12 am

quote:Awesome stuff there, I'll have to see what I can come up with to make this of good use to myself.*nods in approval of raginfish's ideas* i used to plug my plasma ball into the outlet, it fit right into the cupholder, kind of neat and noone else had one in their car...

satur9 · Post by **satur9** » Tue Sep 09, 2003 7:36 am

heres an idea. the inverter is under the seat why dont you ditch the dash plug and add a three prong under the seat seems some of us are pretty confortable hacking up our new cars .this way when you plug in an big adaptor it wont come flying out when you accelerate. im going to do this eventualy but mabey raging will beat me to it and post pics.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Sep 09, 2003 7:54 am

Not likely...to get an aftermarket inverter down there would require some serious rewiring...a task for which I am not volunteering to do.

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Wed Sep 10, 2003 1:49 am

thanks for the discovery raging...i pulled out the dust/grime collecting coin holder from below the e-brake and put in one of the blank-flat ones. its alot smoother and cleaner look

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Sep 10, 2003 6:07 am

Yesh...one of my better discoveries if I don't say so myself.I'm still waiting for the call that my part is in...when it's in, if it's right, I'll post ordering info here for all to bask in..

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 6:40 am

UPDATE Got the part in today! Turns out it's the right one! So, if you're looking for extra blank plates for the left of the steering wheel, or to replace the little coin slots under the e-brake, the part you need is:88970565 COVER $2.75

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Tue Sep 30, 2003 3:46 am

Nice discovery, Mike! That stupid little coinholder is useless. Like you said, it just collects dust and goop from when spilled soda pop dries up. If I put coins in it, they fly all over the place when I drive. I'd like to eventually put a switch in there for something, myself. While cleaning the interior one time, I noticed that little coinholder shifting around a bit while I tried to clean it, so I figured that it might pop out but I never tried it. Now that you discovered that the dash blanks will fit perfectly, I have an alternative. I wondered if those blanks could be ordered, it's awesome to know now that I can get more of them! Once again, thanks for your research! Now maybe we can find something to do about your wax on the cladding.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 1:37 am

quote:When I had mine apart, I switched the AC switch and outlet. Figure this must be giving me an extra 10 HP at least. ----------Is that in better position or will the shifter be in the way?Since I got a different laptop that can run off the 115V outlet, I've been using it to play music (coupled in through the tape deck) Took a three prong extension cord and ripped the ground lug off since the laptop power supply is a 3 prong. After running this for a while, I realized that my super cool 50 HP mod switching the places for the switch and outlet was really inconvenient, yes, the shifter and the cord did conflict, so I restored mine back to OEM configuration, now my outlet is on the right, much more out of the way of the shifter. quote:Got the part in today! Turns out it's the right one! So, if you're looking for extra blank plates for the left of the steering wheel, or to replace the little coin slots under the e-brake, the part you need is:88970565 COVER $2.75Was that part from a Pontiac or Toyota dealer?

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 3:57 am

Hawkwind?

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 7:23 am

I remember the first time I saw the term IMHO, somebody send me an email that said "well imho, I think....." I didn't have a clue, and was sort of unsetlled thinking it was some new slang insult, where did he get off calling me an imho, whatever an imho is? Anyway, that's not how I feel now, but I have no idea what hawkwind is, unless it's the byproduct of eating too many mice.

Geo · Post by **Geo** » Fri Nov 28, 2003 3:22 pm

Anyway we can make threads like this a sticky, or post it in a "Do it yourself" forum?This is almost too worthy to have to be located with a search

waveresponder · Post by **waveresponder** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:50 am

Quote, originally posted by joatmon Â»quote:When I had mine apart, I switched the AC switch and outlet. Figure this must be giving me an extra 10 HP at least. ----------Is that in better position or will the shifter be in the way?Since I got a different laptop that can run off the 115V outlet, I've been using it to play music (coupled in through the tape deck) Took a three prong extension cord and ripped the ground lug off since the laptop power supply is a 3 prong. After running this for a while, I realized that my super cool 50 HP mod switching the places for the switch and outlet was really inconvenient, yes, the shifter and the cord did conflict, so I restored mine back to OEM configuration, now my outlet is on the right, much more out of the way of the shifter. quote:Got the part in today! Turns out it's the right one! So, if you're looking for extra blank plates for the left of the steering wheel, or to replace the little coin slots under the e-brake, the part you need is:88970565 COVER $2.75Was that part from a Pontiac or Toyota dealer?that be neat to do just to be "different"...and ill have to write down that blank cover part number for future reference...thanks!

The Lox · Post by **The Lox** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:46 pm

Quote, originally posted by waveresponder Â»that be neat to do just to be "different"...and ill have to write down that blank cover part number for future reference...thanks!Looks like I am heading back to the dealer, the coin holders are worthless in my opinion. I was thinking of this the other day when I pried the one on my dash out.If by chance anyone sees this and wants extra coin holders I will gladly trade you out for a couple blank covers..