Pulling out the center console--do you *have* to remove the shift knob, trim, and boot?

I want to take out enough of the center console to access the power wires that are there below the coinholder prewired for the analog cellular phone so I can use them instead to install a powered USB jack.

Have seen some plans for this--do you really have to pull out the shift knob and boot along with the center console? It seems like the boot and knob could stay to get to this area but all the plans I've seen call for those to come out also. Really nervous enough about pulling the e-brake handle and boot off without having to remove the shift knob and boot also.

Comments appreciated--thanks!

Yes, you'll have to remove those things.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by az3579

Yes, you'll have to remove those things.

---

Indeed. There are two screws holding the center console in place directly under the shift plate surround. You could just pull the shift boot frame out and unscrew them without actually popping off the knob.

Sorry, didn't look at the thread date.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Smolck

Indeed. There are two screws holding the center console in place directly under the shift plate surround. You could just pull the shift boot frame out and unscrew them without actually popping off the knob.

Sorry, didn't look at the thread date.

---

Hehe... Bump.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Smolck

Indeed. There are two screws holding the center console in place directly under the shift plate surround. You could just pull the shift boot frame out and unscrew them without actually popping off the knob.

Sorry, didn't look at the thread date.

---

Actually--thanks! I keep procrastinating on this and now won't take the knob off!

I've taken my shifter off at least 4 times, no big deal. It's not going to mess anything up. Also, while you have it off you can refresh the cube (assuming you have black). I need to take mine off again and redo it as I'm starting to see scratches :(

in theory you could probably just pull the boot loose from the console, remove the screws holding the console down, and thread the boot through the opening while removing the console. Square shapes can usually pass through a square hole of the same size with some wiggling.

Bigger point though is that the shift knob is not a complex removal. Just give it a good quick pop. watch your face and windshield though.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hermes

I've taken my shifter off at least 4 times, no big deal. It's not going to mess anything up. Also, while you have it off you can refresh the cube (assuming you have black). I need to take mine off again and redo it as I'm starting to see scratches :(

---

How does one "refresh the cube"?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Smolck

How does one "refresh the cube"?

---

+1

I'd like to know how to "refresh" the trim as well. My driver's armrest has some nasty scratches

I'll write up a DIY tonight.