I removed it per the instructions on this forum. But now, I can't figure out how to put it back on! It just doesn't seem possible to make it fit back in there like before. btw, it's a 2005. I realize that I first have to put the bottom in (clips not fully inserted), then force the top part under the dash and into the vent pocket. Once that's done, I managed to get the top part clipped in, but the bottom clips were totally misaligned, and the little plastic hinge thingies on the panel were bent up because they were sitting on top of the clip holes. Does that make sense? I was so freaked out that the bottom clips might break off. Now I have the entire thing sitting in my trunk cuz I don't wanna force it anymore. It just doesn't feel right.

I think it'd make more sense to slide the top part in first, then slide in the bottom. But the stick shift panel gets in the way completely, and makes it impossible to slide the bottom part of the radio door into position. I have no idea what to do. Please help.

BTW, in case I do break the clips off the door/vent panel, do you guys know where I can buy a whole new piece? That would definitely be the last resort.

 

you MUST pop out the center console to fit it in

 

Do you mean I have to remove that black plastic piece that surrounds the stick shift and the emergency brake handle? If so, how do I remove that??? I thought the only thing I had to do to access the back of the stereo is to pop out the panel where the swing-down door is. I didn't know I had to remove the other panel.

 

Yes. You need to remove the center console as well.

 

If you just pull up firmly, it should just pop off. Might be stiff if this is the first time it has been removed. I would remove the shift knob first too, so the whole thing can be pulled off. This will reduce the chance of scratching anything.

John

 

yup, center console has to come out.

best way to start as at the back (nearest the glove compartment) and work your way forward.

given that it's probably not been out before, it might be tight. key here is not yanking or such, but to slowly work forward a clip at a time with a firm steady pull (working a clip on one side, then the other side, then the next clip forward, etc.).

keep an eye open for clips that stay behind or might fall.


all in all -- it's pretty easy.

 

Is the '05 different then the '02 and '03? I've had my radio door in and out many times and not had to remove the center console.

I've not had a chance to work in an '04 or '05 though, so I don't know if they're different (though I thought the radio door was shaped/mounted the same).

 

Yes its different for 2004 and up. When I pulled mine up I was really afraid that I would break something but as PJK3 said a steady pull at each clip will work. I did not take off the shift knob, but I taped it up first. Actually I taped everything in sight! The dashboard will scrape if you even touch it with a fingernail or something.

What I did break was the passenger kickpanel (I took it out to install the speed control for Modifry's DCI). One of the clips -really- did not want to come out and ended up staying behind with a small area of that panel :-( However I was able to get it out afterwards and glue the piece in and it hardly shows...

 

Thanks everyone. I will give it a try when I get my PIE HON03 adapter from enfigcarstereo.com.

 

Whoa you guys remove your center console? I have a 04, never removed the center console once, pops out and pops right back in...