Guys,

I managed to get my radio & vent surround off to connect my ipod to the RCA inputs on the back (separate thread on that).

With everything connected, I tried to replace the surround and found it more difficult than removal. A careful inspection shows that the 3 clips at the bottom of the surround were stressed (white stretching marks on the black plastic) in either my removal or replacement attempt. Obviously I don't want to break them off so figured I'd seek advice.

Can one of the practiced explain the replacement procedure in some detail.

I'm on an '04 in case it makes a difference.

Thanks.
Chris.

 

Did you remove the center console?

 

On my 04, those clips are on hinges - you have to straighten them manually then carefully put the door back in. To do this, you have to pop off the entire center console from the shifter back and get it out of the way so you have room to orient the door to get in in correctly. The center console just pops off - you can use your hand and just tug upward.

 

Thanks guys.

No I didn't try removing the center console though that seems obvious now that you've said it.

No screws - just gentle upward pressure and it will pop off?

Thanks.
Chris

 

I didnt remove the center console the last time I had the surround off and on again. you have to make sure that when you push it back on the clips are perfectly lined with the holes, otherwise you are just pushing against a flat panel, and will bend the clips.

just angle the clips up slightly so that when you align them with the holes, they definately go in rather than catching and getting pushed down.

 

you have to remove the center console otherwise the clips wont go in straight

just pull up from the back near the cigerette lighter and the pull with a quick tug. dont pull slowly.

you dont need to remove it but just pop it up to slide it back a inch or two

 

On a 2004-2006, if you dont lift up the center console, you will 95% crack the vent piece. Make SURE you take off the center before you put that panel back in.

 

guess i was in the lucky 5%.....about 10 times so far!

Ill make sure to remove the console from now on tho