Hi all,

Went out for a drive in the sunshine a couple of Sundays ago and put my house keys in the sliding compartment of the centre console next to the handbrake.

Arrived home a couple of hours later to find that during the drive the keys had shifted inside compartment and were now resting on top of the ashtray and stuck. the keys now stop the compartment from sliding back fully, it now only slides an inch or so and doesn't give enough access to move the keys.

Is there any way of getting access to this compartment without taking the entire centre console apart or getting a dealer involved?

Thanks

 

Not sure if yours in the same but the console just pops off you don't need any tools .

 

You need to take the gear knob off, remove the radio door and surround and then you'll be able to prise the whole centre console off and i think you'll be able to do something to move the keys from the other side.

 

you don't need to remove the radio door, just the gearknob - twist it counter-clockwise and ensure the handbrake is pulled up.

Pull the console from the back to the front. You can then screw off the offending parts from the underside and get your keys out and reassemble. Just two screws if I remember correctly

Should only take 15 minutes. Gives you a chance to get all the crumbs out of it too

 

Surely the sensible option is to like some kind of maniac over a couple of local bridges or other such bumps and see if you can disclodge them...?

 

I like your thinking!

If that doesn't work, don't pull your knob around; you can work your fingers carefully under the plastic console cover to pop the clips in order.

You can lift it far enough to get beneath, deforming the gear lever gaiter.

 

After getting your keys out, remove ashtray to prevent re-occurrence.

 

Or don't put your keys there again!

 

Thanks for the help, i've tried the (very) spirited driving, no joy with the key, just suceeded in pissing the girlfriend off, i'll have a go tonight and let you know how i get on!

 

Let us know if you get the keys free too