Gen2 Overhead Console Removal and Replace

[Eurythmian]

I have had a bulb out for a couple days in the overhead console so I went to remove the unit which I found to be very frustrating. The front side (near the windshield) pops out easily but the back wouldn't release until I pulled hard enough to snap off a couple of plastic clips. At this point I wanted to toss it on the ground and start stopping on it.

When I went to put it back in it's all jacked up and is basically trash. (I should have stomped on it!)

I have ordered a replacement ($142.37 with shipping)

My question is - when I get this new one - is there some trick on getting it back into the ceiling without breaking it? Shouldn't it simply pop back in?

I just wanted to replace a burnt out bulb... nice huh?!

 

[M4rk]

The back of it (sunroof side) is a little tricky.

Open the sunroof, sit on the center arm rest (provided that you aren't too heavy), and pop your head through the sunroof. You will then have to pull off a little bit of the headliner (held in by velcro), and stick through a long screwdriver so that you can hold the top retaining plastic piece in place. Then, push the overhead console UP, so that it snaps in place. It's basically like a sandwich lol.

My description might not be the best, but once you have a look at it, it will all make sense.


*Thanks to Andrizzle for the approach, I searched for hours when I couldn't attach my overhead console back, and came across his post

 

[joegr]

The back of it (sunroof side) is a little tricky.

Open the sunroof, sit on the center arm rest (provided that you aren't too heavy), and pop your head through the sunroof. You will then have to pull off a little bit of the headliner (held in by velcro), and stick through a long screwdriver so that you can hold the top retaining plastic piece in place. Then, push the overhead console UP, so that it snaps in place. It's basically like a sandwich lol....

That's exactly what I had to do to get mine to snap in at the back.

 

[Eurythmian]

I do not have a sunroof... sigh. Just found out, this part is no longer available.

I guess I try to fix this or find a used one. Anyone got one they want to sell (Stone Color - Tan)?

 

[LS4me]

I do not have a sunroof... sigh. Just found out, this part is no longer available.

I guess I try to fix this or find a used one. Anyone got one they want to sell (Stone Color - Tan)?

Try going to a local (auto) upholstery shop and see if it's repairable.

 

[Eurythmian]

If I can find one from a salvage yard - that would be better than trying to fix this one. I really don't thing it can be repaired.

 

[LS4me]

If I can find one from a salvage yard - that would be better than trying to fix this one. I really don't thing it can be repaired.

Can you install Velcro where the tabs were? I would use industrial strength.

 

[Eurythmian]

Worth a try.

 

[LADYLINC]

The back of it (sunroof side) is a little tricky.

Open the sunroof, sit on the center arm rest (provided that you aren't too heavy), and pop your head through the sunroof. You will then have to pull off a little bit of the headliner (held in by velcro), and stick through a long screwdriver so that you can hold the top retaining plastic piece in place. Then, push the overhead console UP, so that it snaps in place. It's basically like a sandwich lol.

My description might not be the best, but once you have a look at it, it will all make sense.


*Thanks to Andrizzle for the approach, I searched for hours when I couldn't attach my overhead console back, and came across his post

This needed fixing for a couple years, dealer service department did the wife a favor when in for service-noticed overhead bulb burned out-changed it for her but glued the console back in place using clear silicone real bad job been hanging low since looked like real bad-I followed your procedure and it snapped right back in good as new accept for a little glue residue on the headliner, I'll proceed with caution on that- I'll be a Hero round here. Thanks So Much for sharing the knowledge - wish the dealer knew how to do it right. 2003 V8 Wine Red looks like the day I gifted for 30th anniversary off the showroom floor. Thanks again, I could see that the upper retainer frame had to somehow be held in place at it flexes when you try to push the console in place - couldn't have done it without your help.