ryanmackk
09-05-2013, 10:47 PM
Okay boys and girls, I've noticed there aren't any DIYs on how to do this so this here is the DIY for removing the HVAC console on your Gen 1 (that thing that sits under your stereo and on top of the cigarette lighter)
Note: I hear the procedure for Gen 2 is similar, but I can't confirm.
Note 2: The pictures are not sequential because I took them after dis-assembly, but they should help explain the process
Tools:
- Flat head screwdriver (to remove dashboard trim)
- Philips screwdriver (to remove screws holding consoles into place)
- Masking tape (for masking off your trim to prevent scratches)
- Pliers (to remove/unplug wiring)
Step 1: Take apart the console that sits between you and your passenger (I assume we all know how to do this, but if you don't, please search this forum)
Step 2: After you remove the cigarette lighter console, you will see two screws holding the HVAC console in place. One on the right side, one on the left. The right one is circled in the photo (the screw has been removed in the photo)
http://i.imgur.com/R5nxcG1.jpg
Step 3: Do not remove the faceplate of the HVAC just yet. You have to take the console out. To do this, there are two white tabs, one on each side of the HVAC console. The right one is circled in red. You have to squeeze those tabs into the console to take it while AT THE SAME TIME, tilting the whole console about 35 degress up to fit thru the plastic channels that sit right over the top of of the console, one on the right and one on the left.
http://i.imgur.com/TQuBKtV.jpg
Step 4: Remove the wiring from the HVAC. One wire in the middle and one under it.
http://i.imgur.com/uXcPG9M.jpg
Step 5: This part is quite difficult, you have to detach the two wires that run from the HVAC controls to the vents in the car. The wire on the left is for air flow direction, and the one on the right is for hot or cold. To do this, I suggest taking your pliers and from the bottom, bend the two metal wires out of the console to pop them out.
http://i.imgur.com/DvnqZsl.jpg
Step 6: This part will hit most people by surprise, but the faceplate is attached to the HVAC console by 4 screws in the back of the console. Unlike the rest of the car which is dead easy to take apart, the HVAC console is quite difficult. At this point, you should have the HVAC fully detached from your car and in your hands. Take a philips screwdriver and unscrew the 4 screws from the back.
http://i.imgur.com/u13lKR0.png
Step 7: Flip the console over and find these two black clips holding the faceplate in place. There are two more clips holding the faceplate on top. Squeeze the clips on the back together, and pop the clips on top off.
http://i.imgur.com/AskoyQF.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jzUBLQ4.png
Step 8: Finished product. Now you can replace burnt out lights, replace them with different colours, or whatever else.
http://i.imgur.com/fCTJov8.jpg
Note: I hear the procedure for Gen 2 is similar, but I can't confirm.
Note 2: The pictures are not sequential because I took them after dis-assembly, but they should help explain the process
Tools:
- Flat head screwdriver (to remove dashboard trim)
- Philips screwdriver (to remove screws holding consoles into place)
- Masking tape (for masking off your trim to prevent scratches)
- Pliers (to remove/unplug wiring)
Step 1: Take apart the console that sits between you and your passenger (I assume we all know how to do this, but if you don't, please search this forum)
Step 2: After you remove the cigarette lighter console, you will see two screws holding the HVAC console in place. One on the right side, one on the left. The right one is circled in the photo (the screw has been removed in the photo)
http://i.imgur.com/R5nxcG1.jpg
Step 3: Do not remove the faceplate of the HVAC just yet. You have to take the console out. To do this, there are two white tabs, one on each side of the HVAC console. The right one is circled in red. You have to squeeze those tabs into the console to take it while AT THE SAME TIME, tilting the whole console about 35 degress up to fit thru the plastic channels that sit right over the top of of the console, one on the right and one on the left.
http://i.imgur.com/TQuBKtV.jpg
Step 4: Remove the wiring from the HVAC. One wire in the middle and one under it.
http://i.imgur.com/uXcPG9M.jpg
Step 5: This part is quite difficult, you have to detach the two wires that run from the HVAC controls to the vents in the car. The wire on the left is for air flow direction, and the one on the right is for hot or cold. To do this, I suggest taking your pliers and from the bottom, bend the two metal wires out of the console to pop them out.
http://i.imgur.com/DvnqZsl.jpg
Step 6: This part will hit most people by surprise, but the faceplate is attached to the HVAC console by 4 screws in the back of the console. Unlike the rest of the car which is dead easy to take apart, the HVAC console is quite difficult. At this point, you should have the HVAC fully detached from your car and in your hands. Take a philips screwdriver and unscrew the 4 screws from the back.
http://i.imgur.com/u13lKR0.png
Step 7: Flip the console over and find these two black clips holding the faceplate in place. There are two more clips holding the faceplate on top. Squeeze the clips on the back together, and pop the clips on top off.
http://i.imgur.com/AskoyQF.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jzUBLQ4.png
Step 8: Finished product. Now you can replace burnt out lights, replace them with different colours, or whatever else.
http://i.imgur.com/fCTJov8.jpg