Console Removal 1997 SSEi

[jonnevilleSSEi]

Can anyone detail me on removing the console or this part of it? This indicator panel is loose and I'd like to see how I can secure it back in place.

The loose panel in question.


I'm not sure yet how much of the console I will need to remove in order to get behind that.

It looks like 4 separate parts that fit together.

[willwren]

It's supposed to be that way. Push down, it pops back up.


Problem solved.

[sonoma_zr2]

Move shifter to "N" or "D". Underneath the shift handle release button is a slot. Insert small flat scewdriver and pull clip. It looks like a large staple. Pull handle. Lift ashtray cover, remove ashtray, remove 2 screws. Remove console cover.

[willwren]

There's no need to remove the console. The shift bezel is supposed to be pushed in and spring back. There's nothing wrong with it.

[jonnevilleSSEi]

@ Sonoma: I suppose you must be referring to the large button on the front (can't see in photos) of the shift knob. Since I'd be working blind I can only guess that once I have the driver in it is pushing a clip toward the front of the car? Hopefully I'll be able to feel a secure contact when the driver is inserted. Which direction am I pushing and what will happen? Will I feel a pop and then the shift knob comes off? Does it all snap-fit back together when I'm completed?

@ Willwren: True it does pop back. I am a bit of a perfectionist so the fact that even when it's popped up it doesn't seem flush or snug bothers me just a little. I may go through the motions of console removal just so I see how it all goes together and if I can do anything (simple and non-destructive) to make that part fit more closely and also document it on here to share with others. After I learned how to remove the console on my '99 Regal I was able to use a special adhesive to repair the drink holder that my mechanics shrugged off as too expensive to bother with. Thanks all the same for assuring me that is "factory and correct" as is. That WILL place this chore further down on my to-do list.

[willwren]

There is nothing you can do to change how it sits in there short of major fabrication. Trust those that have removed consoles in the past, and don't waste your time. It works just as it should. Considering the problems you already have with your stereo, I'll caution you that this is a MUCH more serious undertaking, just getting in there.

In addition, nobody since 2002 on this Forum has complained about the fit of that part, and those that know what a bear that console can be would be highly unlikely to pursue any improvements you may or may not come up with.

You'd get more satisfaction out of wiping dirt off your coil springs.

[sonoma_zr2]

Here is the fitment of the lock pin



Here is what the lock pin looks like



here is the gear selector shaft. you can see the notch the lock pin goes in



as you can see from the shaft, it just slides on and off.

[jonnevilleSSEi]

Thanks both! Very informative.

[reb]

The rounded plastic part closest to the console lid can be pulled straight up without removing anything. You can get a look inside with a mirror to get an idea of what the underside of the indicator looks like. Also makes for a secret hiding compartment

[jonnevilleSSEi]

heh, 7 years later and somehow this appeared. For the record the indicator still fits loose but I haven't done anything to remedy it. More serious issues right now than that. I'll try to look at that round plastic part close to the lid to see how to lift it, see what there is to secure it and pull up on. More focused on the DIC right now which is really beginning to misbehave. - thanks Pontiac Bonneville Club.