The following instructions explain how to remove the center console and replace the shifter light.
Just a quick note: the first few pictures were taken of the console not in the car.
Please read all the steps for this procedure before starting as it will cause less frustration.
Before staring this project it is recommended that you put the car in Neutral with the parking brake on and/or a wheel block. These procedures were done on a 1990 Reatta, Other years may be similar. It is your responsibility to ensure these instructions are correct for your car!
Materials Needed:- #15 Torx screwdriver
- Socket Set (or at least a adjustable wrench)
- flat-head screwdriver, needle nose pliers (optional)
- #2 Phillips screwdriver
- About 30-60 minutes of your time
The steps below will assist you in removing the center console.
Step 1 Removal of the Storage box interior:
Using your screwdriver pry up the interior of the storage box as shown. It is held in by four clips in each corner so be careful not to break anything. Its best to pry each corner up first.
Here is the what the clips look like:
After you have it removed, set it aside.
Step 2 Removal of the plastic black dress cover:
Now remove the two torx screws that are located in the front of the storage box opening.
Now remove the ash tray insert and remove the screw on the bottom.
Close the ashtray lid and remove the back of the plastic dress cover either with your hands or the screwdriver. (this also uses those same clips).
Now the front must be lifted up, I found it easier using the screwdriver and lifting from the side
After removed, set it aside.
Step 3 - Removal of the silver plastic cover:
All you need to do here is remove the two front screws and lift out then set aside.
If all you require is a light bulb replacement, you can stop here if your hands are small enough. The bulb and retainer are located on the drivers side of the gear indicator. If you cannot feel it with your hands, you will see two wires, one is white and one is black. Follow those up towards the gear indicator and then you should feel the bulb retainer. Just twist and pull and it should come out.
If your hands are not small enough to remove the bulb continue on . Step 4 - Removal of the Center Console:
Using your socket set or wrench remove the two nuts that are located right as you look down from where the storage box would be.
In about the center of the console you will see a "L" bracket, you want to remove the screw on the underside of that bracket.
Remove the two screws on the front bracket of the console.
Step 5 - Removal of the fuse panel:
Remove the two screws located in the fuse and relay compartments. There are two screws in each compartment.
Remove the wire clips from the console I believe there are two. This is best done by needle nose pliers.
Step 6 - Removal of the plastic trim:
Ok, now here comes the fun part!. I will try my best to explain this.
Your goal right now is have the two pieces of plastic that stick out (the pieces that hold the dress cover screws) we will call these "tabs" to be sitting on top of the gear indicator.. see picture.
You have to think about your next moves because each situation will be different. First wedge the screwdriver between the front console bracket and the dash so that you will clear past any other dash components.
Lift up on the front of the console so that you can lift up the console freely without the tabs getting caught on the indicator.
Be careful of the very front of the console because the drivers side molding can break during this,
Once you have the console high enough that the tabs can move above the gear indicator, move the console backwards to rest the tabs on the gear indicator cover, now you will need to jiggle and wiggle the console around until it is free from the front(the car is in neutral here because with the car in park the console gets caught on the shift knob)once it is free you can move it out of the car.
You should be left with this now:
If you are wanting to remove the shifter bulb, it is located in approximately the center of the console. It is shown in the photo above.
If you need to remove the shifter indicator panel, instructions can be found here.
Thanks to CL_Reatta, member of the Reatta forums, for this information.
