Can't remove center console - Help Please!

[rossyl]

Hi,

Been trying to remove the centre console of my 4200 and have gotten stuck.

I've followed this guide (http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/showthread.php/679-NIT-units-or-What-s-in-the-arm-rest-of-a-4200) thought everything was going well, found and removed all screws, then went to do the simple "lift the entire centre console" and it will not budge.

The rear of the centre console seem to hit a metal fixing that seems unable to remove. Which leads me to think that it must slide back before it slides up.

BUT The front of the centre console seems clipped in and unable to budge and slide back.

Any thoughts or ideas much appreciated.

Thanks
R

 

[BennyD]

Did you remove the screw under the rubber mat at the bottom of the 'small change' tray?

 

[rossyl]

Removed every screw shown in David's How To - admittedly two screws were missing (one of which was the one under the "small change" tray).

It seems like it should slide backwards then up. But it feels caught at the front. I've given it a good tug. I've also tried sliding my fingers as best I could up the sides, but there's very limited room.

It's a pain!

 

[CatmanV2]

Hmm
There are may be two screws that are accessible if you move the seats back. They are positioned directly into the centre console at the front.

If you want to bring it over, I'll be able to sort it I'm sure. Had some practice now

C

 

[rossyl]

Thanks Catman. I will give that a look. Unfortunately, if I had known about this c 0ck-up before I could've arranged to drive up to Herts tomorrow, but I've got meetings in London so can't.

Will let you know how I get on. I've currently got a rather disheveled looking interior!

 

[Brendan]

So whats up? I need to remove mine as Hazards are working erractically

 

[rossyl]

I'm removing an old Parrot and installing a Loudlink.

 

[CatmanV2]

I've done a couple now, for Parrot installs. They are normally pretty easy, at least I've never had issues with that part of it.
Always happy to help anyone that can get to Essex

C

 

[rossyl]

I had a look this morning and there are no screws on the sides of the centre console. Still won't budge and feels clipped in or fixed somewhere at the front.

I'm trying to remove someone else's very comprehensive previous Parrot install. The User Control Unit comes out where the centre console meets the lower dash where the reverse lever is.

Hence the need to remove the centre console.

I was planning on driving it down to Chichester this weekend, but not with the interior in its current state.

Any other ideas do say. I might have to try slipping a plastic spatula up the sides of the console.

 

[CatmanV2]

Try the spatula, but I can't see it'll really help.

Can you post a pic of the armrest section in its current state, just to see that we can't spot anything?
C

 

[davy83]

Dont know if its the same as the 3200? i think there are screws under the rear AC vents. You need to remove the AC vents (pull out) and the screws are accessed under there. The set up at the front where it joins the main console is tricky, and has a heavy metal bracket holding the console together and on my car this had been "modified" by some kind sole during install of an alpine system. there is a screw under the cigarette lighter on my car too. If the 4200 is different to the 3200 then ignore all of this

 

[rossyl]

Catman - Here's a pic of the interior. You can see where the Parrot control bit pokes out.

Davy - I've unscrewed all the bolts at the back. I'm almost certain that the centre console needs to slide a bit back before it can be lifted up.

 

[CatmanV2]

Ahh, I mean while it was stil in pieces. Not much I can suggest. Sounds like a very hands on problem, I'm afraid.

Any time you want, trundle over.

C

 

[rossyl]

Ahh, I mean while it was stil in pieces. Not much I can suggest. Sounds like a very hands on problem, I'm afraid.

Any time you want, trundle over.

C

The picture of it in it's current state I don't think will reveal much is anything, it looks exactly the same as DavidHowson's pictures.

I have realised that I did not unclip the covering around the handbrake...but I would be shocked if that was it!

I have read on MaseratiLife that there are screws "hidden by carpet" but I don't know if they meant the one under the "change tray" mat?

I will need to have a closer hunt at carpet level below the console.

 

[Mr.Cambio]

have you tried to remove the rear air vents first? Maybe the screw is down there. I did it a ling time ago, unfortunately i did not make any pics. But it was difficult enough..good luck!

 

[rossyl]

I've followed the How To, which includes removing the air vents and screws underneath.

I can lift the rear if the console up an inch or so.

 

[rossyl]

Does anyone know if there are any screws/bolts to be removed around the handbrake?

Thanks

 

[Mr.Cambio]

have you tried this??

View attachment 16375

 

[CatmanV2]

Does anyone know if there are any screws/bolts to be removed around the handbrake?

Thanks

No there are not.

You have the armrest screws, you have the hinge to take the pad off.
Remove the base of the storage cubby
Air vents out
Screws out from the base
Ashtray out
Screw from underneath
Lift mat of change tray
Remove screw there

That should be your lot. The facelifts have two more on the side of the tunnel but...

C

 

[davy83]

It is definitely different from the 3200. I would be thinking about removing the mirror control switch so you can see the front mounting. There is a significant metal bracket that pulls the two sides of the upper dash together and this ties in to the centre console. This had been damaged on my car by some one fitting a stupid dangly parrot display just like you have. I improvised, but there is a bracket up front there where the two parts meet. I thought it just pulls backwards and off and its all spring clips, which is consistent with the rear bracket. if it's bolted some how then you will need to see it to make sure you don't break it getting it apart!