While driving home this afternoon, I had the unfortunate experience of slamming on my brakes to avoid some a**hole who ran a red light. While the cupholders normally do a great job of holding my drinks, they were no match for how abruptly I had to stop and consequently spilled a refreshing cup of soda all over my center console, rear window switch, and worst of all the gear selector.

Everything seems to be working fine, however when I switch from park to drive or reverse the shifter feels sticky. I imagine all the sugar and corn syrup has gelled up and left gunk on whatever linkages are underneath the trim.

I've seen it removed before, but never any details on where to locate clips or screws or instructions of any kind. If anyone could provide tips on how to remove the plastic trim that surrounds the center console, specifically the trim that covers the gear selector area, as well as any info on how to properly clean that area, I would be greatly appreciative.

I don't have any trim removal tools but if it's something I'll need I'm sure harbor freight can help me out.

Thanks!

Unscrew the shifter. Pull up on the large plastic piece that surrounds the shifter and contains rear window switch, cup holders, etc. No screws or anything else.

Actually comes out pretty easy. Don't really need any tools. Grab the inside of the rear cup colder with your thumb on the inside of the cup holder and your fingers on the outside of the (passenger side) trim, and pull up. That should pop half of the clips free. Next just tuck your fingers into the trim behind the shifter (there should be a pretty good gap there now) and with your other hand grab the (drivers side trim) and pull up. There is a small plug you need to disconnect under the cup holder, and may be more depending on what options you have. And also you need to un screw the shift knob(s) to fully remove the trim.

Are you sure you're not starting another cupholder thread ?

Not without risking my life lol

I couldn't resist ! It is easy just go slow & firm !

is that what she said?

The slow part !

Thanks for the details, I will try it out tomorrow. Hopefully I don't break anything lol

Mind taking photos of the process? I'm curious to see what's involved.

Will do, I'll probably make a thread

Hence my post....

Thanks, please do.

Now THAT is definitely what she said.....