DASH, CONSOLE & DOOR PANELS REMOVAL: Instructions w/ pics

[LandCruiserSteve]

Many of our modifications require the removal of various dashboard and console panels and/or trim pieces. So, here's a how-to for accessing the "behind the scenes" components of the FJ's interior, including:

A-pillar cover (interior)
Sun visors
Glove box (passenger side)
Side vent covers
Center dash trim pieces
Center dash / radio module face plate
Center console (upper)
Center console (lower)
Shift lever cover plate (AT)
Switch panel module
Front door panels (driver and passenger) (shown in Post #34)
Driver side dash-top storage box (shown in Post #34)


(Please pardon my dirt and dust in my FJ's interior. )



A-pillar cover (interior):

Remove plastic tabs from grab handle.




A 10mm socket removes the grab handle.




Peel the cover out and down from the top (it snaps off).




Pull the cover up and away from the A-pillar.







Sun visors:

Two Phillips screws secure the sun visor to the interior roof.




The hold-up clip is removed by pushing it in and twisting it 90 degrees counterclockwise.





Glove box (passenger side):

Open glove box.




Push in on upper rear plastic wings (both sides) to allow glove box to fall forward.




Unsnap retaining rod (to the right).




Lift glove box up and out of its lower snap-on hinge.





Side vent covers:

Lift and unsnap vent cover from the bottom.




Pull the top of the vent cover up and out.






NOTE FOR 2008 and newer FJ Owners:

WNY_FJ_Blues previously said:

The silver-colored vent cover on the passenger side of the '08 FJ does not pull out until you remove a 10mm bolt that is accessible through one of the round plugs on the side of the vent cover. You remove the plug, and then you need a socket with an extension to reach in there. The driver's side vent cover does not have this bolt, it is removable by hand.

Center dash side trim pieces:

Remove Phillips screw at the base of the trim piece.




Pull up and out (unsnap) the trim piece from the bottom,







Center dash / radio module face:

Remove Phillips screw on each side.




Pull (unsnap) face plate from the bottom.




Then pull straight out from the top.




Unplug the three multi-pin plugs from the lower section of the face plate.





Continued in next post . . .

[LandCruiserSteve]

DASH AND CONSOLE PANELS REMOVAL: Instructions w/ pics (continued)



Center console (upper/forward section):

Unscrew transfer case knob (and shift lever knob if necessary on a 6MT).




Pull up (unsnap) the upper console just forward of the console storage area.




Pull the entire upper console up and out.





Center console (lower/rearward section):

Remove the two 10mm bolts from the base of the console storage area.




Remove the two 10mm bolts from the sides of the lower console (about halfway up the console; one is hidden below the parking brake lever).




Carefully pull the entire lower console up and back, carefully maneuvering the lower console around the shift levers and parking brake lever.




NOTE: It may be necessary to lower/recline whichever fronts seats have the factory armrests installed on them for the rear of the console to clear during removal.






Shift lever cover piece:

This can be removed if you're "blacking out" your silver interior trim for painting.

There are small snap catches on both sides of the cover that need to be slightly bent out. The cover will simply lift off. (Shift knob removal is required.)





Switch panel module:

Remove the plastic snap retaining plugs from each side of forward console cover. (Down next the driver and passenger foot area.)

Use a pointed push device (an awl; tiny screwdriver) to slightly push through the center plastic pin to unlock the plug.




The retaining plug can now be peeled out.




Remove the 10mm bolt from each side of the switch panel face.




Grasp the base of the switch panel and gently pull outward.






After labeling each connector, unplug/disconnect each multi-pin plug from the rear of the switches as necessary.



Re-installing all of the above is simply the reverse procedure of the removal.



Continued in Post #34: Front door panels and driver side dash-top storage box.

[FJCamel]

I dont know if you want us to comment but a BIG THANKS because i already broke every clip i could

[DoWork]

that was an easy and clear write up, thanks! why were you taking everything apart? just to be a great guy?

[LandCruiserSteve]

FJCamel previously said:

I dont know if you want us to comment but a BIG THANKS because i already broke every clip i could

No comment necessary. I just wanted to show an easy way on how to "break into" the dash.

DoWork previously said:

that was an easy and clear write up, thanks! why were you taking everything apart? just to be a great guy?

My mods frequently take me behind the dash and console, so I thought I'd snap some pics while I was at it.

Anyway, you're welcome. And yes, I am a great guy.

[DominicG]

very cool!


thanks!

[mattmainster]

I needed that! Thanks!

[RomaBoy]

Helpfull write up with great pics, Thanks

[Shadow-Warrior]

Steve what a great Thread!...Thank you for such complete "How-To" instructions, but I would expect nothing lees from you buddy, great job!

[jeshua]

Very nice Steve. Only comment is I do believe on the passenger side vent cover you have a Phillips screw at the bottom that most be removed before cover can be removed. The drivers side is just clips and can be pulled out like you said.

But a to you.

LandCruiserSteve previously said:

...Side vent covers:

Lift and unsnap vent cover from the bottom.




Pull the top of the vent cover up and out.




....