How to remove the center console to run wire?

My next project is to put LED lighting in the "dark as a hole" center console! But to run wire, I need to get the top of the console off. My 2nd gen Tacoma was pretty easy to figure out, but this one is not so obvious.

Anyone have a technical manual drawing of the way it is held together? I don't want to snap off any attachment barbs or clips in error.

Thanks!

Rob

 

What about the power outlet already in the console?

G.

 

Great idea, and I want to splice into that switched 12V wire, but I want to get into that area to splice into the wire.

The LED light I bought is a thru-hole mount step light (for boats) I found at Western Marine. Beautiful stainless steel mounting hardware.

So, how to pop the console open?

 

Also interested in info on disassembly of 2016 center console. I plan on mounting the small power box for a Cobra CB beneath the console and splicing into 12v power outlet.

 

Apparently a deep DARK secret!

 

i am just trying to figure out how to get the lid off.....no luck..

 

I'm interested also

 

I had mine out a few weeks ago... If I remember right, there are 10mm bolts in the storage bin. Have the truck in Drive to allow clearance when lifting the console up and out. On the gear shifter, push down on the chrome ring. This will allow you to twist off the shift knob. Pull the leather trim over the emergency brake handle. There might be other Phillips screws to remove, I can't remember. As you pull the console up, you'll have to unplug the wires for the cigarette lighter in the storage bin and the connection for the lights on the shifter. I hope this helps.

 

Is there a dc-ac power inverter in all the trucks, and just not wired up in the SR5?

BTW, how was re-assembly? That's always my weakness. I can teardown but putting things back together is always a nightmare for some reason.

 

I am not sure about the inverter.

Reassembly is easier and not as scary as disassembly. I had my entire interior out and was able to reassemble it without any missing (or extra) screws and fasteners.

 

Heh, you are much braver than me. I don't think I'd do a disassemble like that on a new car... I'd be worried about new squeaks and rattles. Although, I guess if you take your time and are methodical it probably doesn't matter.

 

To me I was worth the Dynamat install.

 

Did the console out as one piece or did you have to remove trim from the top of the console to get to any hidden bolts/screws?

 

It came out in one piece. I believe the two pieces are held together by screws on the underside. I did not separate them. It's really not hard to remove and reinstall. The trickiest parts are putting the shifter in Drive or a lower gear to allow the unit to clear the shaft. And reaching under the storage bin to unplug the two cigarette lighter wires.

 

Thanks Doug! That's what I needed. So, just to be clear, after you removed the 2-10mm bolts in the storage bin, you then lifted the entire console up, kinda hinging it from the front (by the Qi charger) and that's all one piece? Are there a bunch of those friction clips that you pull apart from the floor as you lift it?

 

Yes as far as I remember. Remember to push the chrome ring below the shift knob down, then twist the knob off. Then push the emergency brake handle boot past the handle and you should be good.

 

WOW! What were you doing???

NM, finished reading..... Did you notice a difference with the Dynamat?

 

Finished my project. Thanks Doug! Yup, you remembered correctly, just remove the 2 bolts from the floor of the storage console and pull up! Pretty uneventful. I ended up wiring my console light up in parallel with the cigarette lighter wires. When the car is powered up, the light comes on.

 

Wow, that's awesome. This is what I want to do eventually this summer. I'm a little nervous to take it apart to this degree. Are you noticing a big difference in sound with the dynamat?

 

Huge difference with the doors and roof. It no longer sounds like rain on a tin roof when it's raining. The truck is extremely quiet now except for the road and wind noise coming through the two cab vents on the rear wall. I will be covering the about 90% of the vents.