2016 Center Console removal

I hope someone on here can assist me before I do something rash to this POS.

I am removing the center console and cannot get past the point of disconnecting the power outlet supply wire from the console so I can remove it. The actual outlet is easy enough to unplug, however the supply wires are connected to a plastic bracket attached to the console and this I cannot get removed. I can barely reach the wires because there is only a few inches of space to get my arm under the console before the outlet supply wires are taught and will not allow the console to raise anymore. I apparently need an Ant Man suit so I can shrink down to walk under the console to remove this stinking wire. THIS wire is all that is preventing the console from being removed. As my truck is in pieces right now I'm hoping someone reads this soon and can provide me an answer pretty quickly so I can use my truck. I was going to break the bracket holding the wires, since in my opinion it is not needed, but it wouldn't break, it would bend as far as I was able to twist it.

 

I hate ripping up consoles the first time.
Look for pins. And try looking for a different way to reach it with your arms.

Worst case find someone with long slender arms to help you.

 

Long, skinny arms would definitely help. Having semi-Popeye forearms definitely makes this tough. I finally started twisting the tab, holding the wires on, with the intention of breaking it, but it popped out. Go figure. Got the shift knob boot removed . . . finally. So I'm done for a while.

 

Just curious why you're taking it apart?

 

I took the console out to install a custom shift knob I had made for my previous two Tacos. That, and I am not a fan, at all, of the shifter boot. I knew before purchasing this 2016 Taco that the shifter boot would be one of the first things to go.
I will make a cover for the shifter area so the console innards below the shifter can't be seen. Most likely it will be a plastic template covered with black felt cloth.

 

Looks great.

 

It'll look 100% better when I get the shifter channel covered up.

 

I'm hoping someone makes bigger cup holders for the 2 cup holder locations near the Qi charger (which doesn't work that great, btw).
Then I'll be tearing up my center console like you.

 

Good luck on whatever you decide to do to your console. I could write several pages in a pamphlet on the poor redesign of the console (placement of a hand-engagement emergency brake handle; reduction in size of the interior of the console; console lid that opens back instead of toward the passenger side, making access much more difficult for the driver). I'm still scratching my head over the purpose of the Qi charger. I simply use that space like I did in my '15 Taco, as a storage space.

 

Well that is there to charge your Qi of course, because it won't charge a phone with a cover on it!

I am thinking of putting a small toaster in that spot instead. Then I could have a HOT PopTart on a chilly morning on the way to work!

 

I agree with everything you said. They probably did it on purpose so they could update it in a couple/few years and get existing owners to trade up.
TBS, no car will be perfect and I love my truck despite some shortcomings.

 

THAT, is an excellent idea! I LOVE hot PopTarts.

 

Looking to change the shift knob on my 3rd gen does it just unscrew? Thanks

 

Apparently. Mine seems to be coming off all by itself without being asked .



That being said, I do kind of like the TRD Pro one, if I could get it with the trim in red. It looks a bit on the orange/inferno side here.

 

Wow the whole thing is loose. Thought the second gens just unscrewed for an aftermarket. Figured the 3rd gen would be the same. Probably a dumb question but I don't know

 

Bumping this up for two reasons. 1 I'm still having trouble removing my center console. I get the screws out of the storage cubby but that's as far as I can figure. 2 where would one get that shifter from a pro? Can I order that from the dealership? That looks bad ass

 

Anyone? Could really use the help. Stuck and I don't wanna break the thing trying to get it out.

 

Here's how I removed it...maybe it will help?

 

I'm about to order this TRD pro shift knobby for my 16 TRD off-road, what needs to be removed to install it? Please don't say the whole console lol

 

I've heard it's an easy switch. Just need to unclasp the boot and twist off the old one, twist on the new one and you're done.