How to Remove the Center Console of a 2002 Toyota Avalon
by Richard Ristow
In a 2002 Toyota Avalon, the center console is located between the driver and navigator seats. It is more than just the spare change compartment, but also involves the trim around the transmission shifter. Sometimes, this console needs to be removed in order to conduct other repairs and maintenance tasks. It is also important that you disable the SRS air bag system before starting. This is a precaution against accidentally triggering the system.
Step 1
Ensure that the two front wheels are pointing straight ahead. Remove the key from the Avalon's ignition and engage the parking brake. Open the engine compartment and disconnect the cable from the negative terminal on the battery. Wait at least two minutes for residual power within the Avalon to run out. This will disable the air bags.
Step 2
Pry off the small strip at the back of the shifting panel. This will be close to where the console compartment begins. Beneath this strip are two screws. Remove them, using either a trim tool or a flathead screwdriver wrapped in tape. A "naked" screwdriver might accidentally scratch the panels.
Step 3
Pry up the upper trim panels around the the transmission shifter. If the Avalon has a stick shift, you will first need to pull the knob off the stick.
Step 4
Remove everything from the console box. There is a covering at the bottom of the box. Remove this and the two screws beneath it.
Step 5
Remove the remaining screws on front and back sections of the console box.
Step 6
Lift the console box up. Disconnect any electrical connections you find. The center console as a whole can now be removed from the Avalon.
References
- "Chilton's Toyota Camry 2002-06 Repair Manual"; Jay Storer; Haynes Publishing Group; 2007
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Trim tool
Writer Bio
Richard Ristow has written for journals, newspapers and websites since 2002. His work has appeared in "2009 Nebula Showcase" and elsewhere. He is a winner of the Science Fiction Poetry Association's Rhysling Award and he edits poetry for Belfire Press. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and has managed an automotive department at WalMart.
