I have read all of the threads in the FAQ about the removal of the center console -- also viewed all of the pictures included therewith. I still need some help in getting the thing off to eliminate the constant creaking sound that comes from knees being placed on the side of the center console. I have sat in 6 or 7 05 C6s and mine creaks worse than any others -- something must be loose or poorly fitted bewteen the rack mount for the NAV and the console trim piece. This is a huge annoyance and the only thing I dislike about my ride. I have a lot of lateral movement at the ash tray level in the console and that movement allows the creak to sing constantly to me.

BTW, I have tried one solution offered in a recent thread on the CF which involved spraying some WD40 behind the trim using a straw. I used some tuner / contact lube spray instead of WD40 as I didn't want the residual film problem -- no matter, as it didn't help at all and I am back to getting the console off.

Can anyone give me any pointers or tips on how to unplug the electrical pin connections? Not wanting to break the first one which is located under the removalable panel in front of the console lid, I gave up after 10 minutes of screwing around with it. Is there a GM tool to insert in the darn pin connectors or a special technique to get the things apart without damaging them?

What is the secret to this?

 

I have some pics at home so I can't access them now, but if you don't get an answer I'll try to illustrate it tonight.

Most of the plugs are of one of 2 types: (1) one type has a piece you push w/your thumb while pulling the two connectors apart; (2) one has a tab you push in w/a screwdriver while pulling apart. This latter type is used on the power receptacle inside the console and possibly on the cig lighter as well. On my car, when I started to lift the console out, I could not see the tab that had to be pushed b/c when the interior was assembled someone asleep at the factory had rotated the power receptacle so that the tab was pointing directly upward toward the underside of the console trim piece, so I couldn't see or reach that stinking tab. I had to take pliers and gently rotate the cylindrical receptacle about 1/4 turn, which then faced the tab to the side so I could push it in and then pull the plug away from the back of the receptacle.

 

By the way, my memory is fading (), but there might be a 3rd type like there was in the c5. This one also has a retainer and a tab that fits over it, and you have to gently lift the tab and at the same time pull the male & female apart so that the retainer slips away from under the tab.

Here's a pic of what I'm trying to describe, borrowed from forum vendor Vette Essentials .

 

I'm looking for the same information (and for the same reason). I haven't a clue where to even begin disassembling the console. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

Here is a link that someone posted a while ago with step by step pics on how to remove the console.

http://peachstateposse.com/ipw-web/gallery/album164

 

I've had mine off twice. It is a bit annoying as all the connectors seem to have a different release mechanism. I always just start from the rearward side unplugging the easiest ones so that I can lift up the console enough to see under there. The key to getting the connectors off is getting enough room so you can see how they release. A few can be popped off just by touch but at least a couple of them really require you looking at them to see how they release and at least one requires you to pull up on the tab with a screwdriver.

While you are in there, you might want to check the positioning of the foam insert. There's a pretty heavy duty shaped foam insert that goes around the shifter part of the console. If that has slipped to the side, that might be where it is loose. Also check all the snap connectors to make sure they still have their metal expanding "claws" on them. Those things fall off easy.



Mike

 

this pic is key

http://peachstateposse.com/ipw-web/g...um164/DSCF0056

if you don't take that piece off you will struggle until the cows-come-home to get that console off. Once you remove that piece the console will just pop right off, then you can undo the electrical.

 

Just for your info. I just installed a B&M shifter and while the instructions said to remove the console completely by lastly disconnecting the electrical connections, I just left everything connected and was able to move it far enough out of the way with them connected to get the job done. You should be able to do the same thing. You may find some of the attachment bolts missing or loose. The passenger side strip molding is secured to the console by two bolts and they were completely missing. The rubber boot over the shifter was completely torn and I replaced it.

You might check this out:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1076419

 

Which piece are you referring to: the red side piece? I've actually removed the center console with and without that side piece on. I didn't find it any more difficult to do with the side piece still on (as long as you remove the screws under the hand brake boot).

YMMV,



Mike

 

This is great info. Many thanks to all who posted.

One other question - once I get the thing opened up, does anyone have any tips on what to do to stop the creaking?

Thanks again.

 

yeah, i was referring to the red pice in that pic. as you mentioned, you need to take that screw out. the trim will then come off as well. IMO, it's easier to take hold of the console without that piece in place.