Shift gate light

[rjpeters98]

Gilly, thanks for the tip. My console is already cracked (in a few places) so not too much to lose. I'll order the tools and give it a try. BTW is it the same tool(s) for both the climate control unit and the radio?

[Gilly]

Yes, same tool. When you get them, just ask here how to use them if you can't figure it out. The keys slip into the slots on the lower corners of both the radio and climate control panel, you can see them, and probably have wondered what they're for.
I believe that fastlane (button on top of this screen) also sells them, and the sales here helps support this site. (sponsor message over now). One set (pair) of keys is enough, you take one component out, then remove them and remove the other. They aren't needed to reinstall, just remove.
Gilly

[rjpeters98]

Gilly,
Thanks again. I'll order them tomorrow AM. Yes, your right... I have wondered about those slots....I figured they had something to do with removing these units, but nothing I tried worked. If I have any problem I'll repost. Thanks.

Bob

[rjpeters98]

Gilly,
I got the radio keys. I've tried them in the radio slots, but can not get them to release the radio...is there some trick in using them? The climate control unit slots are not on the front, but on the bottom edge of the unit. The tool will not even fit into these slots. Any ideas? Thanks.

Bob

[Gilly]

Yes, there is a minor trick. You will notice that the keys are identical. One side says left, the other side of the key says right.
Take one of the keys, doesn't matter which, hold it so "right" is on top, insert it into the right side slot (of whichever you want to remove, this works the same for both), the key should slip into the slot and actaully lock into place. Take the other key so it says "left" on top, insert that into the other slot. They should both be locked in, you can then pull out on the keys to remove the radio (or climate control). After you get the unit removed and disconnect the wires, you can push in on the spring-loaded locking tab on the side and with the tab pushed in, you will be able to remove the key, then do the remaining device. When reinstalling the device, with the keys removed you simply push the device into the dash and the clips will automatically latch into the dash.
Gilly

[rjpeters98]

That did it! Thanks Gilly.

Bob

[sublettd]

Gilly,

Just to update you on the shift gate light problem with my SL. Turned out to be a bad (broken???) ground wire. Soldered another wire onto the contact and ran it through the right side of the console to a bolt in the chassis. Darn near impossible to get a wire through that console and out behind the dash!!!

Cigar lighter was just not making good contact.

Looks like we're in business. Now, I just wonder whether that squeal when the A/C cycled on was a belt or the compressor. With my luck it will be the compressor. ha!

Thanks again,