...the entire center console on my '86 300E. I need to get at the wiring underneath. I've removed the horizontal wooden part that covers the shifter, but I need to remove the main plastic part of the console over the tunnel, as well as the climate control and switch panel. Not quite sure how to go about that. Is it detailed anywhere in the Service CD? If so, under what heading? (I have a hell of a time finding my way around that thing, especially for the smaller jobs)

Thanks for any help

Gary

Gary:

It's in there, but not all in one place.

If you've got the shifter cover off, next you need to remove ash tray (pull tray, remove the two screws in the bottom, unplug lighter wire and remove bulb holder), then unhook the radio (two hidden clips you pry down at the bottom corners, radio slides out, unplug everything), then the climate control (two screws under the lower edge of the wood, hinge wood up and remove, four screws holding pushbutton unit to console, slide out and remove the two large cables). Pull the rear window defroster switch out of the bar of switchs, then CAREFULLY pry the whole bar to the right and back to get it off the metal prong. Take care here, it's easy to break. Goes back, then to the left to unhood the other side.

Unscrew the two screws holding the window switch block and use a screwdriver to release the clips. Leave the block free in the console.

Remove the screw at the rear of the console between the front seats and the two 13mm nuts at the top corner. Unclip the carpet tunnel covers about level with the radio and next to the window switch block and the console will lift at the rear and tilt down at the front to release from the studs at the dash. Have a care not to tear the "ears" on the tunnel covers.

With the radio and ACC out, you can reach most of the wiring, so may not need to remove more.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!