How-To Remove the Center Console
By Sigma
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
Reason: The center console houses the head unit of the Mazda 6, along with the climate control system. Repairing or replacing any of these components first requires removal of the console. Removing the console is also required to replace the top compartment space with an aftermarket part, such as a triple gauge pod.[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Note: This article combines both a video and photographic How-To. Make sure to view the videos before attempting particular sections. (Right click the hyperlink and save as to your desktop)[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
Required Tools:[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Phillips Screwdriver
10 mm Socket
Rachet Wrench with 6-inch Extension
Needle Nose Pliers[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]We begin with everything in place, looking like this. If you have an automatic the removal of the center console should be very similar. If you have seat heaters, make sure they're in the off position. Also, you're parking brake must be fully set. [/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Start by removing the shift knob. Simply twist it off counter-clockwise. Now comes the part that can be a little difficult the first time you do this. We need to remove the cupholder so we can remove the area around the shifter.
Sit in the passenger seat and grasp the side of the cupholder with
both hands (I've never been able to do it with just one) by inserting your fingers behind the door. Your thumbs should be on the outside of the cupholder
but still on the part that we're removing. Push in with your thumbs and lift up on the inside with your fingers. [/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
Video: [/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Removing the Cupholder[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The passenger side of the cupholder should be free. The clips on the driver side should just lift free, but you might need to do the same maneuver on that side.
The cup holder is attached to the shift-gate area by two clips. They may or may not come free when you remove the cupholder. If they do not, the part of the clip you need to press to free it, is the side facing towards the engine. Pressing with one hand while lifting the cupholder will allow it to come free. [/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Here's another video of the entire removal of the cupholder. As you can see from the video, my cupholder always sticks to the shifter piece on the passenger side.[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
Video: [/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Removing the Cupholder Part II[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The piece around the shifter lifts off fairly easily. There are two wires connected to the back of the ashtray/lighter. The one leading to a small bulb can be removed with a pair of pliers. It will take a bit of force to remove. The other is the usualy automotive plug that is held into place with a difficult to press clip. [/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Immediately behind where the ashtray was there are 2 screws holding the console into place. Remove those. Now we need to move on to the glove box. It needs to be removed because there's a single screw behind the console that we need to remove. [/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Open the Glove Box and remove the contents. On the left side there is a piece of string connected to a clip. Simply remove the string from the clip. Press in the sides of the glove box and it should fall down. It will hang low, which is good enough for our purposes. If you look inside the glove box and to the left, you will see the radio components. A single brass screw should be very obvious. [/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
[/font]
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The screw is 10mm and you'll need a ratchet with a 6-inch extension on it similar to this one.
[font=verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Once you get that removed we get to move on to the fun part -- removing the entire Radio/HVAC assembly. This is very easy, but probably not for the faint of heart. Just to forewarn you, it will take some force and make some loud popping sounds when you do it. But I can't think of any way you could possibly break anything, so there's no need to worry.
Before you move on,
cover the bare shifter rod. I'd recommend something relatively thick and soft. An old towel is ideal. Be forewarned, that the linkages are covered in a lubricant and it may get on your towel, so don't use one of your wife's good ones.
Alright, after covering the shifter, grasp the area right beneath the 2 screws you removed earlier. Give a good pull on that, directing as much force
out, rather than up, as possible. It should give about 1/4 inch, which then allows you to slip your fingers under it and get a much better grip. Another pull or two and the bottom two clips should pop free. A little pull down and out should pop the top 2 clips free.
-courtesy of 6tech
[/font][/font]
