HOW-TO: Remove B5.5 Center Console

kernel-panic · May 20, 2006

Since I don't smoke, I use my ashtray for storage. Some things fell behind it, and I wanted to get them out. I couldn't find a good tutorial on how to do this, so I messed around and made my own.

1. From the back seat, open the rear ashtray and remove the two torx screws at the top of each side of the opening.

2. Pull the back of the console off, and unhook the wiring harness.

3. Open the console lid, and remove the fuzzy tray inside. It simply lifts out.

4. The console sits on top of 3 bolts that hold it to the transmission hump. Remove the nuts on each bolt. Two of them should be accessed from the back seat while the third is accessible from above the open console. Do not remove the center nut in the photo below.

5. On each side of the console directly forward of each front seat, remove the small plastic covers and the screws behind each.

6. Pull the emergency brake about half way up, and disconnect the rear ashtray wiring harness from the inside of the console. Then, slide the rear portion of the console forward and up to remove it.

7. Put the shift lever in 4th, and lift the rear portion of the front console piece. Then, pull it slightly toward the back seat to dislodge it.

8. Flip the front console piece up toward the dash, and unhook the wiring harness for the lighter. The front console piece can now be removed.

Tom Parish · May 20, 2006

Nice post.:thumbup:

leadfoot · May 20, 2006

I guess you didn't mod the ashtray and make it bigger?

ayjay · May 21, 2006

I've just remembered why I store stuff on the floor. :lol:

jasonjasonnnn · May 21, 2006

very nice write up:thumbup: :thumbup:

scpassat03 · May 26, 2006

isn't there smoething you can replace the asktray in rear with? I thought I read something about it somewhere.

YetAnother20V · May 26, 2006

^^ Interested in this. My ashtray assembly broke (well actually a small clip for the spring did).

Do post if you find something.

mattryanmusic · Mar 9, 2008

Thank you, you just saved my a$$

sipes216 · Mar 9, 2008

infobase worthy. Deffinitely.
:thumbup:

Bencress · May 8, 2010

now i can finally fix the rear of my console!
great diy:thumbup:

yugo · May 8, 2010

Thank you.. already im my favourites bar..

nevaryzarc · May 8, 2010

If you are careful you can remove the front portion just by doing step 5, 7.

You have to get the lip around the back section.

jfoleydesigns · Aug 24, 2011

Front Console

@Nevaryzarc I know this is an old post but you got any tips on that? After taking out the bolts do you pry under the lip and pop up the front? I just need to get to my cigarette lighter wires. I don't want to break the console obviously but I also rather not go through all the steps just to get to these wires.
thanks

2001.5mine · Apr 13, 2012

i had to rescue some bucks that slipped behind the ashtray cover, and wanted to answer this older old post.

After taking out the 2 torx screws at the front (toward the gas pedal) and 2 bolt screws near the shift, you need to slowly and carefully slip your fingers under the plastic near the bolt area and it will eventually pop off the console lip. You can then slide the whole hunk toward the console, and discover what goodies fell below the ashtray, or get to the cigarette lighter wires. It probably took me longer than a pro, just due to the fear-of-breaking-something factor.

jfoleydesigns said:
If you are careful you can remove the front portion just by doing step 5, 7.

You have to get the lip around the back section.

I know this is an old post but you got any tips on that? After taking out the bolts do you pry under the lip and pop up the front? I just need to get to my cigarette lighter wires. I don't want to break the console obviously but I also rather not go through all the steps just to get to these wires.
thanks

deveouzmindz · Aug 24, 2011

thanks for the write up man. great work.

rigger · Jan 14, 2013

Just wanted to say thanks to ALL! Saving many $$ and my butt again.

stickshift02 · Mar 31, 2013

My console has a few stains and the rubber coating is coming off so I need to take it off. The steps you give are clear but I can't see your photos. Could you send me the photos by chance? I know the post is old but I gotta do something.

2002GLXV6 · Mar 31, 2013

I see you have a 5 speed but this one for an auto trans should give you what you need as far as pictures.

Trim removal and center console removal on a VW Passat TDI B5.5

twinturbopassat · Apr 25, 2013

Why cant i see the pictures???

JayTheSnork · Apr 26, 2013

because there were never pix with this one. the OP is pretty descriptive - print this and go out to your car, and you'll see.

HOW-TO: Remove B5.5 Center Console

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