'96 Explorer - centre console removal

[Puphappy]

Problem with the seat belt - driver's side. It won't firmly attach and comes loose. In order to get to the bolt which secures the 'female' end of the seat belt coupling, I have to remove the centre console. Question is....how to remove the centre console, and does the bolt which anchores the female end of the seat belt require a 'special' tool ? It appears to be an easy job, but I'd really appreciate some advice from someone who's been there.

Thanks a million.

 

[MONMIX]

it is a trox bolt.
T-45 I think

 

[rizzjc]

If it is a full console, than I think it is the same as my '97. There are 4 hex-head screws. Two connect to the dash (after yanking the storage compartment out) and two are under the cupholders. After those 4 scews are out then the whole thing slides back. There is a big metal bracket that it clips to in the floor. Again, it just slides out, but I found that metal bracket to be a little rusted, so you gotta get some force on the consile, down low, and pull straight back.

 

['97 V8]

And dont be afraid that you will break it, becuase you wont. I had to yank on my console really hard before i could get it off. I flew back into the rear seat when it finally let go.

 

[rizzjc]

Just remember, pull low and straight back. Having any upward force only makes it harder.

 

[MONMIX]

take it from me
wear eye protection when pulling.

TRUST ME ON THIS !!!!!!!!!

 

[Blee1099]

take it from me
wear eye protection when pulling.

TRUST ME ON THIS !!!!!!!!!

Yeah those trox bits can be tricky

 

[Puphappy]

Wow...thanks a million

Very appreciative of all advice received.

 

[rizzjc]

So, did you get it out?!

 

[Puphappy]

I'm still waiting for the parts to arrive.....but while I'm here...is the storage compartment attached by bolts or screws ? You meant a torx bolt, yeah ?

 

[rizzjc]

Storage compartment just clips in. Pull from the top, and it will come out. Then the cupholders. This reveals all 4 screws (hex head) that you need to get to. The two on the bottom, under the cupholder, require a socket extension to get to.

 

[Puphappy]

Couldn't find the four screws at first, so ended up taking the whole thing apart, removing about 40 screws. Took out the liner and the c.d. holder of the armrest bin etc. Once this was all done, I found I just had to lift out the slots underneath the dash, found the first two screws, followed by pulling on the cupholder, and low and behold, there were the other two screws I needed to remove ! My mistake....I thought you meant the armrest bin when you said the storage compartment, but that didn't need to be taken apart. It was tough to get out, as you said, but with some controlled shaking and backward force, it finally let go. All this just to get to the seatbelt bolt ! Anyway, for any Canadians, I recommend using Find-A-Part (findapart.ca.) They had the used drivers door mirror and the seat belt coupling that I needed...cost $97 for both which included shipping...the parts arrived within 24 hours....and they looked practically new. Great people to deal with too.
Thanks again for the help....this is a great site !

 

[rizzjc]

I did the same thing as you the first time I took it out. Was hoping to save you the trouble. Now I can get it out in a couple minutes. When I put it back in today (replaced my O2 sensors) I am gonna try some spray grease on the metal clip at the back, so it will hopefully come out easier next time.

 

[tex1999]

Would any one know how to take the arm rest console out of a 60\40 bench? I can't find where the screws that hold inside insert in are.

 

[tex1999]

Sorry. My bad, I found it. I was over thinking somthing that was very simple.