So I am trying to install my brand new DICE ipod system. The rest of the screws are no problem, but the darn switch cluster will not pop out! I have tried everything. Tried a flat screwdriver but there is no gap to wedge it in. Tried some thin tweezers to get under there and its a no go. I even tried my fingernail and could not wedge the sucker.

I can wiggle it back and forth a little but nothing can be wedged under so I can pop it out. Is there a trick to do it? Am I SOL? I cant get at that final screw so I can slide everything forward and take the radio out.

I thought maybe I could press up on it through that narrow little gap when I remove the area around the shifter, but since I have no clue what is under there I didnt try.

Basically I do not want to break my car or those buttons. I could care less about ever being able to use my window controls again but that magical little cluster is home to my much loved and treasured butt warmer controls (aka heated seats).

Thanks a bunch in advance. I was so proud of myself for getting as far as I did and this simple little task stopping me is driving me crazy!

 

you need a service manual.
Pm me I may beable to scan the pages you need and send them to you.
ill need your Email adress

 

Do you mean the toggle switches? On my car, any of the center stack modules (radio, a/c-heater controls, toggle switches) becomes completely loose once you take off the torx screws that fasten the module to the columns. Maybe the switch unit is caught on the a/c-heater controls. The switch unit is on the bottom so you can also reach underneath and pull it from its rear.

Try pulling the radio out first (you'd have to do it later anyway). With the radio out, you can probably manage to install DICE without removing the switch unit.

 

I managed to remove all other parts, the torx screws, the ones in the drink holders, and managed to remove the part around the shifter. The part that is stuck is the little switch cluster that houses my mirror and heated seat controls, which is by the handbrake. It just wont budge and there is a screw in there I need so I can slide the thing forward and get at the radio easily.

Once I get at that screw the entire piece should slide forward a bit so I can easily get to everything. I thought of taking the radio out but it looks to be a tight fit. I am going to try that again tonight. Has anyone managed to get the radio out with just removing the torx screws and columns.

The directions say the top of that cluster should pop off but I just cant get it loose enough or wedge anything under it. :(

Edit: Nope, not the toggle switches. Its the seat heater/mirror control cluster between the shifter and the handbrake and it will not budge no matter what i try!

 

Okay, I misunderstood what you meant by switch cluster.

Your signature says you have an 06. You don't need to deal with the floor console at all. Remove the screws for the columns, then pull the columns down. The bottoms of the columns won't come out but the tops do. The tops can be spread out to expose the screws for the radio. I might be able to find a photo that might help.

 

I thought I might be able to get the radio out without it but not only did my DICE kit come with the wrong directions (trunk version), the directions I did receive (pdf form) showed me ripping the car apart. I did not want to test it and break something. Seemed like it would be a close fit with the radio but possible and I was going to try that tonight.

Any clue what screw driver you need to remove the radio? Either I am going at it with the wrong screw driver or there is something wrong with one of the screws. Better safe than sorry at this point right?

 

The screws for the radio are Torx. I don't remember what size but maybe T20.

Here's a description and photo of what I was talking about: http://www.gbmini.net/wp/2006/01/06_mini_downtubes/

 

Haha they are torx screws huh? :: facepalm :: I have a torx kit so all is good there. Thats what you get for trying to do this at 10pm when you are already frustrated, logic goes out the window.

My car has that piece under the wheel that needs to be pulled down first so the columns dont come as far to the side as those pictures but I think I can make it work.

Thanks so much for your help! I will try this tonight and if it doesnt work ill be back here begging for tips on how to pop out that stupid cluster haha.

 

What I found, is that once I removed the shifter I could slip my hand under the back edge and get it out. What I did was feel for the clips and gently push them (there shouldn't be much resistance) and when doing this kind of push upwards. The whole console came right up.

I have an '06 like yours so be aware of how the 4 clips are positioned and also that they have only a little bit of slack in the harness for them. Earlier years might be longer, but I know ours are not.

Note: the shifter boot does not have to be completely removed. Just get the ring to pop loose and pull it up, with the shift boot attached, so it is out of the way. Be care with the ring so that the inner ring that holds the boot doesn't release. Then it is a little more work to get it to line up right. Not too bad but just adds un-needed time.