Write-Up: Center Console Removal

Not sure if anyone else would get as anal about cleaning as I do but there was so much gunk spilled on and into this console I couldn’t see putting it back in without cleaning it. I’m pretty sure everyone has seen how to get the console out so I will just show how it comes apart.

There are two screws and two hook tabs holding the back of the console on, circled in RED. The screws are at the very bottom and the tabs are in the console about ¾ of the way up.


There are four screws holding the vent assembly in place.


All of the pieces out of the rear of the console.


The plastic segments around the shifter lever are held in by four screws and then are removable from the console trim piece. This was also full of … whatever, so it required cleaning also!


Shifter segments disassembled.


Don’t mess with these plastic tabs, they will break off, I hope it isn’t a problem since one of mine did!

how do you remove the shifter knob????????

There is a clip installed in the front side of the shifter knob about an inch from the bottom, you pry it out with a small screwdriver and the knob slides off

I've been waiting for this!!! Thanks!!!

good write up

Okay im seriously having some issues getting this sucker out. ive got the cd/ashtray panel out. and ive got the 2 nuts in the storage compartment out. i cannot figure out what else is holding this one. After all ive done the most i can do is make it wiggle a little bit. What am i missing here? How is the front section held on?

im really needing to get this thing taken apart to clean it and see if i can fix the cup holder lid.

Have you read from the beginning of this thread.
What about the 4 screws mentioned earlier.???

i have read and re read this thread. and i did not remove 4 screws from the front i have search and search and i do not see any. where exactly are they located. The only screws i see behind this panel are the two that are holding in the ash tray.

I have put it back together from the point i was at because i am taking the car to get window tint tomorrow morning and dont want to have my interior in shambles when i take it, but i am still trying to figure out how to remove it so i can do it tomorrow afternoon. give me 15 minutes and i can have pictures of where i am stuck at.

I've never tried to remove mine.
Maybe someone who has will chime in and help out.
Or try emailing or PM Randall (99Rivman) he has removed several and is the original one who posted here I think.

krazyfish wrote:

Okay im seriously having some issues getting this sucker out. ive got the cd/ashtray panel out. and ive got the 2 nuts in the storage compartment out. i cannot figure out what else is holding this one. After all ive done the most i can do is make it wiggle a little bit. What am i missing here? How is the front section held on?

im really needing to get this thing taken apart to clean it and see if i can fix the cup holder lid.

When I posted the pictures it was more about taking it apart than removal, I'll see if I can look today and get more info posted later ...

I guess I should have started this from the beginning?

I have figured out a little different way to do this so I figured I would start it from the first thing that needs to be removed.
Aaron if you want to adjust/move these posts, feel free.
With these additional items there should be NO questions about removing and disassembling the console of our Rivieras … well I hope anyway?

I will start by editing this post and go from here …

The Service Manual reads as follows:

This would be the first step:

Awesome this helps alot. looking at the diagram it states to remove the shifter trim plate. how do i remove this.

The best i can tell is that the 4 screws on the trim under the armrest are attached to the same panel so those have to come out. but what about the rest of the shifter trim plate? is it just clipped in or are there more hidden screws?

With it in the way there are 2 screws i cannot remove.

Thanks abunch for the info you have already given!

Next item to remove:

Then remove this:

Then back to the original post:
Console (Buick)
Figure 44
Remove or Disconnect
1. Shifter trim plate, refer to procedure in this section.
2. Nuts (3), bolts (2).
3. Electrical connectors from console.
4. Console (5).

Install or Connect
1. Console (5) to vehicle.
2. Electrical connectors to console.
3. Nuts (3), bolts (2).
4. Shifter trim plate.

Pictured below:
There are 4 bolts (2) in red, 2 going into the front of the console, and 2 going into the bottom, near the shifter.

There are 2 nuts (3) in green, under the access cover near the rear of the console.



Hope this helps.

thanks alot! i believe i shouldnt have any trouble doing this tomorrow. i really appreciate the help.

Anyone know how to remove the piece of wood trim that surrounds the gear shifter? and also how to remove the whole center console piece?

The wood trim itsself is glued to a metal plate which is secured to the top of the center consol with pushnuts. You have to remove the top piece of the center consol which is pretty easy, then remove the pushnuts un the bottom.

Randall, thanks for all of the diagrams and info, this was really helpful!

For all reading this write-up, also reference Jack the R's write-up for wood dash install here:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/interior-f20/write-up-bd-trims-wood-dash-kit-install-t1341.htm

ok i seriously cannot find the clip to take the shifter knob off can anyone help me or put some pics on of where it is real pics instead of a diagram

As I recall, it's on the front side of lower handle grip, the side that faces your dash. May need a needle nose pliers to pull it? Pull your shifter all the way back and you should be able to get a good look at it.

98buickriv wrote:

ok i seriously cannot find the clip to take the shifter knob off can anyone help me or put some pics on of where it is real pics instead of a diagram

Slight delay but ... as requested:





I use a pocket screw driver to get the clip loose from the shifter knob, something very small because it is usually into the leather wrap pretty tight, then I use some plyers to finish the removal.

Hope this helps

ohh thanx for the pics Randall,i myself knew where the goddamn clip is but never looked to see for myself now i know the exact location.Thanks.

I am trying to take the console out but I am having some screw problems. They keep turning but not rising. they just spin in place. Anyone have this problem? How do you get a screw out that won't rise!?

charlieRobinson wrote:

I am trying to take the console out but I am having some screw problems. They keep turning but not rising. they just spin in place. Anyone have this problem? How do you get a screw out that won't rise!?

Try putting a magnet on the screwdriver. Try using pliers (needlenose maybe dep on screw) to grab it by the head and ease it out. Try a little wad of sticky-tak or strip-calk to stick to the screw head and pull it out. Try pulling back on the screw while turning if it's just the case that the speednut the screw is in has stripped from its mounting.