Gs300 Mk2 Console Light

[JCC]

The light under the gear shift panel only works sometimes. If I give the panel a bang it comes on. It must be a bad lamp or a faulty connection. But how do I get to it? It looks like the shift gate panel is a separate moulding and so can be removed, but there are no visible fixings. Has anyone tried removing this or the section of the centre console?

[Kelraine]

..it could be either - I'd replace the bulb just to be sure..

You need to remove the gearshift panel - to do this (from memory), you need to remove the ashtray (it just needs a firm pull back towards you) and remove the two bolts on the edges either side of the gap. A magnetic screwdriver will help here - you really don't want to drop them...

When you have done this, you need to lever up the back of the panel (where it butts up against the centre console) - use a wide flat-bladed screwdriver with tape over the blade or similar. the back edge is held in with clips, so it should just pop up.

Then, slide the whole assembly back - observing how it fits so you can replace it!

Good luck.

[Einstein]

Looks like you remove the centre console, and the bulb is in the side of the shift lever control..

quite a lot of work, for such a little bulb.. :(

John

[Kelraine]

actually, I've just checked my car, I was wrong about having to remove the bolts (you need to do that if you want to remove the side trim).

What you actually need to do is:

- Make sure the footbrake is applied (!)

- Move the gear-lever all the way back (use the shift-lock button - it does have a use after all!)

- Open the ash-tray, grap the edge of the ash-tray surround just above the ashtray and pull, the whole unit should come free.

- Close the ashtray and then remove the unit - HINT: make sure you don't put it down ash it has sharp bits that will scratch your centre console..

- Remove the wiring harness from the back of the ashtray and remove the tray.

You will see that the back of the gear-shift panel locks in with two lugs just under the gap where the ashtray fits in.

Now, open the centre console and lever up the back of the gear-shift panel (where it touches the centre console) as mentioned in the previous post - and then slide the assembly backwards.

[shake]

mine dont work at all....

when i feel more brave i might give this an attempt.

thanks

[Mike_B]

I pulled out the whole radio and ventilation assembly in my Mk II to fit a Bluetooth car kit. It's actually very easy to pull stuff in and out of the dash, and it all fits nicely because it's made so well. Don't be scared of it, just take your time and it's easy.

[JCC]

Thanks. I will give it a try this weekend.