I'm up against a wall! I can't figure out how to get off the overhead console without breaking the clips. I've looked all over the net for a diagram to see exactly where the clips are and proper removal without breaking it or cutting into the headliner.

I am so frustrated!

This site appears to be very helpful and hopeful
Does anyone know a really good step-by-step on this (pictures help)?

- JoeGuy

 

it makes a awful noise when you pull t off. heres a write up for clearence lights but it shows you how to remove it.
Motoman's Madness

 

Thanks, I'll give it a try. I've taken one off in a vehicle that was being total out and it broke, but I was pulling from the back of it and not from the windshield end.

-JoeGuy

 

Hi JoeGuy!
Yup, just pull it straight down, starting at the rear. Do you have a console that has gone out?

 

Thanks for replying! The console is out - nothing lights up other than the buttons (nothing in display).

I tried pulling from the rear and straight down on another one that was going to be junked out and the tabs that lock it in place broke - not useable anymore. The plan was to use the board under that one on the one I have now. I am not too comfortable about pulling this one off. I've also heard to pull from the front - don't know.

What about a tool??

I think if I knew where the clips were (like a diagram), I'd feel more comfortable about doing it.

Any other ideas or suggestions?

 

You are welcome. There is an easy fix for the console, will run you about $5 in resistors and is all but guaranteed to get yours working again. Mine was deader than four o'Clock, this pic was after I fixed it.



All you will need are a pack of 1/4 watt 62 ohm resistors and a pack of 1/4 watt 68 ohm resistors. The 62s you can get at Radio Shack, the 68s you will need to get from a specialty electronic dealer such as Shield's Electronics, if you have one there. Your console went out because the heat along with the very poorly soldered resistor chips caused the chips to "melt" off the circuit board. Simply find the lose ones and replace them. The ones marked 620 are 62 ohms, 680s are 68 ohms. Badda boom, badda bing! $5 fix and it will stay fixed!

As for the removal, the clips are located on either of the four corners, I believe. It has been a while since I had done mine, but they are very durable spring clips, you should be fine as long as you don't go all crazy. You can use an upholstery tool to remove it, but I would not. Just using your fingers is the safest route. Stick your fingers in there between the pod and the headliner and pull downward. If you need me to, I can take mine off and snap a pic tomorrow.

 

I can actually add something now! Since there wasn't anyway my fingers were going to fix mine, I sent it to the Florida people to get fixed. 29.00 + shipping, a little more than a week turnaround (weekend in the middle). Works great and very nice to deal with.
Correct me if I am wrong, Ford Truck Parts - Full Warranty On All Ford Truck Parts . They are in Ft Lauderdale.
Looks like they soldered new resistors in.

 

I will do the OP one better. If he can send it to me, I will fix it for free, just pay the cost of the materials and return shipping. I have been meaning to do a writeup for the fellars here on the forums, just was not thinking and did not take pics when I did it to my truck.

 

thats awfully nice of you.

 

Glad to help out. It's really a pretty easy task, anyway... and I know a lot of people are wary or soldering.