Removing center console trim bezel, 2006 Chevy Equinox.
Getting Inside The Dashboard:

Removing The Center Console Bezel On A
2006 Chevy Equinox

Or Pontiac Torrent
 

In This Article:

The plastic trim around the radio and climate control is removed to gain access to components in the dash.

Related Articles:
Skill Level: 2 (Basic) Time Taken: About 15 Minutes

By Bruce W. Maki, Editor

Start:

Removing the center console bezel is necessary to replace the radio, the power window switches, or the climate control switches.

I had to remove the radio bezel trim as part of a larger project... tearing out the entire dashboard so I could replace a part inside the heating/cooling system ductwork.

Center console in 06 Equinox.

This is the center console bezel on the 2006 Chevy Equinox.

This part is held in place entirely with "snap clips".

I used an assortment of putty knives to remove this plastic part. I wrapped masking tape on some tools to prevent scratching the plastic.

I started at the top corner by pushing a thin (flexible) putty knife behind the bezel. I twisted the putty knife a bit until the gap widened. Then I inserted a rigid putty knife into the gap and pried on the underside of the bezel.

After getting one top corner pried away, I worked my way across the top.

 Using putty knives to pry up plastic trim bezel around radio, Chevy Equinox.

 

Using rigid putty knife to pry off plastic trim ring, 06 Chevy Equinox. Then I proceeded down each side. It was a bit tricky to release the snap clips near the bend in the bezel.

 

By the way... this rubber piece around the shifter can be removed at any time. Rubber mat around shifter.

 

Lifting up plastic trim bezel in center console, 2006 Chevy Equinox.

I saved the bottom for last. There is a wide plastic snap clip molded into the center of the bezel.

Then I lifted up the entire assembly.

 

I had to put the key in the ignition and move the gearshift to neutral so the bezel could be lifted up further. At this point I had not yet disconnected the car battery, because I wasn't sure if there was an electrical interlock between the key and the shifter. It turns out the interlock is a simple cable, so this step could be done with the battery disconnected.

When I was able to reach behind the bezel, I unplugged as many electrical connectors as I could.

 Moving gear shift to allow console bezel to be removed, Chevy Equinox.

 

Unplugging electrical connector in back of dash trim.

This connector in the center was the only one that I couldn't remove with my bare hands.

I pressed on the release tab (red arrow) with a small flat screwdriver.

 

Then I rotated this gray plastic lever about 90 degrees, and the connector just popped out of the socket.

Move lever to unplug wiring on dash, GM.

 

Back view of center console trim bezel ring, 2006 Chevy Equinox.

Back view of bezel. The top of the bezel is on the right.

At this point any of the switch modules could be removed and replaced.

 

Bezel Refinishing:

When I was shopping for a late-model used car about 6 months ago, I looked at a 2005 or 2006 Equinox that had low miles, but the center console bezel was badly scratched around the window switches and the radio dial. I knew I could repaint the bezel, but I wasn't sure how easy it would be to remove it. I now realize that most of the switches could be removed from the back by unscrewing them, and the bezel could be repainted. An auto body shop could match the paint perfectly, or it could be done with just a can of spray paint.

 

 

The lower part of the center console after the bezel has been removed.

The arrows point to the snap locations.

The bottom arrow points to a different type of snap connector on the small cover panel at the rear end of the center console.

Snap locations on center console, 06 Equinox.

 

Snap Locations, center console.

 The upper part of the center console, showing snap locations.

 

More Info:

Tools Used:

  • Basic Mechanic's Tools
  • Narrow Putty Knives, Assorted

Materials Used:

  • Masking Tape

Related Articles:

 

 

 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 

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© Copyright 2010 Maki Media Group LLC

Written April 21, 2010