HVAC Trim Panel

Trying to take out the HVAC control panel to fix it, but I can't get the trim panel off. Somewhere between the trim panel and the console is/are screws, something, whatever holding the panel to the console. I'm almost to the point of getting my sawzall out, but I'd really like to put this back together correctly.

I can get the top of the trim panel loose from the dash, but not enough to get to the screws to remove the Control unit. I can't feel anything back there where the panel and the console come together. I was yanking hard enough on both pieces to separate tabs or snaps, it's got to be screwed together somewhere.:banghead: :eek7:

Lets see if I can help you. I did my HVAC digital unit and odometer this past summer. Do to displays not functioning. Plus I converted the factory lights to LED's. The panel your refering to that covers the HVAC is screwed together with the console towards the bottom front where they meet. But you will be unable to get to them. I suggest to just remove the whole console with that panel still attached. I will try to clearly give you instructions on how to do this. Just abit of advice don't rush and be patient. It can be a PITA process. But once done the first time, when needed the next it will be much easier.
1) To the rear of the console (front of car) below the dash, there will be 2(10mm) bolts.
they are on left and rightside screwed in horizontally. Remove those first.
2) Open the armrest cover to the cubby section of console. On the bottom of cubby there will be a rubber cover to remove. Below that cover are 2(10mm) bolts. Remove as well.
Btw disconnect the TRAC control unit, it will simply pop out.
3) Remove the cover panel that surrounds the shifter, this is the panel thats attached to the console. NOT THE TRIM BEZEL THAT SURROUNDS THE SHIFTER. Start on left or right side and pull up carefully. The trim bezel will be still attached once you remove that console panel. Once removed you will notice in between the area of the shifter and TRAC unit, there will be 2(10mm) bolts to unscrew as well.
In total you are unscrewing 6(10mm) bolts to free up the console with the HVAC panel still attached. Once free you should be able to slide the whole console backwards about 4-5 inches. This should give you access to the 4 screws that attach the HVAC unit to the dash frame. BTW you may need an extra hand when sliding the console. You will need someone to push down on the black shifter panel also put the shifter in low gear before you slide console. Hope I was clear with the instructions. If any other questions arise, just post a reply Iwill try to reply asap. Good Luck and Happy New Year.

Thanks SB1. I was hoping there was an easier way, I didn't want to take the entire console loose. I'll be re-soldering the resistors on the circuit board of the HVAC controller to get the display to work again. Maybe it will be worth the trouble of getting it out of the dash! I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again!

Much obliged to assist you B.Wilson. So your doing the dreaded Hvac display issue. One suggestion when you do disconnect that unit and in the process of opening the unit itself. Keep the unit face down at all times. So as none of the control buttons fall out. The back of the unit has 4 small hex screw. There will be 2 circuit board panels within the unit. Your concern is the panel with the SMD type resistors. They are small, black, and rectangular in shape with the number 241 (240 ohms) on their face. You just need to freshen up the solder points. If your missing one as was the case with me. I substituted it with a terminal resistor of slightly higher value from Radio Shack. There are many posts regarding this issue that you can do a search on. Good Luck and if need additional advice just holla.

Just like you said, SB1. 6 bolts out, slide the console/trim panel back, take out the HVAC controller. Took me 5 minutes.

Took the controller apart, I had 2 resistors almost falling off, 3 more had a bad solder joint. Re-flowed all the joints, put it back together, installed it back in the car. Voila!!! Works like brand new!!

It's amazing what you can get done when you know how to properly disassemble/reassemble!! Piece of cake! Thanks to all for all of the knowledge in this forum.