What are the damages to a car from removing the center console?
4 Answers
Vehicles that have undergone dashboard removal and installation are generally prone to issues such as abnormal noises caused by improper dashboard assembly, poor sealing, and increased noise. However, removing and installing the dashboard has little to no impact on the vehicle's handling and overall performance. Below is relevant information about the dashboard: 1. Definition: The dashboard, also known as the instrument panel, is widely used in the cabins of all vehicles and engineering machinery. It mainly consists of instruments, steering wheel, dashboard shell, dashboard frame, and dashboard wiring harness. 2. Requirements: The dashboard is the most complex interior component in passenger vehicles. From design to installation, it must go through processes such as creative styling, structural design, model making, and prototype trial assembly, all of which are indispensable.
When my car's dashboard was taken apart last time to install a rearview camera, the mechanic did a careful job, but after reassembly, something just felt off. The most obvious issue was the rattling noise from the AC vents whenever driving on bumpy roads. Later I found out three plastic clips were broken. The most annoying part is the glove compartment lid no longer closes properly - it requires a firm push. My advice: if you must remove the dashboard, make sure the technician uses dedicated trim removal tools. Metal screwdrivers easily leave white scratches on plastic parts. After reassembly, test all buttons thoroughly - it took me a month to discover the hazard light switch had poor contact.
The most dreaded part of dismantling the center console is dealing with the airbag! A colleague's car had its center console removed at a roadside shop to replace the navigation system, and the airbag warning light stayed on for three months. Upon inspection, it was found that the workers failed to disconnect the battery, causing the short-circuit tab inside the airbag connector to pop out. Replacing just that wiring harness cost nearly two thousand yuan. Even if the battery isn't disconnected, improperly seating a clip-type airbag connector can cause issues. Not to mention some workers handle things roughly, cracking the airbag module housing. My advice: when it comes to airbag-related disassembly or installation, it's better to spend a bit more and go to an authorized service center—don't risk major losses for minor savings.
Painful lessons from car mod enthusiasts: Last year, I installed paddle shifters on the steering wheel and only realized the huge loss after dismantling the center console. The once perfectly fitted trim panels now have gaps wide enough to fit a fingernail, creaking whenever the heater runs in winter. The worst part was the wiring modification - the dashcam connected by cutting into wires caused intermittent blackouts on the infotainment screen, taking two weeks to locate the faulty contact. My advice? Avoid dismantling the center console unless absolutely necessary, especially in vehicles with active noise cancellation. Just the process of removal and reinstallation can displace microphones, reducing audio quality by 20%.
