Key Fell Behind Cup Holder

skills2005 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-14-09, 11:15 AM

Big problem guys, I dropped an important key in the center console behind the cup holder. I was trying to take console apart but I just can't get it apart. I took the door off, I took out all the screws and I get it to come up but I can't get it all the way out. something in the front is holding it in and i can't get to my key.

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...02b0398f08.jpg

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...d004185655.jpg

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...5b7584135a.jpg

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...9e866c08c2.jpg

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...25d6609c12.jpg

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...a439576b55.jpg

skills2005 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-09, 11:31 AM

Go to youtube so see the video

YouTube - cadillac center console

ponicg · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-09, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skills2005

Big problem guys, I dropped an important key in the center console behind the cup holder. I was trying to take console apart but I just can't get it apart. I took the door off, I took out all the screws and I get it to come up but I can't get it all the way out. something in the front is holding it in and i can't get to my key.

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...02b0398f08.jpg

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...d004185655.jpg

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...5b7584135a.jpg

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...9e866c08c2.jpg

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...25d6609c12.jpg

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...a439576b55.jpg

I dropped the stylus to my phone in there once. What a pain in the ass. Here's how to get to it

This is by memory but the concept should be 100% right, even if I screw up some details - I don't have my truck(it's in for service) so I can't guarantee it's right)

First, put it all back together, but leave the door to the top of the center console off. Everything else can remain.
1. Tilt your wheel all the way down, and put your gear selector to "1".
2. Pop off the dashboard framing(it's held in by pins). I usually put it up on the top of the dashboard itself, it'll fit.
3. Remove the Top panel, where HVAC controls are. It should just pull off, like the dashboard, but requires a bit more force.
4. Remove the bottom panel where the other stuff is. This too should just pop off. It might be one piece, I can't recall, but this whole section is just held in by clips.
5. Pull your cupholder segment forward and up. Jiggle it around. It'll come out. It too, is clipped in. Get your keys back. Put this back.
6. Reverse steps 4-1, and you're set.

Good luck!

ESCALADOR · #4 (**permalink**) 08-14-09, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ponicg

I dropped the stylus to my phone in there once. What a pain in the ass. Here's how to get to it

This is by memory but the concept should be 100% right, even if I screw up some details - I don't have my truck(it's in for service) so I can't guarantee it's right)

First, put it all back together, but leave the door to the top of the center console off. Everything else can remain.
1. Tilt your wheel all the way down, and put your gear selector to "1".
2. Pop off the dashboard framing(it's held in by pins). I usually put it up on the top of the dashboard itself, it'll fit.
3. Remove the Top panel, where HVAC controls are. It should just pull off, like the dashboard, but requires a bit more force.
4. Remove the bottom panel where the other stuff is. This too should just pop off. It might be one piece, I can't recall, but this whole section is just held in by clips.
5. Pull your cupholder segment forward and up. Jiggle it around. It'll come out. It too, is clipped in. Get your keys back. Put this back.
6. Reverse steps 4-1, and you're set.

Good luck!

Damn, I would of just drove down to the phone dealer and got a new stylus!!

sk7 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-09, 03:59 PM

You are 2 screws away from getting it off! I had to remove mine a few weeks ago looking for the YAW sensor. You need to pry off the center cover (where the cupholders and ashtray is), but first remove the cover around info center-cd changer. No need to remove the dash trim piece for that one (on my 02 anyways). Just pull out starting with the corner. Unplug clock, remove center piece the same way. Then you will see the 2 screws that need to come off for the back center compartement to come off.

ponicg · #6 (**permalink**) 08-14-09, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk7

You are 2 screws away from getting it off! I had to remove mine a few weeks ago looking for the YAW sensor. You need to pry off the center cover (where the cupholders and ashtray is), but first remove the cover around info center-cd changer. No need to remove the dash trim piece for that one (on my 02 anyways). Just pull out starting with the corner. Unplug clock, remove center piece the same way. Then you will see the 2 screws that need to come off for the back center compartement to come off.

Hah. You might be right. I had the dash off anyway since I was working on my radio... and it wasn't just the stylus, it was my 8GB SD Card and the stylus, and I have heated/cooled cupholders. I saw metal gleaming inside and thought "oh crap, metal stylus + exposed contacts..." but the metal was just the stylus. Oh well, I learned how to take it apart

sk7 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-14-09, 05:08 PM

When I first removed that piece on mine, I found half a dozen CD's in there, a couple dollars in pocket change (US funds yipee!), a bunch of paperwork and unpaid credit card statements.

skills2005 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-15-09, 12:44 PM

You guys got any pics.... I'm a visual person and kinda scared to start pulling on stuff.

sk7 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-15-09, 03:03 PM

Browsing thru my pics on photobucket this is the best I could find, you can see the console without the cover on it. I'm currently at work and gf is gone with the truck for the weekend...

Nice touch with the youtube video! Gotta keep that in mind next time I encounter a problem...

sk7 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-15-09, 03:17 PM

And this pic, that I took for a member looking for the yaw sensor, shows the two tabs where the screws are located that are preventing you from removing the center compartment.

skills2005 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-18-09, 02:24 PM

Thanks guys I finally got it and to remove it you have to take out the dash panel. First the dash panel comes out. Then the section where the clock is, and then cup holder section. After that’s all out the two screws are revealed. Take them out and you can remove the inner center console housing. I got my key out, two cd's, and about 17 bucks. I can't wait til my next project lol.