98 Camry Center Console Hinge and console shift light

[skiman]

The hinge on my center console broke. The dealer said I have to purchase a new assembly at $150, since the hinge is not available as a replacement part. Any idea where I can find one? I checked local junk yards without luck.

Also, the light bulb in my shift console is burned out. Again, the dealer said it will cost $75 since they have to remove the whole console. Any suggestions as to how to do that to replace the bulb would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[tacomatrdsport2591]

Originally Posted by skiman

The hinge on my center console broke. The dealer said I have to purchase a new assembly at $150, since the hinge is not available as a replacement part. Any idea where I can find one? I checked local junk yards without luck.

Also, the light bulb in my shift console is burned out. Again, the dealer said it will cost $75 since they have to remove the whole console. Any suggestions as to how to do that to replace the bulb would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Henceforth..I'm sorry that I can't really help you. I just have to say that $150 for a hinge is sad, as is $75 to have a tiny little bulb replaced. Sorry to hear it, good luck. I would keep looking at salvage yards, just in case.

[c5t4r]

Depending on what part of the hinge is broken you can buy the whole console for $113.00, or the top part for around $50 at "Toyota Parts" - OnlineToyota Parts and Accessories.

Regarding the shift console bulb $75 is a rip - I replaced my own bulb....I think the bulb was less than $5. It's tricky to pop it off, but it can be done....check out any Hanes manual, or there might be information on the site on how to do it....I never got the console totally off....just moved it out of the way enough after popping it out of the dash....

[c5t4r]

Ok - I did a little more digging - should have done this before I responded the first time....i love the internet!!! Found this at:

98 Camry shift console light replace - Automotive Message Forums

NOTE: Another post on this website says it's #194 bulb - just consult with your dealer.

Here are the procedure:

Remove trim (woodgrain) which is around shifter. Grab trim that
faces cigarette lighter and pull hard up. Watch your finger nails
since you need to tug hard. This trim is attach with the small
carpet mat in front of cigarette lighter and comes out in one
piece. The trim is held by steel clips. Lift trim up over the
gear shifter. The trim doesn't lift out past the gear shifter but
thats ok. Next remove one philip screw on the top left that holds
the gear housing. Almost there and the next step involves
removing the the gear housing box. It is held by 4 plasic clips.
You need a flat head screw driver to pop it up from the left bottom
corner. The trick is that is held snugly so once you pop it up you
must reposition it towards the cigarette lighter direction to move
it up and out. Just wiggle it up but is doesn't come out if you just
pull up straight. Now the easy part is once that housing is out there
is a wire underneath which is the bulb holder. Twist the end and
the bulb will come out. Replace bullb and reinstall everything.
Resinstalling should take few min. The bulb is a type #74. You
can get at Canadian Tire or Toyota dealer. It cost $1.30 from
Toyota dealer.