If you would have removed your console for 2001 Highlander. it would probably be the same procedure for removing Center Console for 2004 model, Isn't it?
Could you give a step by step Instruction on how to remove your center console.
Yes, 2001 Highlanders have no center console (see mine) ... I wouldn't say it is a feature though -- the flat floor is nice, but the cupholders are all the way down there and there aren't useful storage compartments. Where could I purchase a center console to install?
My 01 has a center console that was an add-on option. My father-in-law has a 01 without the center console, and yes, you can walk into the back seat. I removed mine just for kicks once, but the carpet had been cut when it was installed and it looked ugly so I put it back in.
At some point, I don't know when - they changed to what looks like a one-piece console that ecteds backfrom the shifter. I'm not sure, but it doesn' look like it's removable - looks like it is a molded-in piece on the new ones.
It's pretty easy.
1) Remove the two arm-rests from the front seats. (Snap off the bolt covers, and remove the 14mm bolts. Be careful not to drop the washers/spacers when you pull off the arm rests.)
2) Slide out the ash tray.
3) Using your fingers, or a padded pry bar, remove the trim panel from around the gear shifter. You'll have to put the car in gear to get it off. Disconnect the connectors from the cig plug and the air bag indicator.
4) In the storage bin, lift up the small carpet bottom and remove the two 10mm bolts.
5) Under the dash, use a flat head screwriver and your fingers to remove the two extended plastic covers. (On the driver's side, it's the piece immediately beside the accel. pedal. On the passenger side, it's similar.)
6) On the floor, approximately halfway down the console, snap off the button screw cover (one on each side) and remove the phillips screws.
7) Around the gear shift area (where you removed the trim), remove the three phillips screws.
8) Lift the console up and to the rear. After moving it about 4 inches, disconnect the connector going to the ash tray lamp.
Let me know how it turns out. Would any Highlander that CAME with a center console have the carpet cut underneath? I would like to remove mine so the wife can move from the front seat to take care of the baby. That would be nice!
Yes, there is a hole in the carpet. Plus, the center console is a one-piece deal, so all of the gearshift mechanism is exposed. You'd have to buy some sort of 2001-vintage trim to cover it up. The hole is on the floor near the back side of the front seats.
Highlander Center Console
Linear Mode
