What is a console and where is it located?

The word “console” is typically used in a vehicle to refer to any storage compartment or panel housing. Consoles help make your car or truck a little more organized and livable by helping you organize, or at least hide, clutter while still keeping it close at hand to the driver. Other consoles may house gauges, the radio, various switches, or temperature controls as well.

The center console is the area between the two front seats. Usually this contains the shifter, cup holders, and an armrest that doubles as a storage area where you can keep valuables, toll booth money, or those embarrassing pop CDs you don’t want your cool friends to know you listen to. The armrest has a hinge to let it open, a latch to hold it closed, and a cover to make it comfortable for your arm.

Some trucks and SUVs also have an overhead console that you can use to hold your sunglasses, garage door opener, and may house the interior dome light or switches for a sunroof.

How do I know if my console parts need to be replaced?

The console can take a lot of abuse over time. Constantly opening and closing the storage compartment can wear out the hinge and latch and make them loose. You might have the compartment opening up on you if you brake or turn too hard. The armrest cover or other parts of the console can become cracked, faded, or torn. At 1A Auto, we have many pieces that allow you to repair problems with your console and turn your vehicles’ interior back into the organized, comfortable, and good looking space it used to be.  

Can I replace console parts myself?

Most console parts will prove pretty easy to replace. Cup holders and storage trays can often be pried out by hand or with a screwdriver. The armrest hinge is held in by a series of bolts or screws. The same is true of the console latch. When you install the new latch, you may need to use a C-clamp or a vise to press in the latch spring. Overhead consoles may be held on with screws or simply with plastic clips. The latter can be pulled off and pushed on by hand. Replacing the center console that sits around the shifter may be the trickiest console repair job. You may have to remove other parts of the interior to get access to it. Most of these jobs, however, are simple ways to improve the look and the utility of your interior.