How to fix Corolla dashboard opening cover thingy

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timmmay

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#180512 11-Sep-2015 16:40

Sorry for the technical title. Anyone know how to fix this? Can I DIY or should I have a mechanic do it? If I knew what it was called I could probably Google it. The plastic is broken so I'd need a new one, maybe from a wrecker.

Click to enlarge. 2003 Corolla. Also, wow it looks much less clean in pictures.

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#1385797 11-Sep-2015 16:56

It's very common on the early 2000s Corollas, mine has done the same. I just ripped the whole thing off and use it as an open pocket, more useful anyway IMO.

DravidDavid

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#1385800 11-Sep-2015 17:03

All Toyotas with these pockets or hatches are poorly built. Toyota's fit and finish has never been the best. The hinge door for my ash-tray in the MR2 is also stuffed. The best course of action is to find a replacement unit at a wrecker.

If you are a multi-millionaire, you could talk to Toyota about a replacement, haha.

timmmay

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#1385818 11-Sep-2015 17:28

What are they called? Much easier to call a wrecker if I know that.

How difficult are they to fit? It looks like there's some spring or cable fitted type bit that goes back into the dashboard, making it tricky.

jfanning

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#1385845 11-Sep-2015 18:15

lxsw20: It's very common on the early 2000s Corollas, mine has done the same. I just ripped the whole thing off and use it as an open pocket, more useful anyway IMO.

Yes I did the same

richms

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#1385862 11-Sep-2015 18:49

I find things fall out of open pockets everytime I accelerate. Possibly not an issue in a corolla tho.

Richard rich.ms

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#1385887 11-Sep-2015 19:20

http://m.ebay.com/itm/03-08-Toyota-Corolla-Center-Dash-Console-Black-Cheap-/261886585086?nav=SEARCH

Sorry I'm on mobile and links don't link on mobile.

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richms

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#1385894 11-Sep-2015 19:50

be careful getting car parts from the US. Even things which look the same can have different versions for LHD markets

Richard rich.ms

DravidDavid

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#1385895 11-Sep-2015 19:52

timmmay: What are they called? Much easier to call a wrecker if I know that.

How difficult are they to fit? It looks like there's some spring or cable fitted type bit that goes back into the dashboard, making it tricky.

Center console pocket is what I'd call it.

I'm not sure how yours might come out, but try and simply pull it straight out. Most components on my old Caldina simply pulled out of the center with a little force applied.

Gilco2

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#1385901 11-Sep-2015 20:01

DravidDavid:
timmmay: What are they called? Much easier to call a wrecker if I know that.

How difficult are they to fit? It looks like there's some spring or cable fitted type bit that goes back into the dashboard, making it tricky.

Center console pocket is what I'd call it.

I'm not sure how yours might come out, but try and simply pull it straight out. Most components on my old Caldina simply pulled out of the center with a little force applied.

Just be careful. Pull the heater control knobs first. They just pull off. Then undo the screw from under the center control knob

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DravidDavid

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#1385904 11-Sep-2015 20:06

Gilco2:
DravidDavid:
timmmay: What are they called? Much easier to call a wrecker if I know that.

How difficult are they to fit? It looks like there's some spring or cable fitted type bit that goes back into the dashboard, making it tricky.

Center console pocket is what I'd call it.

I'm not sure how yours might come out, but try and simply pull it straight out. Most components on my old Caldina simply pulled out of the center with a little force applied.
Just be careful. Pull the heater control knobs first. They just pull off. Then undo the screw from under the center control knob

Ah. Heater panel was totally separate from the pockets on the Caldina. Also, if you can't find any screws, find the stickers.

lxsw20

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#1385905 11-Sep-2015 20:12

It won't be all that tricky if you're even slightly mechanicaly minded, just take your time pulling it apart and figuring out how it works. It will be a pretty simple mechanism.

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lxsw20

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#1385907 11-Sep-2015 20:13

DravidDavid:
Gilco2:
DravidDavid:
timmmay: What are they called? Much easier to call a wrecker if I know that.

How difficult are they to fit? It looks like there's some spring or cable fitted type bit that goes back into the dashboard, making it tricky.

Center console pocket is what I'd call it.

I'm not sure how yours might come out, but try and simply pull it straight out. Most components on my old Caldina simply pulled out of the center with a little force applied.
Just be careful. Pull the heater control knobs first. They just pull off. Then undo the screw from under the center control knob

Ah. Heater panel was totally separate from the pockets on the Caldina. Also, if you can't find any screws, find the stickers.

Mine has the climate air but is the same other than that, the whole center part comes out as one unit from memory when I replaced the headunit.

Geektastic

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#1385988 11-Sep-2015 22:40

Based on recent postings, the answer to your question is "Buy a BMW or an Audi"!

linw

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#1386027 12-Sep-2015 05:53

Youtube has so many disassembly clips it's not funny. This might be helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olzyqkmEZ04

MikeB4

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#1386029 12-Sep-2015 06:59

Repco and Supercheap sell dash pockets used when replacing a Double Din radio with a Single Din one of these may vey well do the trick except it wont have a latch door.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

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