How to Open MK7 Golf R Center Console | ECS Tuning Access Kit DIY

[@ecstuning]

Center Console Access Kit available here: goo.gl/yej1Pg

[@1OssoBuco]

$32 plus tax/ship for two screws and pieces of plastic. What a ripoff

[@BlondynCh]

wish you could make a kit to make them vents blow air lol I'll be the first one to get my hand on a set of them

[@TheDsantander]

What do I do whit the OEM washers, reuse?

[@GOLEG11]

VOLKSWAGEN AG Should be Ashamed 😧.... for messing up in 2015 dezign....

[@GOLEG11]

@@1OssoBuco well 😂 If you can afford an R Line of VW Golf ... surely 32$ is pocket change for you.. it will cost you like 4 starbucks visits... 🥤down the toiletté

[@magicman180]

Thank you for this video. Ordered the kit. Except for having to ez-out 1 of the screws, the installation was about 15 minutes. NOW I have a working console AND sliding armrest. I ordered the tray to go with the kit. Well worth it.

[@bryanpennartz6420]

Resurrecting, but how did you extract the screw with so little room? I can't get straight into the bolt head. Tried a dremel + short flathead but it rounded my slot out too. :[

[@JacobDell]

I came here because I was actually looking for how to do this and got really confused when I saw Zach Jobe

[@DavidRamirez-ue1co]

Sameeeee I just realized it at the end

[@neglect45]

me

[@javierradilla9500]

That is him right 😂😂

[@georgepatton8693]

Shocking that it doesn't come this way from the factory

[@poopoo460]

Fair warning for people “one screw will strip” plenty of forums to back this claim

[@driftboy4]

I found this out real quick 😅

[@chadjaeckel]

awesome. I was baffled why it wont open. and THANK YOU for not speeding up your audio on the ratchet FF! lol

[@tbairdjr]

I noticed you broke the melt mounts on the vent assembly just like I did, luckily there is a second set that isn't yet melted so you can repair without too much fuss.0:33 &1:32

[@sircochese]

You don't really need to re-melt them. As long as you get them back on the unmelted set and hold it together when you put it back on, it holds tight.

[@sircochese]

One thing you didn't mention is that there's a washer on the inside by the ratcheting mechanism. When you pull the factory bolt, it falls down in. Easy to fish out, but folks might be confused as to why the wedge won't go down in.

[@TheDsantander]

So are the washers removed for installation?

[@ebarker9]

Like others, the screws in mine came partially pre-stripped. A 4mm hex had no chance, so I just used a T-25 torx right from the start and had no issues removing the screws.

[@Slambog]

Bought this kit, be carful when popping that back housing cover off that AC vent is plastic welded into place so if you tug on it to hard it will break the plastic welds, i.e. Pull this piece off very slow don't rush once you break the initial clips.

[@Prestoninva]

Wish I had read this before I did mine. I had the exact same problem. When I pulled the panel off I just pulled it back like they did in the video and broke off the plastic welds and one of the vent control sliders came off. I had to disassemble that side to get it back in. You are exactly right "Pull this piece off very slow don't rush once you break the initial clips."

[@natelan69]

Uggh, I'm trying to do this very step right now. Feels like the damn thing won't come off for anything.

[@sircochese]

I ended up breaking several of the plastic welds. That said, it's easy to get things back on the posts and it fits back together tightly. So, nerve-racking, but not the end of the world.

[@davem8033]

Very easy. I had not issue with screws being too tight or welds. Pulled firmly back & down and unit came off as shown. 2 differences from video - 1 the curved air duct came out with back unit which was just fine, 2 there were washers that rolled down the metal track when I removed the screws - catch them with a magnet. MUCH more room than I imagined and the tray was really worth the $10 extra. I’d have paid another $10 for a padded liner...

[@natelan69]

Dave M I cannot get this damn plastic face piece off.

[@zernoffmephidross]

Got the kit installed yesterday. Works great, however I noticed in the video the arm rest stays up on its own. After installing the kit myself, the armrest falls right down. Did you have something holding it open or did I possible install the clips incorrectly?

[@kevintheoriginal-1ofmanyng625]

What screws are oem in the console ? Asking so when I open it up I have the right screw piece to remove it. Thanks in advance!

[@jrgq]

Do you think that the way to remove the first plate you removed are the same in an Audi Q5 2019?

[@zed4me]

Taping it up like I did in my video is not only cheaper but you won't have that plastic rubbing sound every time you open or close the armrest. $30 is hilarious but cool design piece though.

[@robforbrains]

It works like a charm on my 2018 R! Thanks guys!

[@ecstuning]

Glad to help!

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

My 2018 opens right from the factory. Late build 2018.

[@fixedwing71]

I have an '18 R that was built in late '17, so mine doesn't open. Does this kit still allow for the armrest to slide forward?

[@hunteriding1007]

It's the guy from donut media

[@AbdulrahmanFahad-s5q]

is it the same way to open the rear vents on a vw atlas ?

[@vr6gls]

Wow! Thank you ECS for uploading this very informative video. 👍

[@ecstuning]

You're welcome!

[@vwlippy]

Wow! That is a nice problem solver!

[@TheDsantander]

Just got this, do I remove the OEM washers or install them back with the plastic pieces?

[@ZERO-eh5xs]

Thanks 4 this vid simple and the point

[@karanshingate5476]

Plase add video .. how to remove rear ac vents of skoda yeti 2011 4x4 model ... That will be helpful

[@ItsDevOps]

i want to remove the armrest only to recover the leather with the color red. How do i do that on a mk6 gti?

[@mikybozzy2912]

Why was it closed in the first place? Mine wasnt

[@JohnChan]

If you have the digital speedo version, so 2017+, they readded it. They only did this on specific gens for North America do to something related with safety standards and them not wanting to address it (what I read)

[@ramairetransam]

ive seen this before , why would they have it closed , its so dumb .

[@MicahGoldstein]

Why wouldn't it have a proper latch? My non-R has a latch. EDIT: ok, I see it shipped without one due to different country of manufacture. So a proper fix would be a whole new arm rest.

[@klavier285]

It's dumb to even need a latch on the armrest to begin with. My mkv gti doesn't have one. I picture a room full of idiots getting paid to sit around and think of what new unnecessary regulations they can add next.

[@largol33t1]

klavier285, bahahahahaha! You just described the US government quite well.

[@calvinwong365]

the government is going to design a new regulation. its called breathing tax. i seen those transportation guys take brand new cards and crash them. Trust me they love their job just as much as myth buster people. Bunch of government employees that don't do shit, get paid more for less time and tax us like mofos. Pretty sure I described both USA and Canada the best.

[@aspensnowman4667]

0:32 that gave me a heart attack i swear...

[@tanyelauden1361]

Lmfaooo

[@isaacwilmescreative5588]

What size are the screws?

[@Sproject1]

Hey Man Have you done any video of how to remove the entire mid console or at least part of it to put some wires inside? what you think that would be the easiest way to pass some wires?

[@boston-ma-1980]

VW put those screws in super tight. I'm having a hell of a time getting them out without stripping them.

[@boston-ma-1980]

I was able to get them out without stripping them completely. Just cranked down on them harder.

[@MattPayne1]

I can't move them. Well one is stripped. I Just bought the car with 9k on it so its possible the previous owner tried to do this. Any idea how to remove a stripped screw that is in there tight?

[@MattPayne1]

Used a dremel to cut a good slot in the screw. Afterwards I used flat screw driver attachment for a ratchet and got it to turn.

[@philipweber404]

Likewise. Ended up stripping one side completely out. Had to press an oversized Torx bit in and even then was an absolute pain in the ass, but finally got it out.

[@kongzillagod]

Vw why would you keep this locked ?????

[@CruJones]

Magilla Gorilla must've installed my bolts. They were so tight I stripped one out try to get it lose.

[@MattPayne1]

Your screws came out way too easy in this video. Perhaps you loosened them for the video? Any idea how to go about removing a stripped screw?

[@giovannigray8655]

Matt Payne did you find out what way to remove it. I've been trying for two days and it won't even budge

[@MattPayne1]

Yes, I was able to remove the screw. sprayed WD40 like fluid, then I used a Dremel to slice a slot all the way across the top of the screw and made you the slot was wide enough for a thick flat screw driver head. I then used a screw driver socket attachment for a ratchet wrench so I could get some torque on it. Creaked, then came loose. With a standard screw driver I don't think one could twist that hard. Something like this would work store.snapon.com/Flat-Tip-Short-Chrome-1-4--1-4-Drive-1-4-Flat-Tip-Short-Bit-Socket-P630971.aspx (not exactly my setup, but close). Also you may want to put a towel down to collect debris from the Dremel.

[@huntnman]

Just did mine.... they were for SURE tight!

[@657Crew]

Thanks so much! Works the same for my Jetta MK5!

[@stevebbkny2394]

Ok I’m really confused. Just bought a brand new 2018 R and I can’t open the console. But at another dealership in the showroom, it had full ratcheting functionality... did they make a change mid year?

[@natelan69]

SteveB BKNY Yes.

[@stevebbkny2394]

natelan69 ?#@&$!!!?? Sorry. This is how I feel right now.

[@lvcsslacker]

ask for a replacement?

[@ronj9933]

Question. Is there a rear a/c kit for US spec VW Jettas? I would love to get one for the hot Miami summers

[@BlondynCh]

there is a room for part #56D-819-655 duct but everything else has to be custome work lol. ( ive seen it on my 2012 jetta though never even crossed my mind to do something like that xD now that I got a 2015 passat and it has vents in back (for looks that dont work) I just might figure out a way to make them usable and make a video on it

[@ronj9933]

Yeah, I’m working on one. Hopefully I will update in about a month

[@BlondynCh]

yeah so in passat the lover vents are used for rear legs vents/// just a matter of refitting a costum pipe back to vents@@ronj9933

[@BlondynCh]

I was thinking about doing project myself only my 15 Passat SE already has wents and they take are used for rear foot heating. since If I dissconnect foot heating in back I would still need to install some sort of on/off flam since it would blow air in there like crazy whenever I had foot setting setup @@ronj9933

[@ronj9933]

Michal After I looked at the HVAC system in the center console there are 2 vents that are blocked to the rear. They look pretty easy to open. The project will hopefully begin this weekend and I will update with a video.

[@orhanerkan77]

how can we open sliding aparatus?

[@stuartfisher9385]

Does anyone know how to remove a glovebox lid from a mk7 gtd without removing the whole glovebox

[@PurpleSideBlack]

Does this mod kit restore 100% functionality, ie: multiple height levels for the armrest?

[@ecstuning]

Our kit allows opening and closing of the armrest, but does not ratchet and lock into different places along the range of motion.

[@lyesbelazzoug6988]

Tiguan 2018 same problem !!!!

[@martinez168v]

I have a jetta 2015 can I used this kit??

[@natelan69]

arturo martinez You wouldn't need this for a Jetta.

[@thatwhitegti]

this the man at donut media?

[@isaigarcia394]

but does this kit allow it to be fully closed or will it stay partially open?

[@ecstuning]

The arm rest can be closed completely with our kit.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

That's odd. My Golf R's storage cubby opened without any mods. Bought it brand new.

[@johnli9072]

The Car Crazy Guy mine too...

[@cedricbench2543]

2015 only

[@perfectxzero4037]

Thats what I was wondering. What model doesn't have storage cubby access? lol Even my mom's base 1.8T has it

[@tommydeets]

@@perfectxzero4037 the Golf R

[@kum4r89]

Easier than it looks. Stripped my bolts on removal. Had to drill out. Part from ECS works nice tho

[@trevorboutot7250]

My armrest won’t close now, super easy install tho

[@shanehendricks660]

Shame!!! The US spec VW/Audi are always short changed with features. We in Africa and we get all the bells and whistles.

[@canmanable]

maybe I should come back home to SA

[@fatwalletboy2]

only the mk7 r has this problem?

[@andyhedin4893]

This is not an issue with the MK6 Golf R, if that is what you're asking. The console lid opens and closes as-delivered, and ratchets into multiple spots to angle the armrest lid.

[@LostInDistance]

Wait what? Why the hell did they take away this feature in the first place..

[@wolvoman1]

What is the reason that VW made it this way?

[@natelan69]

I cannot for the life of me, remove the plastic face piece, and I definitely don't want to break it like many others have reported doing. But I can see why, because I feel like taking a damn crowbar to this thing...

[@1993-y7m]

I’m from England I have sold my car now but after confirming with a friend we both are 100% that the cubby in my car which was a late 2015 opened is this a American thing only or?!

[@ecstuning]

Yup, US spec Golf R's only!

[@iankonstantino6648]

Bruh why didnt it come like this from the factory

[@illlanoize23]

Wait that’s standard in R’s? That actually sucks

[@a.k5393]

How young people are I have a problem with the Tiguan Engine oil is ubiquitous I do not know what's the reason Can you tell me the probable causes of engine oil spread? Thank you

[@hazindu]

I can't tell which way you're turning the bolts. Mine are so tight, they don't go either way and I don't want to strip them.

[@ecstuning]

Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty! Turn them suckers to the left, to the left!

[@hazindu]

Thanks, I got it.

[@hazindu]

Thanks, I got it.

[@PaulieBTV]

Oh my god it’s jobe

[@juanr.rodriguez3109]

Yeahhhhhhhh!

[@citronovykolac]

Eyyyy donut zach

[@alolaugh6624]

Huhhhhh? The uk models come as standard like that, how come the rest of u can’t open it ? Really ? Really ? Really ? So is ridiculous

[@lewiscannon8213]

Alo Laugh Vw are just a piss take when it comes to the US market, in the UK/Europe Golf R's come as standard with tones more options , and it seems they are built better there too. 😒

[@natelan69]

Tottenham Hotspur the mighty pretenders The U.S. Golf R's are built in Wolfsburg alongside the U.K./Euro-spec. Yes, the U.S. models have much fewer standard and optional features, but I don't think you're correct about U.S.-spec build quality. That wouldn't make any sense at all.

[@CPT_Haddock__]

@@Avoh_ FALSE! that is for Golf TSi and GTi only... R golf are german built

[@LawnMowersThingsThatMakeNoise]

@@lewiscannon8213 England is a piss take when the USA get a recall because they pressurised it through legal action. and we get told to shut up by uk dealers

[@lvcsslacker]

literally because stupid import laws

[@RileyBassing]

Just got this today in the mail. My kit only came with 2 screws and the the plastic clips. Horrible buy. Paid 30 dollars for 2 hex screws.

[@victoroliveira3256]

Why did they make so that you can't open it? Zgermans are going crazy.

[@dashcamgoldcoast]

John Joe oh wow! We don't have that law in Australia. Have always been able to open mine. So interesting to see what types of differences there are like this! :)

[@mookie714]

the weird thing is my MK 7 GTI has an armrest lid that opens, and it's pretty much the same center console.

[@LRyan225]

That's true and that's why I watch this video LOL. I'm wondering why R can't open the centre console.

[@admin7315]

Hot car and hot guy

[@xXxXFALL3NXxXx]

Make too much sound to be worth it.

[@0vij053]

Wait the center console has 0 functionality and you have to buy a separate kit to make it work...ok EA ... I MEAN VW

[@JAM416746]

脳たりん

[@lvcsslacker]

you don't need to buy their kit. you can actually stick some double sided tape on the upper arm to keep from having to do that. Or fold tape in half. of glue it. etc...

[@dj331]

Zac is a bit hot 😍

[@SmallandWoods]

Wait.... this has to be an North American thing? 😂

[@yojomojo6262]

why can't moat mods if not all be this easy and simple?? 😊😊