How to Remove the Center Console in a MK7 GTI

In this video I walk you through what you need to do to remove the center console in a MK7 GTI

[@e46Kyle]

Thanks for this! I’m trying to find ways to relocate my USB aux from the factory location to the cigarette lighter. This video gave me useful context for how the console is assembled.

[@insanejustin]

Thanks a ton buddy! My center console storage came lose a year ago and my dealer said they would probably have to rip the whole thing a0art to figure why it's not seating back in and you helped me fix in 15 minutes!

[@davidwu048]

Although you didn't take it out completely, your video was still spot on and accurate. Thank you for your contribution!

[@FamilyCadena]

Great video! It helped me replace my emergency brake lever.

[@danneubauer6474]

This was helpful, thank you for putting this out there! I had to replace the parking brake handle due to the button breaking off, and this made it a 1 hour job instead of $600 at the dealer. I didn't even need to remove the whole console, just releasing it and lifting it a few inches allows enough room to maneuver the lever in and out through the rear of the console.

[@toolguywy]

To get to the cig lighter connector follow the actual wire to the shifter assembly. There's gonna be two clips that hold the wire harness to it. Remove those and it'll allow enough slack in the harness to pull the center console to flip and easily remove the cig lighter connector. But thanks for the video, really helped out alot.

[@gtitilidie8091]

Great tip on the wire! Adding that extra slack would definitely help getting to the bottom of the console.

[@MrCdmorenot]

Dude, you saved me a whole lot of time and effort. I couldn’t find any other videos with handbrake. I needed to get to cup holder to fix the holding tabs that hug cups and this video gave me absolutely everything I needed. Thanks !!!

[@geoffcurtis1065]

Huge help installing the Dieselgeek super pin! Nobody explained console removal this well, took 45min total! Thank you for this!!!

[@christiancasillas2819]

Thank you for your help!!! Thanks to your video I was able to do it yesterday. I have a BIG TIP for everyone else..... I removed the hand brake to make the whole process waaaayyy easier when you are trying to remove the center console. MAKE SURE YOU SECURE THE CAR/REAR WHEELS WITH SOMETHING BEFORE REMOVING THE HAND BRAKE. If not, the car will roll. (Mine is DSG and It happened to me haha 🤣) live and learn I guess.

[@carlosnunez7825]

Very helpful . All I’ve seen is the one with electric e brake . I went halfway and didn’t want to brake anything so gave up . Now I will attempt . And this is coming from a pure diy freak ...

[@arikofoz]

Thank you for the post, really helpful, the instruction and camera works are great. I want to re-route my USB cable for AndroidAuto, so this video is what i have been looking for.

[@sixtorodriguez1902]

good informative well shot video, thanx for taking the time, hard to find advice and info on how to work on newer models

[@markjacobsen2621]

Helpful for sure, but wish you would document the whole disassembly.

[@rayc4517]

This is SOOO helpful! Thanks a bunch.

[@paulduvigneaud4972]

Good video!!! This helped alot. I still have to replace my hand break. So at least I know what I'm getting into..

[@NaleszkiewiczAI]

I appreciate the mostly thankless work making such a video takes. It was a well intended effort. Especially as I couldn’t find anyone else describing how to do this, nor any free docs online. But I have to say it did not help me as I’m pretty sure you are missing a few steps. First, you can save your brake lever leather by slipping it off. But much more important is I can’t pull the console out as you described it. It started destroying the hole where the brake level rubs. Further I have a broken lever which is why I need to do this, so locking it back is not an option (it does move back, but the button is broken so it won’t lock) I’m thinking there’s a way to loosen the lever but I can’t tell how. Anyway after hours of work I’m going to reassemble and take to dealer anyway. Thought u should know in case you update for someone else. Thanks for the try

[@gtitilidie8091]

Hi, sorry I'm sure this reply is too late, but it is possible to disassemble the ebrake handle without removing the entire console. If you reference the installation instructions for the ECS billet e-brake handle it tells you how to disassemble the stock handle. Just google "ECS billet parking brake handle" and it will pop up

[@Carlo_David87]

Awesome video

[@gtitilidie8091]

thanks! Hope it helped.

[@TheLinkedList]

Thanks for the video and for the tips on avoiding scratching/breaking things! Where you able to see or get access to the AC evaporator doing this? I think my one has disintegrated.

[@CHRIS-qm7ke]

Just got a Diesel Geek "Super Pin" for my MK7 GTI. Havent installed it yet but Im glad I came across your vid.....going to use it as a guide. Very informative..Thank you!! But man is that a lot of work to put this damn pin in! Jesus!! Worth it in your opinion?

[@gtitilidie8091]

Hey did you ever install the Super Pin? Taking the console out is definitely a chore but well worth it in my opinion! The Super Pin made an immediate, noticeable difference and I would definitely recommend it.

[@_Ezio__Auditore_]

Did you have any issues getting the little storage bit below the AC controls back in? I cannot seem to get mine to stay back in.

[@gtitilidie8091]

Sorry for the late reply, hopefully you have this figured out by now. If anyone else has this issue, take a look at the back of the storage bit, you will notice a round peg-looking piece of plastic that faces forward. If you look inside the opening of the center console, you will see a hole in the forward end. The round peg needs to fit inside that hole, once that is done your storage cubby will be properly aligned. I find it easiest to place your hand inside the storage cubby and then place it inside the opening to line it up with that hole.

[@jaser3312]

I was hoping you would have actually pulled it apart. Good instructions, but seeing it would have been better

[@MathieuGosbee]

Your car is filthy as hell

[@gauseb]

Or you can just leave him alone?

[@gtitilidie8091]

@@gauseb It's funny what some people latch onto😂. I live in the woods and park in a gravel driveway, pine needles happen...