2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Center Console Removal Questions

jmpidgeo · March 3, 2013

More questions related to my 2005 GMC Sierra 1500. It has the loaded interior with leather bucket seats, center console, etc.

My driver's side auto climate control system is stuck on hot. I believe that the temperature valve actuator is bad as there was no change with the recalibration procedure I have found and the fact that the passenger side temperature changes normally both automatically and when I manually change the temperature set point hotter or colder.

I have already figured out what I need to do to replace it (seems super easy), but being that my truck has the center console, I need to remove it to gain acces to ONE bolt on the I/P insulator panel (and so that the I/P insulator panel can be removed) before I can get the temperature valve actuator replaced.

My question is, can anyone provide me with pictures or diagrams related to removing the center console? I've always been scared of taking interior stuff apart for fear of breakng plastic pieces upon disassembly and/or them not going back together correctly. I understand I'll need to remove both front seats, but that seems to be the easy part as far as I'm concerned.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

bossier62guy · March 3, 2013

If it's anything like the center console in my 02 it's quite easy to do. Here's some info to assist you. If you need anything more let me know and I'll see if I can find it.

05console.pdf

05console2.pdf

05console3.pdf

05console.pdf

05console2.pdf

05console3.pdf

bossier62guy · March 3, 2013

If you want to take it out in one piece this may be what you're looking for.....it doesn't have to come out in one piece though and as far as I'm concerned it's much less work not removing the seats to do it.

05console4.pdf

jmpidgeo · March 3, 2013

Thank you so much for the information. I think I can get everything done with the info you have provided. I'm going to go after the non-seat removal method, doesn't seem too bad at all.

bossier62guy · March 3, 2013

I've taken mine out several times w/o removing the seats and lower bracket.....it's easily done.

jmpidgeo · March 4, 2013

so, remove the screws at the base of the console, remove the bezel around the power outlet and cig lighter, unplug electircal stuff, remove bolts holding the console to the I/P, and remove cupholder and remove bolts under there and that is it?

bossier62guy · March 4, 2013

Obviously the one in my 02 isn't exactly like the one in your 05. Are you having issues? If so let me know what, where, etc. and I'll see if I can find the tech info for you.

jmpidgeo · March 4, 2013

I haven't attempted it yet, my actuator is on order and I'll be doing it along with both upstream O2 sensors once the parts show up. If I run into trouble i'll let you know. Thanks for all the help!

I am debating on trying to get the actuator changed without removing the console as well...I found some info that the screw that is blocked by the console can be removed/installed with one of those 'finger' ratchets. Might give that a try, haven't really decided yet.

bossier62guy · March 4, 2013

I'll see if I can find the removal/replacement info on the actuator.....maybe that will help you decide whether you need to remove the console or not. What HVAC system do you have? Left or right air temp actuator? Did you try the recalibration procedure? I personally hate the electric actuators, cables never caused any trouble at all.

jmpidgeo · March 4, 2013

I already know where it is at and what I have to do to replace it, the console just is in the way of the screw holding the I/P insulator panel on. Can't really get access to it with a normal ratchet, hence why I was debating trying the finger ratchet tool. Once I have access to the actuator it should take about 5 minutes to change out, getting access to that one screw on the insulator panel is the real biatch with the center console.

Anyways, it is the dual zone auto climate control HVAC system, and it is the driver's side actuator that I believe went bad. I tried the re-calibration procedures and nothing has changed the fact that the driver's side is constantly blowing hot air while the passenger's side works fine. Luckily, the driver's side actuator is easily accessible...if you don't have a center console.

This video showed me how easy it was to replace

bossier62guy · March 4, 2013

Gotta love youtube....

jmpidgeo · March 4, 2013

Yes. Youtube FTW. I had no idea it was that easy to replace it until I saw that video.

txab · March 4, 2013

Yes. Youtube FTW. I had no idea it was that easy to replace it until I saw that video.

Wait 'till you have to replace the actuator above that one...... you need to remove most of the dash

jmpidgeo · March 5, 2013

Wait 'till you have to replace the actuator above that one...... you need to remove most of the dash

yeah I know. I am dreading the day that happens. Ideally, it won't.

jmpidgeo · March 7, 2013

SUCCESS! My drivers side climate control works again

Ended up removing both front seats to move the console because I couldn't get to two of the console bracket screws. Much easier to remove the seats anyways, and it gives an opportunity to clean up all the crap that falls down there over time. The previous owner must have really liked Corn Nuts

Anyways, here's to hoping I don't have to do the passenger side actuator anytime soon.