Removing The Centre Console - Help Please

[teresam]

Please can somebody help?
I need to replace the airbag ecu but am having problems removing the centre console to get to it.
I have folllowed the instructions in Haynes - removed the gear lever surround, removed the plastic trim in front of the handbrake, taken out the rear ashtray and undone the nuts at the rear but still can't get the thing out - it seems to be stopped by the wires to the ESP button and cigarette lighter but I can't lift it up enough to be able to disconnect the wires.

Where am I going wrong? Any help or advice would be much appeciated.

 

The car is C5 2.2. hdi exclusive (2001)

 

 

 

[paul.h]

I have not done this job, but have you slid the centre console backwards to disengage any lugs at the front end before lifting it up. Also it may be possible to use a hand inside the gear lever aperture to push up the esp button and cig lighter out of the console and then their connectors removed.

[teresam]

Thanks Paul.  I have slid it back as far as it will go and the lugs are disengaged.  The only things stopping it now are the wires and I just can't find how to free them.

[coastline taxis]

lift the back of the center console up as much as the can as there are 2 prongs at the front that hold it in. re the wires with the gear lever surround off put your hand under the ride height switch and push it up then disconnect the the multi plug. the cigarette lighter will lift up with the gear lever surround. make sure your handbrake is on aswell as the lever also stops it from lifting

[teresam]

OK - thanks I'll try