Overhead console removal
 

I've searched and read a number of overhead console related threads but am having difficulty locating the screws to remove mine.

Are there any diagrams or photo references of overhead console removal I can refer to so I don't risk breaking anything unnecessarily?

I have a 2000 XJ and have checked inside all the overhead compartments and the whole thing seems pretty solidly attached. It runs from the windshield clear back to the center of the ceiling with rear passenger lights.


I'm 6'7", and I need to detach and re-mount the rear view mirror as high as possible to clear my line of sight from the driver's seat. Unfortunately the overhead console sits right in the way of moving the mirror any higher. My plan is to remove the overhead console and fabricate slim covers for the buttons, lights, lcd display so they are more flush with the ceiling. I don't know how bulky the internals of the overhead console are or how feasible this plan is.

Step one however is getting the console off to assess the work. Can anyone help or point me in the right direction?

If its like my 91, there is 1 phillips screw located in the consol in front of the rearview mirror and the rear just needs a little tug to pop down from the plastic clips.

Hope that helps,
Matt

Like Nor-Cal said, mine is a single screw as well. But the inside's components are a little on the bulky side.

when i added a console to mine (2000 xj), i recall it only being 2 screws up in the very front by the sun visor hooks. im pretty sure it was just the 2 phillips screws, then slide the console towards rear a bit and theres a connector to the keyless entry, and a connector to the screen

heres a link to a few of the pics i took, i dont think they will help you but never know
http://ep-comps.com/xj_overhead_console/

i have the dome light and bracket still i believe if you want them for a few bucks since the overhead console has the only lights up front.

Yes the older ones have one screw in the front and the newer ones have 2 screws one up front and one in the back. After the screws are out push it back and then pull down and slide forwards.

Ok! Thanks for the tips guys. I'm about half way along, meaning I've done all the taking-apart, but still have to do much of the put-back-together. Turns out most of the console is hollow and doesn't need to be so bulky at all.

My main objective of moving the rear-view mirror was successful, so everything from here on out is aesthetic.

I took pictures along the way, so if there's every any future confusion or questions as to what's inside an overhead console... well now you know what it all looks like:

I removed the two screws (one behind where each visor meets the console) and had to pull the console towards the windshield. Then I disconnected the cable plugs to get the console out:
https://img72.imageshack.us/img72/6053/img0812ag.jpg
https://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1830/img0813j.jpg

There was a little cardboard flap in front of the LCD display:
https://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5625/img0815q.jpg
https://img691.imageshack.us/img691/4317/img0816bc.jpg

This is the first bank of lights and the switches to reset the mpg computer:
https://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6955/img0817xf.jpg
https://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7393/img0818cr.jpg

Both light housings removed:
https://img693.imageshack.us/img693/5649/img0820fg.jpg

And the button panel:
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2467/img0821.jpg

There's a large plastic inset that is removed after you pry back some clips:
https://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6324/img0822o.jpg

Which reveals the keyless entry module:
https://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7191/img0826ik.jpg

This was probably the crappiest part, prying out the clips that hold the bulbs in their housings:
https://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5748/img0843rv.jpg

I had some leftover craft foam, so as a temporary measure until I get some plastic, I used that to cut out a rough-sized cap piece:
https://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5671/img0833n.jpg
https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/843/img0834q.jpg

So right now the roof of the jeep looks like this. (yuck! temporary!) I twisted the rear-view mirror button off of the windshield and moved it up into the forward hole left by the center console.
https://img80.imageshack.us/img80/485/img0840y.jpg

Next step is to dremel and paint some plastic to fit over the holes so I can re-wire the lights. I'm considering not even re-attaching the mpg computer. I never look at the compass, the temperature was never right, and the mpg read out was depressing. So if I can just seal everything up nicely and still have working overhead lights I'll be happy.

dont destroy it to much, people will easily pay $60 for it, im not sure if you can get a donor harness to swap it out though. like i said, if you want my dome light and bracket that holds it up, its yours for a few bucks.

Nothing's destroyed yet :P Just disassembled. I can easily put it all back together.

I'm interested in your dome light though. Is it just an assembly that fits over the center opening on the ceiling?

So thats out of a 2000? I wonder if it would wire up to a 91 with out any real problems?

not sure on that, im thinking it wont work but i know the newer styles just requires modifying the harness.

also, Ficcy, sorry man i just sold the dome light yesterday. should be able to grab on real cheap. i still do have the bracket if you cant get it off a junkyard one though

does anybody know if u can put a overhead console in a 1989 jeep cherokee?

This will work for all 96 and older xjs

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/ins...e-model-37848/

Any chance you have one for pre 96?

I have an Overhead console in my '91 that I would like to move to my '93.

The write up will work for sure on 1987-1996 xj's. I believe it is also covers 84-86 but im not sure. Moving a 91 to a 93 will be the same procedure.