dismantling center console to adjust parking brake?

I'm stuck...

Following the Bentley instructions for dismantling the aft portion of the center console (MK5 Jetta TDI with DSG) to access the parking brake cable adjuster.

I have managed to locate all of the screws, and the assembly is somewhat loose, but the next step apparently requires unclipping the rear cover/cupholder portion that faces the rear seat passengers.

For the life of me I cant seem to figure out to detach that from the main assembly.

Do I need to pry them apart with a flat bladed screwdriver or similar tool, or is there a magic wand of some kind that I am missing?

.. perhaps I just haven't applied enough alcohol??

There is an excellent how to over on MTD.When I did mine, I chose the cheater method of drilling holes instead of removing the console.
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/parking-brake-adjustment-or-removal-mk5-vw/

Effective... but not a very elegant method!

Also, learning that some 2009-later models had a built in inverter makes me wonder how easily that might be modded into a 2006.

HPsenicka said:

Effective... but not a very elegant method!

Also, learning that some 2009-later models had a built in inverter makes me wonder how easily that might be modded into a 2006.

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My '06 has the built in inverter. The hole is hidden behind it, and essentially is invisible. Not to mention I made a much cleaner cut than in the how to...

mishkaya said:

My '06 has the built in inverter. The hole is hidden behind it, and essentially is invisible. Not to mention I made a much cleaner cut than in the how to...

Click to expand...

Did you salvage the inverter from another car, or order it new someplace?

HPsenicka said:

Did you salvage the inverter from another car, or order it new someplace?

Click to expand...

It came with the car when purchased new. It is a late model "Diesel Edition"

If you have a center console with the MDI built into it, is it possible to remove the MDI and get access to the adjustment bolt from the top?

Henrick said:

If you have a center console with the MDI built into it, is it possible to remove the MDI and get access to the adjustment bolt from the top?

Click to expand...

I may be wrong, but I do not think that is possible.

No MDI in my case... time for some dremel surgery!


Update.. certainly not pretty, but on the upside it will facilitate easier access in the future for parking brake adjustments.