How do I remove the console/knee bar on 1997 Passat TDi?

[k8t415]

I’m working on a bunch of issues, and I’d like to get the console cover part off and the knee bar so that I can get to the back of the fuse box and some of the wiring easier (maybe put felt on the blend door while I’m at it). I cannot figure out how to get the middle piece off! I’ve removed all the screws I could find, it seems like it snaps into the piece with the e-brake and the e-brake piece might need to come out first?

Kneebar is loose and ready to come off once center console does

• k8t415
• Dec 29, 2021

Back of the fuse box is still almost impossible to reach, so I’d like to take the kneebar out to...

Clips from the center console piece to the e-brake piece

• k8t415
• Dec 29, 2021

Does e-brake need to come out first?

Where the center console clips into the radio/holder dash

• k8t415
• Dec 29, 2021

Seems like the console needs to come out to remove the radio piece which holds the kneebar

Looking down into the e-brake area

• k8t415
• Dec 29, 2021

Also idk what that plug is for or if something should be in it

Yes, I’ve removed the back screws of the console

• k8t415
• Dec 29, 2021

E-brake piece and “glovebox” disassembled a bit but I can’t find what’s holding it in place

• k8t415
• Dec 29, 2021

Alarm/comfort module with grounds behind it

• k8t415
• Dec 29, 2021

Would be nice to reach this area easier

 

[Abacus]

To remove the center console, there are two 10mm nuts under the shifter boot and 2 screws accessed under small round panels in the rear passenger compartment. Then it slides back slightly to disengage from the front shifter assembly and lifts right off. For the front, there are screws on both sides and I think there are 2 more 10mm nuts. It's been awhile but I've had them off many times. The e-brake can stay in place, just dislodge the boot so the assembly will come up around it. No need to take anything off.

To get the knee bolster out, you will see where they attach under the front shifter assembly, and they'll unbolt in the middle, but you can also remove them as one piece if you undo the dash supports. Once you reach that stage you can see what's going on.

 

[ToddA1]

That year should have a 2 piece knee bar, which can be removed without removing the center console. 2 screws on each side and one bolt in the center. It’s more on the driver side, under a blank.

-Todd