996 Cup Holder Install

BlackeyCoveR · 07-21-2009, 05:56 AM

I am a new member and need some help! I just received the OEM cup holder parts for my 996. Unfortunately no tech bulletin came with it, just a handful of parts. I have a few questions if anybody has successfully installed one;

- I think the order in the stack will be cup holders on top, then radio, then CD holder, then AC / Heat unit. Is that right?
- does the factory AC/Heat faceplate need to be modified?
- What is the easiest and most accessible way to reroute the AC/Heat wiring?
- What are the 2 V-shaped adapters for?

Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

BlackeyCoveR · 07-23-2009, 10:34 AM

I made some progress so I thought I would post it;

- I was able to confirm the order (cupholders, stereo, CD's, Heat / AC control unit) via a tech bulletin I found on the web.
- You need to take the side panels off the lower unit in order to remove it. The heater comes out easily by removing 4 screws and 4 connections in the back. The lower unit CD holder and shelf pop right out.
- installing the cup holders is easy too. The V brackets I referenced are used to secure the cup holders in the top slot.

Now my issues are;
- I need to remove the stereo to route the Heat/AC control wires to the lower console. Trying to figure out how the stereo comes out...
- The Heat/AC control doesn't want to fit where the bulletin says it should (or anywhere else)! I am not sure if I need to take a Dremel to the tabs on the console, that are preventing it from seating. I don't want to go there!
- The Heat / AC control face plate looks like it will need some work too - like rounding out the lower corners.

JHoffman · JHoffman's Garage

if it's the radio i am thinking it is you will need radio keys that you can get at any parts store. You will see little slits in the side of the radio. Stick them in and once it clicks pull out.

BlackeyCoveR · 07-27-2009, 07:14 AM

Thanks for the info on the radio keys.

Unfortunately I can't get the heating unit to seat in the lower console like it should.

Chuck Jones · 07-28-2009, 06:55 AM

Be careful on your installation. I had a dash fire behind the OEM radio that totalled the car. The wiring needs to be carefully insulated. I have a feeling that the PO had some other radio head in there and put the stock unit back when he sold the car. For some reason, the wiring shorted and caught fire. I stood on the curb and watched it burn. I now have fire extinguishers in all the cars.

kziadie · 04-11-2010, 11:17 AM

Did you ever get this resolved? I bought the cup holder kit as well with no documentation. Where did you find the tech bulletin online... I have been searching without success? I assume that the cubby hole tray will have to go and I assume that the problem you were having with the heating unit was caused by the curvature at the bottom of the dash... I can see where this would be problematic. I cant figure it out either, and I really dont want to pull everything down until I have a solid plan of attack.

Thanks for your help.