howto: warning system on\off modification

I wish I could retitle this thread something like "howto: warning system on\off modification" or something like that.

Here is a link to my thread about the OEM switch part numbers w/diagram
OEM dash switch (button) part number? | PriusChat

 

Here are some pics for reference.

Left console, buttons surrounded by black plastic


Right console, and how this is mounted. The damage is such an eyesore though it cannot be seen from that far away very well



close-up of the damage I might just replace the whole panel if the price is right though knowing Toyota I bet the panel is like 100bux

 

awesome

 

As a followup I decided to buy that replacement panel. The dealership price really was not that bad: $39.00 after taxes. Discount sites have it for (lowest ive seen) $27.00 but then there is the shipping. The part number for the gray panel is: 55446-47030-B0

Here is a pretty good breakdown for future reference:


INSTRUMENT PANEL & GLOVE COMPARTMENT. Fits: PRIUS | ToyotaPartsOverstock.com

 

Ok I managed to change that panel but that was the biggest PIA ever!
It all started off good, the plastic panels for the cup holder, shifter, around the radio and the start button came off no problem.

The only panel that was still overlaped was the panel that runs along the underside of the "bridge" console and for the life of me I didnt know how to get it off!!!!

I ended up removing the shifter, ac control unit, cup holder, the bridge screw under the cup holder, and the metal bracket that the shifter screws down onto and then I was able to lift up on the back of the bridge a little and pull the front away enough to change the panel. I got it all back together and it all seems to work but I wish I knew the right away to get that bridge panel off.......

It looks like it is joined with the other half so it is the entire underpart of the bridge arch. I did not take the lighter\seat warmer panel out nor did I disassemble the under part of the console but I do not think that plays a part other than it all loops up in front of the center compartment and kind of holds the top arch in place.

Anyway.... mission basically complete at this point.