Hey guys. Been a while since I’ve been on here but I recently picked up a 40k mile base model all original with only one modifications - the head unit. One of the first things I noticed is when I put my right elbow down on the center arm rest my center speaker gets a lot of static. My assumption is there a bad ground? I’ve tried my best to search the forum for answers, but I only found an answer about the amp box located behind the glovebox. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

A stock amp is right under the center console. It's a little box about the size of a couple deck of cards and sits right about where your elbow probably is. Slide the chair all the way back and it's right about where the belt buckle is, sitting on top of the hump. You literally press on it if you put your weight on the console.

 

The center speaker amp is under the center console. Your center console might be cracked and putting some pressure on the electronics, maybe grounding stuff out or something like that. Not too hard to remove, and check out what's going on.

 

If I push down anywhere in this area I get static. So from what you guys have advised it’s probably that amp. It’s there a procedure or work instruction how to unbolt or remove this area so I can see under it?

 

Have center speaker amp if needed.
6 screws mount tunnel cover

 

@tomsn16 thanks for the reply I may need that. I’ve only located the two rear screws, where are the other four?

 

Remove the shifter panel and you will see the other 4 tunnel cover screws.

 

And removing the shifter panel -- like touching any plastic on this car -- is a bit of a voodoo science. Too little pressure and you do nothing. Too much pressure and you break plastic.

How do you know what 'just enough' is? You don't break anything.

I'd start lifting it from the back, praying to your diety of choice, and move up towards the dash popping the clips free as you go. The shifter panel actually isn't *too* bad. It's all the others in the dash and door that are problematic.

This video shows how it's done in the first minute or so. You'll note he uses a little plastic pry tool at some point. But, don't worry, you'll also notice that he doesn't actually do anything with it and he just pops it out by hand anyways.

 

Thank you @tomsn16 & @Sigma for the great advice. Cracking a plastic is my biggest fear but I did purchase a plastic pry tool kit that should help me out. I’ll report back soon 👍🏼