most of these trim panels are the same 96-00, but the actual radio/temp console from 96-98 are different from 99-00.
the 96-98 radio consoles use 3 philips screws straight up from the bottom.
the 99-00 radio consoles use 4 bolts (forgot size socket) straight up from the bottom on the metal frame.

basically first remove all 4 philips screws from the sides of the console, slide the seats forwards to get the rear 2 screws one on each side if its a arm rest console. and move the seats all the way back and get the other 3 philips screws on each side of the middle console and then slide the rear console section back and then remove the front console section (if its a manual transmission then just unscrew the shifter handle counter clockwise till it comes off.) if its a automatic simply pull it over the handle. but if you want to remove it theres a philips screw going into the side of the plastic top handle remove it and the handle will come straight up.




and remove the center console.
then remove the drivers side lower trim cover. remove the 3 philips screws and the top section has ruffly 3 clips on along the top so it will hold in place. pull it around and it should pop loose.
and if you have power mirrors, fog lights, and/or sunroof after you pull the panel back alittle then unplug the wire harness plugs off them and place the trim panel to the side.




next open the glove box and flex the side panels inwards so they clear the bump stops in the rear.




then start to remove the center lower trim panel. philips screws again on both sides.




and 2 more screws from the center above the cig lighter plug.
and also unplug the cig lighter wire harness.



now with those panels off then now your to the audio/temp console...
THIS IS PICTURES OF A 96-98 civic, the 99-00civics are different. i didn't take pictures of them but they have the 4 bolts going straight up.


first take off the cable driven temp cable 96-98civics. the cable just snaps into a clip and the tip of the cable has a circle which just slips over the adjuster rod.






this 96-98 uses 3 philips screws very simple two upfront on the bottom, and one towards the rear on the climate control panel.




this is a picture of the audio console out but your not that far yet you still have to remove wires and 1 cable before you can remove it.



with those 3 screws removed the pull the console out just alittle to remove the top two wire harness plugs.



then pull it out alittle more and access the lower 2 other wire harness.






and unplug the radio of course. unsure how the radio is bolted in since mine already had a after market radio which was installed ghetto! just slapped in the dash. i already ordered new radio trim install kit just waiting for it now.

and now your audio console is out.... change your radio out or customize your AC controls or what ever you want.
REMEMBER if installing after market radio buy the right wire harness adapter DON'T CUT THE FACTORY WIRES PLEASE!!!!!!


i had to pull mine to replace the 2 climate control backlight bulbs since they did not work.


simply reverse process to reinstall everything

 

nice man, nice pic layout. and yes, i've done this several times, i'm quite sick of it if you ask.

 

ya hell just doing it once is a PITA of course.LOL aparently previous owner didnt know how to remove the console properly and he ended up cracking the audio console and jacking up the plastic all over the thing probably trying to pull the radio out with a screw driver!

it really sucks! so for it to look good again ill have to buy a new one! even the left vent was busted i tried to do my best to fix it but it still needs everything replaced.

HOPEFULLY this DIY with help other people before they start breaking stuff. i see it posted all the time.

 

I have done my 2000 EX many times, and it's much easier then the 96-98. The only tricky part is unplugging the climate conrol harnesses (there isn't any slack in the wires to get it out far enough to easily unplug them).

 

another question, wanna trade armrests?? lol, i've got the stock armrest delete.

 

No it was probably Circuit City or BestBuy