How To Remove Chevy Silverado Overhead Console? (Solved)

The overhead console on your Chevy Silverado sits on the ceiling. It is positioned directly above the two front seats and the center console.

Depending on the year of manufacture of your Chevy Silverado, it could hold interior lights, commands to specific functions, and offer storage for glasses and garage door openers.

The overhead console plays a critical function in your Chevy. Sometimes, however, certain parts of the console may stop working.

And you may want to take it apart and see what’s wrong. Or, if you are removing the headliner on your Silverado, you must first remove the overhead console.

First and foremost, the overhead console of a Silverado is removable. With the right tools and mechanical knowledge, you can remove the overhead console without any problems.

Because it is an integral part of the car interior, it needs to be removed carefully. If you use too much force, you may end up breaking the entire thing.

Below, we will guide you on removing the overhead console of a Chevy Silverado and additional tips that may come in handy when doing so.

A Guide on Removing the Overhead Console of the Chevy Silverado

1st step – Gather the essential tools

For this task, you will need pliers and a screwdriver. You can also have on a pair of gloves. It is, however, not necessary.

2nd step – Disconnect the battery

In the overhead console, there are electrical functions such as lights. Therefore, you shouldn’t dive straight into removing the console without disconnecting the battery first.

You can remove the negative battery cable. That will ensure power isn’t running through the console. Doing this also guarantees your safety. You can easily get zapped when you touch some of the wires.

3rd step – Remove the screw located in the front of the console

Since the designs of these consoles vary from one Silverado to another, you will have to look for the screw located in the front of the console.

If it’s not visible, check inside the sunglasses compartment. Unscrew it and store the screw in a safe place.

4th step – Unclip the rear of the console

The back end of the console is often held together by clips, and the front is where we have the screw. To disconnect these clips, hold the console and pull it down sharply.

You should hear the clips unhook from the console. This step can only be done when you have removed the screw at the front lest you risk breaking the console.

In some Silverado models, the mechanism of unclipping the back of the console is different. So, if you push it down and it declines, don’t use more strength.

Instead, push the console forward. It should unclip. Be careful not to hit the windshield in the process.

5th step – Unplug any electrical connections

When unclipping the Chevy Silverado overhead control, don’t yank it out because it is attached to some electrical connections.

To be on the safe side, pull it at a considerable length. And when you see these connections, remove them one after another. Don’t let the wires hang since that can lead to further damage.

For consoles that are proving stubborn to come off, you can use a trimming tool to pry it from the ceiling.

You need to be very careful not to damage the clipping mechanisms. It will be hard for you to put it back up when you do that since there will be nothing to hold it.

What If My Silverado Overhead Console is Held with Two Screws?

In the most recent models of the Silverado, you will find the overhead console held with two screws. In this case, the removal process is almost the same, but you have to unscrew both these screws.

Leaving a screw behind can break the overhead console when you unclip or remove it. It’s essential to look at how many screws there are before you pry out the console from the roof.

This will ensure it’s done safely and no damage occurs in the process. If you break the clips or certain parts of the console, you can get replacements at the dealer.

Also, if the entire console is not working, you can get a replacement at the dealership.

Do I Have to Remove the Console to Replace the Lights/Bulbs?

If there are lights in your overhead console, they should stop working after a while. Bulbs blow, this is very normal, and if that’s the case, you may be thinking about removing the overhead console to replace the bulbs.

Unless your console design is very complicated, there is usually no need to remove the entire console. You can remove the casing covering the bulb, replace it, and works fine.

Before proceeding with this method, you need to confirm that the bulbs in your console can be replaced without its removal. Most console lights were designed to be easily removed so that the entire thing isn’t tampered with.

DIY vs. Professional Overhead Console Removal

Chevy Silverado owners who want to remove their overhead consoles have two options. Either do it themselves or bring in the experts.

The option you should choose depends on your mechanical experience and knowledge of such matters.

Most people with no experience in how these things work prefer to take the car to the dealer for professional overhead console removal.

A mechanic can also offer the same services. There are pros to having an expert do it. Your dealer has probably encountered hundreds of overhead consoles.

Therefore, they are aware of the process needed to remove each of them irrespective of the model. If the bulbs aren’t working or there is a problem with another function in the console, your dealer can provide a replacement.

Having an expert remove your overhead console can be free if it’s part of the warranty. They will charge you some money for the service and replace parts if it’s not.

However, if you have some mechanical background, you can remove the overhead console on your Silverado without any problems.

If you have a passion for DIY and lack experience, you can always follow our guide. We have included every step you should complete for a successful overhead console removal.

It’s entirely up to you to decide whether you want to do it yourself or hire an expert to do it for you.

Does the Sunroof Affect the Removal of the Overhead Console?

In some Silverado trims, you can find a sunroof. If you look closely, the overhead console is a few inches from the sunroof.

In case you find yourself in such a dilemma, you may be wondering, will the sunroof make it impossible for you to remove the overhead console?

You must first understand that the sunroof and the overhead console are two separate things. Yes, they are both located on the roof of your Silverado, but they serve different purposes and are not connected.

So, if you still want to remove the overhead console, the sunroof won’t get in your way. As long as you are careful and don’t damage the sunroof in the process, there won’t be any challenges.

Can I Swap the Overhead Console with Something Fancier?

Chevy Silverado owners love customizing their trucks. If you want to swap the ordinary overhead console for something fancier such as a panel of rocker switches, then you absolutely can.

You can go through the method described above on how to remove the Chevy Silverado overhead console and then install another console.

Before embarking on this project, you should research further and identify whether your new console will be a perfect fit.

You may need some electrical skills to make this swap. So, if you have no clue about what you are doing, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals.

What Should I Do If One of the Switches in the Console is Broken?

If you are used to using your overhead console to execute various functions, a broken switch can be frustrating. Fortunately, you can easily remove the overhead console, replace or repair the switch, and install it back.

We have already provided you with a guide and tips on removing the console. Unlike bulbs, switches require full access to the console. So, it has to be taken apart.

Should I Use a Lot of Pressure When Unclipping the Overhead Console?

On paper, removing an overhead console may seem to be a breeze. But, when you finally decide to do it, it may not be so easy. The overhead console may not pop out of the clips easily.

That shouldn’t come as a surprise because if your console has never been taken apart, don’t expect it to come off so easily.

In that case, you may be tempted to use a lot of pressure when unclipping it, but that could damage the console. It’s best if you only apply adequate pressure.

Should you break the attaching mechanism, you will have no other option than to glue it back. Make sure that you use strong glue that will firmly hold the console in place.