Dashboard Cup Holder Replacement

[Speed Yellow]

I tried a word search for this issue but found nothing directly applicable. So I apologize if I have missed a prior post for this issue.

The last time I pushed the dual-slot, single arm cup holder back into the dashboard in my 2003 Boxster, it gave me a moderate level of resistance. Never happened before and I should have heeded this warning, but I continued to push it all the way back in. Now it is stuck. I tried removing the radio to gain access to it (super easy with those two removal clip tools--sweet!), but obviously the A/C display unit is between the radio hole and the cup holder slot. I am definitely not flexible enough to reach around it. Not sure anyone really could!

Is there an easy way to remove the A/C control unit, just enough to gain access to my stuck cup holder from the back side? I don't want to simply pry it out with a screwdriver or something because the plastic fascia on the cupholder is so very flimsy that it will surely break off if I were to tug at it. I also don't want to force or break the cupholder arm or pivoting mechanisms, as I actually find the cupholder quite serviceable, if indeed very flimsy.

Any advice or a pertinent web link would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[4agdtym]

I tried a word search for this issue but found nothing directly applicable. So I apologize if I have missed a prior post for this issue.

The last time I pushed the dual-slot, single arm cup holder back into the dashboard in my 2003 Boxster, it gave me a moderate level of resistance. Never happened before and I should have heeded this warning, but I continued to push it all the way back in. Now it is stuck. I tried removing the radio to gain access to it (super easy with those two removal clip tools--sweet!), but obviously the A/C display unit is between the radio hole and the cup holder slot. I am definitely not flexible enough to reach around it. Not sure anyone really could!

Is there an easy way to remove the A/C control unit, just enough to gain access to my stuck cup holder from the back side? I don't want to simply pry it out with a screwdriver or something because the plastic fascia on the cupholder is so very flimsy that it will surely break off if I were to tug at it. I also don't want to force or break the cupholder arm or pivoting mechanisms, as I actually find the cupholder quite serviceable, if indeed very flimsy.

Any advice or a pertinent web link would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The trim around the a/c unit is only held in with clips. If you gently pry on each side - a bit at a time, it will release and come off. There are compression clips near each corner. Once that trim is off, there are four screws that release the a/c control unit.

The trim for the cup holder is essentially the same - held in by four clips and four screws. You don't need to remove the a/c unit to get the cup holder, though it might be easier to remove the a/c trim - since you have already removed the radio. Once the a/c trim is off, you are likely to be able to remove the cupholder trim much easier.

Hope this helps.

David

[Speed Yellow]

David,

Many thanks for the advice. I will try to carefully pry off the A/C and/or the cupholder console panels, after building up some courage. I am very wary of breaking any of that cheap plastic on the dash. I couldn't live with that. So easy does it, I guess.

The various after-market cup holders are very intriguing, but the good ones are pretty expensive.

Thanks again.

Mike

[4agdtym]

David,

Many thanks for the advice. I will try to carefully pry off the A/C and/or the cupholder console panels, after building up some courage. I am very wary of breaking any of that cheap plastic on the dash. I couldn't live with that. So easy does it, I guess.

The various after-market cup holders are very intriguing, but the good ones are pretty expensive.

Thanks again.

Mike

I think the biggest concern on this plastic stuff is how easily it is scratched or scuffed. Use a soft plastic pry tool with a soft cloth (old t shirt) to protect surfaces. It isn't as hard as it appears.

David

[humara]

I think people were giving you advice on the 01-02 cupholder. you have an 03, which would require removal of the horseshoe as the first step. then you'll see the 2 little locking tabs on the top left and right of the cupholder. push those in to slide the cupholder contraption out.