How do I open the centre console top on Ford Fiesta WS?

Omarko · 15-08-2011, 06:40 PM

hi guys

I decided to go for it and get one of these GPS / DVD / touch screen centre console and optical drive replacement packages.

I dont have a service manual and I am sure I would work this out but I thought I will ask here as I am sure some of you upgraded their stereos in this card.

I need to know how to I open up the top part of the centre console? does it just "click in" meaning I need to gently pry it off? dont want to break anything so just asking. Im in no rush so will do my research and worse comes to worse I will ask at the Ford dealer.

if anyone has done this and you have tips, photos, can you please post here?

thank you in advance!

trumpy73 · 15-08-2011, 07:08 PM

yeah gently pry it off. 2 hinges on the bottom and a one metal clip at the top (centre). It'll snap open. Do it gently and obviously from the top.

You can easily put it back together by reinserting the metal clip.

Omarko · 15-08-2011, 07:25 PM

thanks ! will give it a go ...

Foobar · 16-08-2011, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omarko

I decided to go for it and get one of these GPS / DVD / touch screen centre console and optical drive replacement packages.

Got a link to the one you selected? Also do let us know how you get on, photos of the result would be nice!

Omarko · 28-08-2011, 08:00 AM

sorry for late reply ...

this is the one :

http://www.sundaybuy.com/Car-DVD-Pla...-2938_753.html

will post photos of the item and installation and also video once completed.

overl0ad · 03-09-2011, 05:53 PM

any luck with this?

LordFordNZ · 05-09-2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omarko

sorry for late reply ...

this is the one :

http://www.sundaybuy.com/Car-DVD-Pla...-2938_753.html

will post photos of the item and installation and also video once completed.

Did you get the DVB-T add on with it?.....

Omarko · 08-09-2011, 03:21 PM

sorry for late reply... I only just received the package today ? the box is massive!!!!

didnt get the TV tuner, missuz did not want it !

will take some photos tonight ...

Omarko · 09-09-2011, 07:39 AM

sneak peek

http://imagestore.ugbox.net/aview/IM...d42801ee46f211

Caydus · 09-09-2011, 07:42 AM

Oh you tease...

Omarko · 09-09-2011, 06:29 PM

ok guys, here we go ...

http://imageshack.us/g/37/img1151df.jpg/

lots of photos uploaded in the above link, if you want some other specific shots, let me know.

First impressions, love the packaging, fantastic job. The material quality of the top fascia seems to be VERY good , slightly difference color and material to stock but still ok.

Cables seem to be straight forward, there are only 3-4 cables that re loose but everything seems to be labeled well so we'll see how we go!

the iphone cable is separate which I did not expect, I think they did not assume that the Fiesta will have it built in, ours is Zetec so its standard feature. I will try to run the cable out the same way where the current USB connection is which will become useless.

I'll take photos as I install it.

oh and the SD card contains IGO 8 software and maps. I have full version of igo maps so will copy over at some stage but will test with stock first.

any questions, feel free to ask !

trumpy73 · 09-09-2011, 06:51 PM

let us know how it performs mate. Reception quality, ease of use etc. once you've had a chance.

Franco Cozzo · 09-09-2011, 06:58 PM

Very interesting, keep me updated.

Omarko · 09-09-2011, 07:03 PM

will do guys ...

the aerial for GPS looks solid and the FM antenna looks like good build quality as well.

I'll surely post impressions once I install it and also take a video.

Omarko · 10-09-2011, 09:43 AM

ok, here we go guys, just finished the install. VERY easy to do, would take approx 1.5hrs. the biggest challenge was fitting all the cables in.

Here is finished result:

link to more photos -LINK CLICK HERE

link to a video in action - LINK CLICK HERE

Also, how can I change the thread title so I can update it ?

overl0ad · 12-09-2011, 07:48 AM

nice!

do you loose the OEM phone function?

what about the steering wheel audio controls?

Omarko · 12-09-2011, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overl0ad

nice!

do you loose the OEM phone function?

what about the steering wheel audio controls?

unfortunately, you loose the steering wheel audio controls, bit ****ed off about that but maybe they will fix that with future software updates (not holding my breath for this though).

the BT phone function works fine.

vhcbm · 12-09-2011, 08:45 PM

Wow it actually isn't bad. If it had steering wheel controls I would of been sold!

Foobar · 22-09-2011, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omarko

unfortunately, you loose the steering wheel audio controls, bit ****ed off about that but maybe they will fix that with future software updates (not holding my breath for this though).

the BT phone function works fine.

Does the voice control stuff all still work?

How are you finding it now that it's been installed for a bit. What I saw of the GPS looked a little 'slow' to me (screen draw / update).

Omarko · 24-09-2011, 09:59 AM

have not tried the voice control so not sure ...

missuz does not like change so I am selling it now ...

Foobar · 25-09-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omarko

missuz does not like change so I am selling it now ...

Hrm, not exactly a glowing testimonial. For the benefit of others, could you give any details as to what wasn't liked about it?

If it was an outright mistake to get it, do say so as you'll possibly help others from making the same.

I did want something similar, was hoping for good reports but now ...

Omarko · 25-09-2011, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foobar

Hrm, not exactly a glowing testimonial. For the benefit of others, could you give any details as to what wasn't liked about it?

If it was an outright mistake to get it, do say so as you'll possibly help others from making the same.

I did want something similar, was hoping for good reports but now ...

That's a fair question. I am being absolutely honest here saying that my missuz does not like it and its the reason why I took it out.

what she does not like :

1. Steering controls do not work

2. iPod shuffle playing does not resume after a phone call (this is probably the biggest gripe, she listens to iPod all the time and this feature is annoying as you have to go back to the on screen menu , using the touch screen, not buttons and set up the shuffle again). Might not be an issue if you do not get a lot of BT calls.

3. When reverse is in, the screen switches to reverse camera and turns off radio. She hates this. If you are not using a reverse camera, this feature can be simply disabled by cutting one of the wires to disable the reverse camera coming up.

4. Voice controls do not work - not that she uses this features. The voice commands is pretty useless , lets admit it.

Otherwise than the above, yes the unit is not as responsive as your iPhone but does everything else it says it will do. Plays radio fine, GPS works ok and you can use other software than the iGo, plays avi files, dvd works perfectly.

If it was my car, I would keep the unit. I would keep harassing the manufacturer to get the steering wheels control work (the support team says they should work but I did not pursue to explore this further) and I would prol put TomTom on it instead of iGo.

Now I am selling this now on ebay too, starting at $199. For tat kind of money, whoever wins it at that amount, its a great unit with lots more features than the stock setup.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask any more Qs.

GoesLikeAZetec · 26-09-2011, 12:28 AM

I wondered if one of the reasons also was that she couldnt reach the screen easily without having to really lean forward. was that a problem too?

Omarko · 26-09-2011, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoesLikeAZetec

I wondered if one of the reasons also was that she couldnt reach the screen easily without having to really lean forward. was that a problem too?

yes, this is also an issue for her although its not as big as the other ones.

However, I would not think it would be an issue for most people as she likes to drive with her chair aaaaaall the way back, its quite funny actualy. Her arms and legs are all streched when she drives cause she is stitting so far back lol.

LordFordNZ · 26-09-2011, 09:49 AM

How did the voice directions on the Sat Nav work?...does the directions come through the car speakers, or through it own speaker? Thanks

Omarko · 26-09-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordFordNZ

How did the voice directions on the Sat Nav work?...does the directions come through the car speakers, or through it own speaker? Thanks

Through the car speakers.