Removing the armrest and center console on a Volkswagen Jetta is a maintenance task that does not require specialized mechanical or auto repair experience.
This description details the removal of the rear ashtray, cup-holder assembly, center armrest, emergency brake console, front ashtray assembly and lower center console from a MK IV Jetta GLS.
Slide the driver and passenger seats completely forward. Open the rear ashtray compartment and remove the ashtray insert. Remove by hand the circular plastic caps at each side of the ashtray and cup-holder assembly. Gently pull the top of the cap out and away from the assembly; then pull upward to release the plastic retaining tab. With a flat-head screwdriver pry up the plastic tabs on each side of the ashtray housing. Push down the two metal retaining tabs and slide the cup-holder assembly out toward the back seats.
Detach the plastic trim below the armrest on the driver's side by pulling the top out by hand. Six plastic tabs hold the lower part in place; use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully ease the tabs from their retainers, and pull upwards at a slight angle to remove the trim. With a 13mm socket and driver, remove the bolt below the armrest. Work the armrest free using a gentle side-to-side twisting movement and a little force.
Remove both T20 Torx screws located in the ashtray well. Slide the driver and passenger seats completely backward. Remove the trim tabs, and the T20 Torx screws beneath, with the flat-head screwdriver. Pull the emergency brake handle as high as it will go. Raise the rear of the console and slide it out from under the lower console; lift it up and over the emergency brake handle. Loosen the four retaining tabs as you go with the flat-head screwdriver. Unfasten the emergency brake switch located at floor level on the driver's side.
Open the ashtray and remove the insert. Remove one T20 Torx screw located in the ashtray well. Use two flat-head screwdrivers to simultaneously lift the metal retaining tabs. Slide the ashtray slightly forward and raise the back until the tabs clear their housing; slide the ashtray out from the center console. Pull out the retaining clip securing the 12-volt outlet wire to the ashtray. Press in the white tab and disconnect the 12-volt outlet connector.
Remove both T20 Torx screws located in the foot-well from the lower center console. Pull up on the rear edge of the shifter boot to separate it from the console; slide the boot up and away. Remove the foam surrounding the shifter mechanism. Uncouple the lower console from the vertical console by sliding backward.
