Hi Folks,

Got myself a 58 plate Focus recently -- see here.

It looks like one of the previous owners did a retrofit of leather and center console trim/arm rest. The seat height control is spliced into the 12V outlet so definitely not original.

However the center console trim (with the cup holders, power socket) does not clip in correctly to the dashboard section. It looks like this piece of trim is meant for a different dashboard section because the clips on the driver side don't line up the the holes on the dashboard section. See pictures. It seems like the dashboard section expects the clips to be at the same angle for passenger and driver side but the piece of trim has the clips at different angles for passenger and driver side (the passenger side clips in fine).

Has anyone ever dealt with this problem before? Anyone know why the clip direction is different on this piece compared to the original? It has definitely been retrofitted based on the cut/filed sections on the trim to fit around the heated window button section.

I'm not sure what the best way to solve this is either! Would appreciate any advice.

There should have been no need to cut chunks out to dit the console as it is the correct one for that car.

All I can say is possibly the previous owner removed the console incorrectly and brole clips.

The front clips are angled so the console can hook into place and the rear end pushed down into position.

It's best located by using both hands on the ridges either side of the gear gaiter position, push forward and down firmly then keep one hand on the front while locating the rear of the console flush with the lower section.

I'd suggest you look out for a replacement panel with all the clips in place.

Thanks for reply. I took it off again and I don't think there any clips broken/missing but the two clips on the driver side that won't go in properly have been flexed too far. If I bend them back to the same angle as the other side it still won't push into the correct position even with quite a lot of pressure. So it's not just the clips failing to hold the panel in, the panel won't even go into the correction position. The passenger side clips in perfectly. I can't see why it won't fit, maybe it's the panel that it clips into is somehow in the wrong position, not entirely sure. It's not a showstopper, just a bit annoying with the gap that it introduces.

Possibly the center console came from a LHD car. The LHD and RHD center consoles are different. However some people manage to install them with some modifications.

If you can post the part number listed on the center console (probably on the sticker inside) I can tell if it is or is not the correct part for your car.

The console is definitely the right one, It just looks mangled on the corner where someone has been rough with it.

As I stated earlier, push firmly into place then maintain forward pressure as you drop the rear into position.

Edited May 10, 201511 yr by Stoney871
Reviewed my own info

Yeah I think it is the right piece too:

I have tried pushing it *very* firmly into place but unfortunately it just won't go in far enough on the driver side while the passenger side clips in without effort. Looking at it it seems like when the top spring clip is aligned with the dashboard hole the trim piece is too far down on the driver side so I wonder if this is a problem with the dashboard piece not being aligned correctly although I don't see how that can be adjusted.

Assuming this car had the entire armrest piece retrofitted along with the leather can I assume that the piece that this trim sits on top of is also not original? It might be that this is not seated correctly and is stopping the top trim from clicking in.

I also notice that my instrument cluster is a bit loose on top and makes creaking noises when I try to fit this piece!