because it was a bit loose and i also wanted to check out the wires connected to the headunit (because my front right speaker isnt worked)... anyway the top panel, the part with the trip computer and two air conditioning vents, won't go back in properly... should i just keep pushing it really hard?

No! Have you re-connected the black cable that runs from the right hand side of the air vents down behind the drivers footwell? If thats not lined up properly it won't go back in, and if you force it you'll only break something. You'll kinda see what I mean in the link below.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/miltonf/car/mitsu/console/stereoremoval.htm

does anyone know what that actually does??

does anyone know what that actually does??

Think it controls the air vents direction and movement. I didn't have to disconnect mine when changing decks, just pulled the vents out carefully and there was enough play to get to the screws on the stereo panel.

It is a fresh air system which allows the heater to be on the feet and some fresh air to the face

It is a fresh air system which allows the heater to be on the feet and some fresh air to the face
Thats it, if that doesn't make sense, it basically controls if your letting air from outside directly in, or if only air from the cooling/heating system enters the cabin. So essentially it allows fresh air in if you have the heater on lower vents, you'll never notice the difference with the air con on. This of course only controls the centre 2 vents, not all the vents in the car.

I think the main reason they did it was so you could have the heater pumping into the windscreen (to reduce foggyness) and you could also have cold air coming through those vents. The called it dual level A/C.

No! Have you re-connected the black cable that runs from the right hand side of the air vents down behind the drivers footwell? If thats not lined up properly it won't go back in, and if you force it you'll only break something. You'll kinda see what I mean in the link below.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/miltonf/car/mitsu/console/stereoremoval.htm

didn't disconnect anything to begin with... the only part i disconnected was the connection to the hazard lights... :-)

this is what i essentially have at the moment, (obviously not as loose)

http://members.optusnet.com.au/miltonf/car/mitsu/console/topconsole2.jpg