488 - Central bridge removal for new buttons | FerrariChat
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488 Central bridge removal for new buttons

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Tweaky, Jun 20, 2025.

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  1. Tweaky

    Tweaky Rookie

    Aug 4, 2024
    16
    Full Name:
    Philip Offord
    #1 Tweaky, Jun 20, 2025
    Ok my daughter had a coffee accident in my car the other day and spilt coffee on the reverse button. It was cleaned up best possible at the time, but a couple of days later the button is jamming up. I am sure it is the barrel of the button that is gummed up with sticky coffee residue. The micro switch is clicking ok and the car goes into reverse so the button function is working. It was beginning to suffer with the age old sticky button syndrome so have ordered a replacement set of button inserts from Sticky RX. In order to fit them it would appear that the central bridge needs to be removed to get them out.

    I am sure someone here has done just this proceedure and will hopefully have some advise on how it comes out. Can the top of the bridge itself be removed without removing the entire centre console? Are there any pictures of the process or stage by stage instructions, I have looked but can't seem to find anything anywhere on how to get the buttons out.

    Thanks in advance for any assistance given. Needless to say my car is now a drink free zone!!
     
  2. Kent Adams

    Kent Adams F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 11, 2020
    3,220
    #2 Kent Adams, Jun 20, 2025
    This video may be helpful:

     
  3. Phelips

    Phelips Rookie

    May 30, 2025
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    Russel Phelips Brown
    #3 Phelips, Jun 21, 2025
    Ah, the dreaded coffee vs. gear selector battle! Since the microswitch still works, you’re right it’s just the button barrel gummed up. The bridge can be removed without yanking the whole console, but it’s fiddly. Here’s the quick scoop:

    1. Pop the trim: Use a plastic pry tool to lift the bridge’s top cover (start near the cupholders). Go slow clips are fragile.
    2. Button access: Once the cover’s off, you’ll see the button assembly. Sticky RX inserts slide in after prying the old ones out.
    3. Clean first: Try blasting the sticky button with isopropyl alcohol (let it soak) before swapping inserts might save the hassle.

    Hope this helps.
     
  4. Tweaky

    Tweaky Rookie

    Aug 4, 2024
    16
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    Philip Offord
    #4 Tweaky, Jun 21, 2025
    Oh that's good news, thanks for the info. I will have a look and see how i get on. I have used IPA on it and it has improved. I didn't want to flood too much in there as i wasn't sure what it would do to the switch part and electrics. However in using the IPA it has removed the matt finish to the button on the bottom half so i need to replace the insert anyway now as it will catch my eye constantly otherwise, you know how it is, once you have seen it you can't unsee it.
     
  5. Phelips

    Phelips Rookie

    May 30, 2025
    47
    Full Name:
    Russel Phelips Brown
    #5 Phelips, Jun 22, 2025
    Yeah, IPA can be harsh on finishes annoying when it strips the matte look. At least you know the switch works now! If you’re replacing the insert anyway, maybe check for a sealed unit or one with better resistance to cleaners. That "can’t unsee" feeling is the worst good luck with the fix
     

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