here you go.....

So do you really need the "special tool" to remove the upper console panel? If I don't have the tool? How can I accomplish this (in as many details as possible) without damaging anything? I'm sure people have done this a million times, but this will be my first.:dunno:

If you have a a plastic tiny spatula like thing or a small cover (taped) screw driver, you might be able to do it.:dunno:

dear princess,
center console piece for automatic shifter has black hard plastic around the shifter. do you have pics for AT tranny center console removal?

Nope, no AT pix. The instructions are the same other than the knob removal.

Where the bulbs for the gear position are in the center console....

its very easy to remove the vents above the deck. all you need to do is one by one take a flat screwdriver with the tip taped so ti doesnt scratch anything and place it into the slot in which the special tool would fit. pull firmly and itll pull loose then repeat with the other side. once those are loose push the clip by the hazard light switch with a screwdriver n it will come off nice n smooth no scratches whatsoever. enjoy:)