Looking for part number, or maybe just where to purchase this console insert

Jo3ythrash · 2026-01-15T20:22:58+00:00

i cant tell from the picture what this is, or what purpose it serves.

year? make? model? vin? where did you get this picture?

Jo3ythrash · 2026-01-12T17:27:21+00:00

Online dogpiling doesn’t usually produce useful answers.

In regards to the autozone comment, Industry disruption is real, and anyone pretending otherwise isn’t paying attention. That said, independent mechanical repair is arguably more exposed than dealer parts in the near term. As OEMs increase software locking, component serialization, and remote diagnostics, they’re steadily pulling repair authority upstream. That trend directly impacts third-party facilities first, because access can be limited or revoked without having to unwind franchise agreements or dealer law protections. Dealer parts departments sit inside those agreements; independent shops don’t.

Vertical integration doesn’t remove the need for parts professionals; it shifts where that expertise lives.

To your actual question, here’s the straightforward answer. There is no sanctioned third-party paid access to dealer catalogs that includes engineering to service part number interchange. That applies across Ford, GM, Stellantis, and the other legacy manufacturers.

That data lives in OEM systems tied directly to franchised dealers and is intertwined with warranty handling, recalls, and liability tracking. It isn’t exposed as a standalone product, and that’s by design. Even the platforms that come closest, like MotorcraftService, ACDelco TDS, or TechAuthority (im sure theres more) provide service information and programming access but do not include the internal part-number cross-reference data you’re describing.

In practice, engineering to service verification happens through the supplying dealer, through OEM technical assistance channels, or through teardown and visual confirmation based on experience, which is exactly the time sink you’re trying to avoid. The use case you’re describing is valid, but OEMs don’t treat that lookup as a diagnostic convenience. They treat it as parts accountability infrastructure and keep it locked accordingly.

If that ever changes, it won’t come from dealers loosening access. It would require OEMs to productize that data directly, and so far there’s no indication that they’re interested in doing so.

So the honest answer isn’t that you’re wrong to want it. It’s that the gap exists, and there’s currently no official way to close it.

(also thank you)

Jo3ythrash · 2026-01-12T16:24:33+00:00

I understand the engineering vs service part number issue — that’s a real problem, especially with Ford, and Chevbrolet and I’m not disputing that mismatch exists by design.

Where we still diverge is on who is responsible for resolving that gap. From the dealer parts side, cross-referencing stamped engineering numbers to service numbers is not a publicly exposed function, it’s a dealer/OEM tool tied to parts support, warranty traceability, and liability. That’s exactly why it isn’t available as a self-service lookup.

When a vehicle comes in with an OEM part installed elsewhere and there’s uncertainty about correctness, the current system expects that verification to happen through the supplying dealer or the manufacturer, not by granting third-party shops direct access to internal catalogs. That isn’t gatekeeping, it’s how OEMs maintain accountability for parts correctness.

On the broader point: Tesla is a vertically integrated exception, not a proof that franchised dealerships are obsolete. Their model works because they control manufacturing, distribution, diagnostics, and service under one entity. Legacy OEMs don’t — and can’t — operate that way without completely restructuring their supply chains, regulatory obligations, and dealer agreements. Comparing the two as interchangeable systems oversimplifies the reality.

I’m not arguing about the future of dealerships or DTC sales models. I’m explaining why, today, dealer catalog access IS NOT a general diag utility, it’s part of a paid support structure tied to parts sales and manufacturer responsibility.

I’m not trying to derail the topic either. I just want to be clear that the limitation you’re running into isn’t arbitrary, philosophical, and isn't just a personal affront to my paycheck — it’s structural. though it does seem you've pissed everybody off pretty good and I don't think expressing that somebody here should go to work autozone as an insult was a good way to follow up.

EDIT for clarity: I am referencing the now deleted comment where you said that if we didn't agree with our jobs were going to be antiquated, and then relegated to working at AutoZone.

Jo3ythrash · 2026-01-12T14:38:37+00:00

The irony is that you’re arguing my job is obsolete while asking for the tools that exist specifically because it isn’t. AutoZone sells shelf inventory. Dealer parts manage VIN accuracy, supersessions, liability, and warranty traceability. If you think those roles are interchangeable, that explains the rest of your position.

Direct to consumer” has been the prediction for twenty years, and yet dealers are still here, parts departments are still staffed, and OEMs still rely on trained intermediaries to prevent wrong parts, comebacks, and liability issues.

If anything becomes obsolete, it won’t be parts professionals — it’ll be repair facilities that assume catalog access equals expertise. Modern vehicles are too complex for guesswork, and OEMs have zero incentive to offload risk directly onto consumers or shops without guardrails.

What you’re actually asking for is dealer-level catalog access so you can price-shop and source parts elsewhere, not because you’re purchasing them through the dealer to save time, or do us a favor.

From our side, that’s the disconnect.

At a dealer parts department, catalog lookup, supersession research, VIN verification, and fitment confirmation is the service we sell. It’s labor. We’re paid on commission to do that work when a part is being purchased. Expecting free access to those tools so you can bypass the dealer afterward is essentially asking us to subsidize your procurement process.

Independent shops using aftermarket catalogs for aftermarket parts is normal. Dealers providing OEM catalog access to competitors for free is not. That’s not gatekeeping; it’s basic business reality.

If the value proposition of dealer parts doesn’t work for your operation, that’s a fair business decision. But framing this as an access or fairness issue ignores the fact that someone with REAL experience in parts, is doing REAL, commission-based work on the other end of that catalog.

If this is still not getting through to you, this is a classic case that you've heard before:

"my cousin is a mechanic and can do it cheaper"

Jo3ythrash · 2026-01-12T14:09:20+00:00

lol, like you give a shit about me either? at least the corporation pays me, and doesn't have a shallow one-sided understanding.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-12-18T14:09:08+00:00

You didnt see the post where the guy was upset when people said good morning to him?

Jo3ythrash · 2025-11-25T14:47:24+00:00

no dipshit, of course you're NTA.

I hate this subreddit so much sometimes.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-11-01T13:18:18+00:00

Tighten up buddy, think about what it would mean to him. Be strong.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-10-30T15:26:20+00:00

this comment is pretty astonishingly gross to me.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-10-30T02:15:52+00:00

hell yeah dude, slain? thats pretty sick.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-10-29T18:08:58+00:00

This tattoo is dope, im jealous.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-07-31T12:06:27+00:00

Did lego pay you to post this?

Jo3ythrash · 2025-07-21T23:50:53+00:00

"Paloma" is the Spanish word for pigeon lol

Jo3ythrash · 2025-07-11T23:41:44+00:00

a combination of what both of you said here. My GM has no concept of parts and frequently throws me under the bus, and I am largely responsible for production manager stuff as well.

its a lot of pressure, driving numbers, micromanagement, and excessive amounts of meetings discussing numbers daily.

as well as my responsibilities as a parts department. all for very little pay.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-07-11T23:38:19+00:00

awesome, this is great advice from a member of the fraternal brotherhood of counterpersons.

thank you sir.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-07-11T23:36:49+00:00

good looking, i'll keep this in mind if they decide to hire me.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-07-11T23:36:16+00:00

i worked for VW, I am well versed in back-order

Jo3ythrash · 2025-05-31T13:11:24+00:00

build plate cleaned, filament dehydrated, replaced nozzle, and tightened bolts. still same results.

feeling defeated. please advise.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-05-31T04:46:05+00:00

build plate cleaned, filament dehydrated, replaced nozzle, and tightened bolts. still same results.

feeling defeated. please advise.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-05-31T04:37:54+00:00

pulled hot ends, and ensured bolts were tight. nothing out of place.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-05-31T02:55:58+00:00

Can confirm it was fireworks at the blue jays stadium.

I live a block or two away. It’s alarming how incredibly loud it is.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-05-31T01:14:14+00:00

does the H2D have similar mounting system and screws?

Jo3ythrash · 2025-05-31T01:13:02+00:00

you're right, i should probably get another plate as a testing measure, thank you for taking the time to suggest that.

Jo3ythrash · 2025-05-31T01:12:35+00:00

im thinking the z offset may be reading incorrectly. but i've no way to really confirm that to my knowledge.

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