Aluminum gauge bezels
All of these installations are to be performed at your own risk!!!!
Step 5:
Open the cigarette lighter door and remove the ashtray. Use the T15 Torx screwdriver to remove the screws adjacent to the cigarette lighter and behind the ashtray. I forgot to take a picture of the one behind the ashtray so don't forget this one. Carefully pull out the vented insert in the dash next to the ignition switch and remove the remaining Torx head screw.
Step 6:
Using the tiny flat blade screwdriver, gently put the screwdriver behind the plate that includes the fog lights and hatch (or trunk) release button. Rather than pivoting or prying the screwdriver, simply pull the screwdriver away from the dash which will also pull the switch panel slightly away. Once the plate from step is partially pulled away from the dash, use your hand to pull it the rest of the way. Expect some resistance because there is a metal clip that holds the plate in place. Also, there is a wire connection on the back of the plate so be careful not to pull the plate too far away. Once the plate is a few inches away from the dash, use the size 15 Torx screwdriver to remove the Torx screw that is now revealed from behind the plate. For sake of later re-attachment, using your fingers or needle nose pliers, remove the metal clip from the rectangular hole in the dash. Then, attach the metal clip to the tab on the back of the plate as shown in the photo. Do not leave the clip in the dash and attempt to re-insert the plate into the clip because the clip is likely to push into the dash, and it may be difficult to locate it if this happens. Mine actually came off with the panel so it was easy.
Step 7:
Now it is time to remove the knee panel. Remove the two T15 screws along the bottom of the knee panel. With the two screws from removed, pull the bottom left side of the knee panel downward slightly, then pull the left side of the panel that faces the driver toward the driver seat. Expect some resistance because there are metal clips in the panel that hold it in place. Gently pull the right side of the panel that faces the driver toward the driver seat. The edge of the panel might catch behind the plastic ring that fits around the key switch. However, pull slightly on the left side of that plastic ring and it will clip forward slightly, allowing you to pull away the edge portion of the knee panel behind it. Be gentle, because behind the panel there is a wire connecting to the temperature sensor.
Plug behind panel: The smaller male plug fits into a rubber boot female. Also, the male has a guide that slides within the groove. To remove the male plug, gently lift up on the rubber female in the area of the groove, while at the same time pulling the male away from the female. You need to lift the rubber female portion up enough to clear the tab. Here is a picture of the plug:
Step 8:
To the right of the steering column, there is a 7mm screw head that you will need an extension to reach. Using the 7mm socket, socket wrench, and extension, remove this screw. A screwdriver is pointing to the screw in the picture below.
Step 9:
To the left of the steering column, there is a 7mm screw head that you will need an extension to reach. Using the 7mm socket, socket wrench, and extension, remove this screw.
Step 10:
To the right of the steering column, there is a metal bracket that has two 7mm screws holding it up, as shown in the photo. Using an extension and a 7mm socket, and as shown by way of example in one of the holes in the photo, pass the socket through one hole in the bottom of the bracket to remove a 7 mm screw, and then repeat this process using the other hole so as to remove the other 7mm screw.
To the left of the steering column, there is a metal bracket that has two 7mm screws holding it up, as shown in the photo. Using an extension and a 7mm socket, pass the socket through each hole in the bottom of the bracket to reach each of the two 7 mm screws and remove those screws. Once you remove these two screws, the entire bracket will pivot downward toward and below the right side of the steering column. However, it will hang safely in place by a plastic plug connector.
