mrtech

I need to run wires from the fuse box to the steering wheel well. There is a plastic cover under the instrument panel. Any tips on how to remove it. I don't want to break any clips.

nickpoore

It comes off really easily.
There is a clip underneath on the right hand side (near your right ankle.) This is one of those clips that unscrews the screw in the center and then pulls out the surround - the revers of a dry-wall screw.
After that, the panel just pulls towards you (start on the left).
There are switches (mirrors, VSA, etc) that need to be disconnected as you pull. Also be careful to disconnect the temperature monitor on the right.

If you PM me with your email address, I'll send you the pages from the manual that describe how to do it.

-=Nick=-

mrtech

Nick - thx for the response. I guess I did not describe the piece I needed. The cover I want removed the underside of the dash (above the foot panel). It covers the access to the wires going to the fuse and steering column.

nickpoore

Okay, I haven't removed that one (yet).

PM me with an email address and I'll send you pages from the manual.
The service manual has pretty good instructions on how to remove all this stuff.

-=Nick=-

vtechbrain

I removed it and I was sorry I did. Although I didnt break anything it took me an hour to put it back on. Apparently it s made to be removed by removing the panel in front of it first. After seeing the million wires down there and how the fuse box is packed I desisted from hard wiring my detector, I was scared to screw something else up.

mrtech

I already have the extra power outlet hooked up. I used something call "add a circuit" which cleanly plugs in to either an open fuse slot or an existing slot. Worth the $6.00. I wanted to remove that bottom panel to cleanly run the wires.

nickpoore

I also used an "add a circuit" in my V1 hardwire install.
(do a search on "hardwire" and you'll find my post.)

I simply removed the two panels under the steering wheel (the one with the mirrors/vsa switch, and the one underneath that.)
I was then able to poke a wire down the side of the fuse box from above, grab it, and hook it up to the add-a-circuit.

But, I will copy the pages and send them to you today.
-=Nick=-