C5 2008-20?? Dash Insert Removal Help

[Strop]

On the current shape C5 there is a dash insert were the vents come out, hazard light switch is and the display ( large and small) live. I am seeking advice as to how to remove that piece so I can access behind the radio to run some wires.

On the LHD models I have seen some instructions about removing a panel under the vents, then removing 3 screws and popping the unit out. My car (Australian Model) does not have this panel just a thin metal strip running along it's edge.

Any ideas. Anyone done it who can share their experience please?

BTW ones anyone know if you unplug the radio and then plug it in agin does it need to be reactivated or will it just work.

Thanks

Laurie

[qprdude]

Don't know about access, but the radio should be mated to the car so removal and refitting should be OK.

[Strop]

Thanks about the radio.

[Ben82]

Post up or pm me the last 8 digits of your vin and I'll take a look to see what procedure is attached to your car's vin.

[bobins]

If you're referring to a thin metal strip that varies between 15 - 18mm wide, then this should be prised out and unclipped first (6 clips) to expose 3 bolts to be undone and then 4 clips along the bottom of the panel and 6 clips along the top of the panel to be unclipped. The whole wide panel incorporating the vents should then be removed. This is info from Cit Service for a LHD car, but it says the procedure is the same for an RHD car.
As for the radio - Cit Service says merely to put the radio back in, connect the battery, check it all works, check eveything else works.

[Strop]

Thank you. The last 4 digits of VIN 5652.

Yes it has a metal strip like you are describing. The only photos/tutorials I ave seen have been for LHD vehicle with a different configuration. Photo of mine attached. It does sound like what you describe could be correct. The last thing I want to do is bend something.

[bobins]

Yep - the shiny curved piece is the first bit to be removed with 6 undoubtedly stubborn clips holding it in..... probably reduced to 4 and a bit clips by the time it's been prized out