Xsara instrument panel rattle - info on removal required

[uhn113x]

Hi fellow Citroenists

I wonder if anyone can give me a bit of advice, please?

I've a Series 2 Xsara hatchback (2001). There's something small rattling around which seems to be somewhere behind either the instrument panel or the air vent grille on that side.

I'm going to have to remove either the vent or the panel, depending which is easiest and/or most likely.

As there's no Haynes for the later Xsara, I really need some advice on the best way to approach this, as these 'ere modern cars are full of plasticky bits that break off as soon as you try to remove anything.

I'm OK with the whoopee cushion removal, assuming the steering wheel has to come off (does it?).

I will disconnect the battery for safety reasons as well.

TIA

[nick]

I can't help with specifics on removing the instrument panel, but to be honest the Xsara mk1 & mk2 dash are so similar that the Haynes manual for the mk1 would probably tell you what you need to know for the mk2.

I used the mk1 manual for quite a few jobs on my mk2 Xsara and it was certainly no more unhelpful than any other Haynes manual

[uhn113x]

Thanks, Nick.

I'll hang around for a while as there's no immediate rush to do it.

[411514]

the central vent just pulls out it is not screwed it, just prise out an edge with a screwdriver, as said the haynes manual is still relevant as little changed between mk1 and mk2, unless your absolutely sure the rattle is from behind the dash iirc a common fault on xsara's was that their oem exhaust manifold would shed bits down into the cat which would then rattle, might be worth sticking your head under the car and check it isnt that

[uhn113x]

Thanks, but the cat was replaced a few weeks ago by ATS (the one thing that's difficult without a ramp or pit!) and the rattle has been around for a year or so now.