rav 4 panels
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=107358
Printed Date: May 31, 2024 at 8:44 PM
Topic: rav 4 panels
Posted By: maxcat
Subject: rav 4 panels
Date Posted: September 10, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Hey there, just wondering if someone has some experience on the 2008 rav 4 dash panels and in particular, the steering column shroud. have one to do on the wekend and was curious if these panels are at all hard to remove. r/s install looks very straight forward, but was just wondering about the access to the wiring itself. any insight or tips would be greatly appreciated Thank -you in advance
Replies:
Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: September 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Dead easy, what doesn't screw prises off say after me thank the Lord it isn't a VW/Audi
Posted By: Mike M2
Date Posted: September 10, 2008 at 9:42 PM
The 2007 was an issue for us. The shroud was very hard to remove without breaking the tabs and turning the shroud to trash. I bet we bought a dozen of them at 75 bucks a piece. The 2008 is much better as they put two slots in the front of that release the tabs. Start on the left side in the back and work your way around carefully while pushing a small flatblade in the slot. As for the dash itself, very simple with 2 screws in the bolster, then the BCM cover pops off....
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Mike M2
Tech Manager
CS Dealer Services
Posted By: maxcat
Date Posted: September 11, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Thanks for the info guys, I really appreciate the tips and help. Hey Mike, the slots in the front of the shroud, are they fairly easy to see or does it take some digging around. Again thanks for the help.
Posted By: Mike M2
Date Posted: September 11, 2008 at 7:14 PM
Easy to see. They are located behind the steering wheel and are visible when you turn it.
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Mike M2
Tech Manager
CS Dealer Services
Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: September 12, 2008 at 12:46 PM
also, make very sure the shroud cover is not cold!! they are far more forgiving if you let them get to room temp before removing or trying to separate the tabs.... ------------- Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer
Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979
Posted By: Chris Luongo
Date Posted: September 12, 2008 at 8:22 PM
I strongly agree with kgerry, not just on this car, but always.
Whenever it's cold out, I run the car for a little while with the heat cranked up, so the panels won't be brittle.
I do the majority of my installs outside anyway, but if I'm inside at a dealership, I use the mechanics' exhaust vent hose so I can run the car.
Anyway, on those RAV4s, what I do is first I take down the lower dasy panel, which allows you access to the entire underside of the steering column shroud.
Then, I just reach behind the bottom piece with my hand, and give a firm tug downward and toward the back of the car.
It seems that if I pull on it that way, the plastic flexes enough that the clips come temporarily out of alignment, and the panel just pops right off.
No guarantees it'll work for you. I'm definitely doing it the "wrong" way, even though it does work for me perfectly. Try it at your own risk.
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