How Do I Remove Dash Switch Panel - Pwr Switch?

[lexuslexus]

Hello - LS430 Year 2000 - switching the PWR/Normal/Snow switch to Snow the other week it came loose and disappeared into the dash. The switch is still visiable but rattling loose inside it's mounting hole. Can that single panel be pulled out or does the whole lower dash have to come out? I am reluctant to use too much force without knowing how, or if, it is simply clipped into place. Are these switches simply clipped into place to the back of this panel or have I broken something? Is it possible to stck something onto the face of the switch and pull it back into place? Any help or suggestions please.

[Haylands]

Hello - LS430 Year 2000 - switching the PWR/Normal/Snow switch to Snow the other week it came loose and disappeared into the dash. The switch is still visiable but rattling loose inside it's mounting hole. Can that single panel be pulled out or does the whole lower dash have to come out? I am reluctant to use too much force without knowing how, or if, it is simply clipped into place. Are these switches simply clipped into place to the back of this panel or have I broken something? Is it possible to stck something onto the face of the switch and pull it back into place? Any help or suggestions please.

Hi

This is very easy, see the attached, it is showing the gear surround removed and saying to use a screwdriver to remove the bottom panel, this can be removed without removing the gear surround by inserting a bent pick or a small allen key in the bottom corners where the switch panel meets the gear surround, the panel is held by tight clips and needs a good pull in both lower corners, tape up or protect somehow the gear surround as it marks easily. When you have removed the lower switch panel there are THREE screws as shown, the one in the center is deeper in the dash than the other two, DO NOT DROP THESE SCREWS as you will never see them again and they will rattle, I use a blob of blue tack on the screwdriver and get my other hand in to catch them should they fall. I don't know how the switch is fitted to the panel but I imagine it is just clipped in.

Good Luck

Pete

[lexuslexus]

Hello - LS430 Year 2000 - switching the PWR/Normal/Snow switch to Snow the other week it came loose and disappeared into the dash. The switch is still visiable but rattling loose inside it's mounting hole. Can that single panel be pulled out or does the whole lower dash have to come out? I am reluctant to use too much force without knowing how, or if, it is simply clipped into place. Are these switches simply clipped into place to the back of this panel or have I broken something? Is it possible to stck something onto the face of the switch and pull it back into place? Any help or suggestions please.

Hi

This is very easy, see the attached, it is showing the gear surround removed and saying to use a screwdriver to remove the bottom panel, this can be removed without removing the gear surround by inserting a bent pick or a small allen key in the bottom corners where the switch panel meets the gear surround, the panel is held by tight clips and needs a good pull in both lower corners, tape up or protect somehow the gear surround as it marks easily. When you have removed the lower switch panel there are THREE screws as shown, the one in the center is deeper in the dash than the other two, DO NOT DROP THESE SCREWS as you will never see them again and they will rattle, I use a blob of blue tack on the screwdriver and get my other hand in to catch them should they fall. I don't know how the switch is fitted to the panel but I imagine it is just clipped in.

Good Luck

Pete

Thanks Haylands - I would say that is the best response I have had from a car forum - fast & complete, even with diagrams. I will have a go when the ice melts off my car. Thanks for your trouble. Regards.