I am trying to button up the AC recirc actuator and while i was doing this one of the small nuts fell and went behind the CE panel.

So the top 2 bolts are out, how to i free up the bottom to move the panel so i can look behind it? It looks like there are 2 ears or stubs that go into slots in the chassis and i think you would need to only lift the panel up, free the tabs of the chassis and then its free to move around and check around. But i cant lift it high enough to get the lower portions free.

Am i missing something here? How do i do this? I figure since I am here i would clean up the wiring routing which in general is just a mess. I want to make it less of a mess.

So how do i free the panel?

 

I assume the battery is disconnected . . . if not, do so.

You might need to take of the red wires going to the center section on top of the CE panel (under a clear plastic cover) to give you enough play to move the panel out of the way. Same goes for 3 brown ground wire, might need to unbolt them from the bulk head wall.

You may need to disconnect the connectors across the bottom of the panel.. They are all color coded. There is a tab in the middle that you need to pull on to release the bottom of the connectors. The top has a plastic tab. Careful not to break them.

Just lift the panel and pull forwards and it should come free. At this point you might consider doing an R&R on the panel seeing as it's out now

 

actually I take that back.. the top red and ground wires can stay on.. The bottom connectors may need to come off... Your right the two tabs are all that hold the bottom in place.

 

OMG! WHAT A MESS! Actually i dont want to look at the back of that thing! seriously thats my new nightmare! I will just buy a damn nut!

 

Here is what it looks like out... Not so bad. Not sure I would want a loose nut back there though.

 

Go figure, i cursed at it and then i looked and the nut magically appeared before my eyes, no joke.

The nuts on, and the CE panel is being reattached now

Back to your regular scheduled programing.

 

RP get that dang ole nut out from the back of the CE panel all it has to do is make a contact and then you can smoke your ride, its easy dont pussyfoot arouind

 

Remember the telephone switchboards from way back when.





I believe that's how them Zuffenhausen brainiacs were inspired.


Look at all the relay/wire connections. Look for any browning of the plastic around the
plug connections. That's bad.

 

I was going to say the same thing - but I guess it fell back out.

I know it seems a bit daunting - but its actually easy.

1) Disconnect the battery - yes you absolutely must

2) Unbolt the red connections at the top (clear cover unclips, slides, hinges)

3) Pull out the red release tab at the bottom center

4) Unclip all the plugs - release tab @ top gently - rock the plugs gently top to bottom to pull it (dont rotate too much or you will break the top retaining pin - brittle!). There are actually 2 puller holes molded into the plug shell you can use - use a hooked puller tool or bend a paperclip so you can engage both ends

5) Unbolt the 2 top bolts - lift up out of the rubber grommeted sockets (earlier panels are bolted at the bottom or hinged. You may need to rotate the panel to clear the EZK/LH on the right end - for full removal unbolt the ground leads.

6) Once you have it out evaluate everything for water leaks and corrosion - evaluate fuse condition and fuseholder/relay condition (I don't actually recommend you remove anything but fuses unless you see issues). If you are going to remove everything - photograph the whole thing first - very well...

Pre '85 panels are quite different.

Alan

 

Fish that nut out Ryan, you really don't want anything back there.

I just pulled one out of a GTS that has not had any work done back there.

Screws out, take a long screw driver to the bottom and gently pry upward.

Might need to remove the outer brain for room.

Left side has a bundle of wires that can be moved just enough to pull the top of the CE panel towards you.

Bonus.

 

yeah its out, the nut reappeared and is back in.

Job finished, now onto the center console

 

May the force be with you :-)