Need help removing interior panel

[356driver]

Yesterday I installed my tow system but ran into a problem. The hitch itself was not too hard to install although it is time consuming. But I ran into a problem installing the wiring harness and controller inside the side compartment of the cargo bay.

The wiring harness enters the side compartment through a grommeted hole below the tail light. The harness is supposed to be routed up to a spot forward of the CD changer. There is a spot reserved for the tow system controller at this location. In order to access this area the side panel of the cargo compartment must be removed.

My problem is I can't figure out how to remove the side panel. Can anyone help me out?

To be clear, this is the interior panel on the passenger side of the cargo bay where the CD changer, first aid kit and emergency triangle live. This is not urgent as I do not plan to tow a trailer anytime soon. But it would be nice to complete the installation correctly.

Thanks in advance.

[PTEC]

You don't need to remove that panel, its entirely possible to do without removing that trim panel. Believe me, removing that panel is a pain in the ***. The trick to the whole thing is to take out the small t25 screws at the bottom of the side panel and lift the whole piece up and over the hump where the D ring screws into. This is assuming you have the D pillar trim off. Then put the supplied speednut for the 8mm bolt onto the plastic tab which holds the other control units (rear convenience and the tilt sensor). Put the TOWBAR control unit in with the connectors facing towards the middle of the car and make sure you get the tabs on the bottom inserted properly and screw in the 8mm bolt. Plug in the red connector coming from the car (might be covered with foam)on the bottom and the black connector coming from the hitch on top.

PM me if you have any other questions.

Edited December 10, 2004 by PTEC