Engine compartment panel

[0586slb]

How do you remove the engine panel that is behind the seat backs? (Not the one where you put the top into the service position)

Does the carpet just pull out of the way, or are there some clips to release? Is the panel then held with the same kind of quarter turn fasteners that the lid is held with?

[ar38070]

You have to remove the storage bin (if you have one) then the carpet piece underneath it (the one that covers the top engine panel. Then I think you remove the two side carpet pieces (do not remember for sure if you have to remove these). Now you can remove the carpet piece covering the panel behind the seats. There are four (?) plastic nuts holdind the top of the carpet piece in place (you will see these when you remove the top carpet piece).

This is from memory so some of the details might be off.

[jonathan]

The carpeted panel is held on at the top by four wide flat plastic nuts. You can turn them off by hand or with a wide blade screw driver. To get to these nuts you will need to remove the carpet panel over the motor.

Under that behind-the-seat carpet is the firewall and access panel. The access panel is sheet aluminum and held on by seven small bolts and two nuts. Use a 10mm socket for all of them. The nuts will require a deep well socket and I would also use a wobbly extension if you have one. The clearance between the rachet head and the leather top of the storage compartment is tight and you don't want to scratch it.

The panel pops off easily once the bolts are removed. Watch the clearance over the storage compartment again, it;s easy to slip and scratch the leather with the sharp edge of the access panel.

jonathan

[0586slb]

Thanks to both of you. I'm probably going to have a go later this week, just for a look! :)

[1999/986]

the procedure is in the owners manual too.