Climate Control panel removal

Start in the upper corners then pull the string (not too thick) down the sides so the string ends up behind the outer edge of the panel. Tie the ends to form a loop. Join the two loops together to form a handle and pulls the loops inwards to stop them slipping off then pull. You can get string down to the bottom but may have to use a saw action to get it there.
 
Start in the upper corners then pull the string (not too thick) down the sides so the string ends up behind the outer edge of the panel. Tie the ends to form a loop. Join the two loops together to form a handle and pulls the loops inwards to stop them slipping off then pull. You can get string down to the bottom but may have to use a saw action to get it there.

I might have misunderstood but I think this would necessitate removing the connectors. After my last reply I had a go at removing them. Removed one ok but stuck with the others as i just can’t get my fingers to them, they’re blocked off by a bit of the dash panel. I’ve poked around with a torch but can‘t really see any way I can loop any string otherwise.

So after one more go with brute force and sore fingers, I’ve finally thrown in the towel :(. Unless there is a kind volunteer nearby then it looks like I’m going to have to put the climate unit back on the marketplace.
 
There is a bit of slack in the connectors. Obviously to remove the panel the connectors will need to be removed.
Do you understand how I am telling you to get the string down the vertical outer sides of the climate panel. Look at the replacement panel you have. From the rear you can see on the left and right edge there is a step between the main body of the climate and the larger rear of the front panel. This is the area the string fits against to pull the unit out. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
 
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Modifying your picture by adding a blue line where the string has to be fed through the rear of the panel face plate.

climate.jpeg


String is held at the upper end, pushed into the top right corner then pulled down the outer edge until at the bottom. Repeat for other side,
 
There is a bit of slack in the connectors. Obviously to remove the panel the connectors will need to be removed.
Do you understand how I am telling you to get the string down the vertical outer sides of the climate panel. Look at the replacement panel you have. you can see on the left and right edge there is a step between the main body of the climate and the larger rear of the front panel. This is the area the string fits against to pull the unit out. Wear gloves to protect your hands.

I *think* I understand... do you mean like this, then tying the 2 loose ends together to make your “handle”? I’ll have another look but think this would be really tricky to do with the connectors in place.
229A5A5B-A3E5-4FF6-A3AE-C30AE832C0F0.jpeg
 
Take a picture showing the whole of the front of the installed climate and I'll draw on it where the string enters and exits on each vertical side.
 
Modifying your picture by adding a blue line where the string has to be fed through the rear of the panel face plate.

View attachment 73025

String is held at the upper end, pushed into the top right corner then pulled down the outer edge until at the bottom. Repeat for other side,

Ah I see... I’m sceptical that this would work on my unit since I discovered when I was wrestling with it that the front panel is not securely fitted to the unit, the lower part of the panel pulled away when I pulled on the unit. Looking at the new one it looks like the front panel is attached to the unit by 6 tiny torx screws, 4 across the top and 2 at the bottom, and I think that the 2 at the bottom might be missing or broken on mine. I think somebody might have tried and failed to remove it once before.
 
Well you have a complete replacement panel anyway, so if the existing one does get damaged coming out not really a problem. As most of the pressure will be applied from the edge may still be fine. Those missing lower screws may be part of the reason it is being stubborn to come out.
 
The blue lines show the final positions of the loose ends that you tie together to form loops then tie to make a handle. The red broken lines is where the string enters from the front as you pull it down the edges...

panel.jpeg
 
Seems stuck fast, need more force, have you got a soft grip sash clamp like this?

image.jpeg


Several suggestions how to use.

Not having a double din dash I am not exactly sure if this is feasible. First if you are not too fussed about the climate tighten the clamp on the unit would get real hold of it like this and really pull. Better if you have two clamps.

image.jpeg


Andy
 
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The blue lines show the final positions of the loose ends that you tie together to form loops then tie to make a handle. The red broken lines is where the string enters from the front as you pull it down the edges...

View attachment 73029

Thanks, I’ll give this a try, I have some nylon that might do the trick, however I’ll be reluctant to pull too hard as I fear this would risk breaking the front panel off which would be a bit of a disaster if I still can’t remove the unit.
 
Seems stuck fast, need more force, have you got a soft grip sash clamp like this?

View attachment 73027

Several suggestions how to use.

Not having a double din dash I am not exactly sure if this is feasible. First if you are not too fussed about the climate I tighten the clamp on the unit would get real hold of it like this and really pull. Better if you have two clamps.

View attachment 73030

Andy

I might have tried this if I had anything like this however I don’t, and don’t know anyone who does unfortunately...
 
If the front panel does come off you should be able to get to the lower clips easily to remove the rest of the climate panel.
 
I might have tried this if I had anything like this however I don’t, and don’t know anyone who does unfortunately...
Pity, these type of clamps I find indispensible for DIY about the house.

My second suggestion to come I am sure would work. Making a wood bridge out of scrap bits of wood and then using the clamp to "wind" the unit out.

Good luck.

Andy
 
So you end up with the two ends of each string tied together to form loops and those loops joined by another loop.

climate string.jpeg


I have removed 2 panels using this method.
 
So you end up with the two ends of each string tied together to form loops and those loops joined by another loop.

View attachment 73031

I have removed 2 panels using this method.

Thanks, I’d figured that out. My nylon wouldn’t fit however I found some string and managed to thread lengths down the sides. However as soon as I applied even gentle force the front panel was flexing badly at the bottom and I am sure would have broken away. I’m not prepared to risk that because looking where the lower clips are located with reference to the replacement unit I’m not convinced it would be at all easy to access them so I’d be left with broken climate control stuck in the dash.

Thanks for the help everyone but I‘m out :(. It’s a shame however the current unit works fine so this was just a cosmetic exercise.
 
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