Removing Trim Panel Under Dashboard

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2016 Porsche Panamera, 2015 Porsche Panamera, 2014 Porsche Panamera, 2013 Porsche Panamera, and 2012 Porsche Panamera. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Incorrect handling of airbag units

Triggering of airbag unit.
System faults can occur.

→ Switch off ignition and remove ignition key or remote control (hand-held transmitter).

→ A power supply (e.g. battery charger) must not be connected to the external power supply/jump-lead starting terminals.

→ Disconnect the battery and insulate the ground strap so that all contact with a ground carrier is avoided.

→ Wait 1 minute after disconnecting the battery.

→ Only pull off connector on the triggering unit after the waiting time has elapsed.

→ Make sure that no foreign objects are located in front of the airbag unit during installation.

→ Replace damaged parts during removal.

→ Always position airbag units so that the blow-out opening is facing upwards, e.g. crest on driver's airbag.

→ Do not position anything on the airbag units.

→ If removed for an extended period, the airbag units must be stored in a safe place.

→ Airbag units must not come into contact with grease, oil, detergents, liquids, or similar substances.

→ Do not expose airbag units to temperatures above 90°.

→ Do not remove the short-circuit spring on the plug-in contacts.

→ Ignition and preparations may only be carried out by skilled staff, supervised by a second responsible person.

→ Before disposal, the airbag unit must be rendered harmless by electrical ignition performed in accordance with all precautionary measures, thereby preventing it from being used incorrectly.

WARNING: Incorrect handling of safety bolts

Danger of injury
Loss of torque

→ Always use new fastening screws and nuts following removal.

→ Observe specified tightening torques.

→ Carry out a visual inspection of all re-used parts.

Information

Always replace the fastening screws on the airbag unit after customer service and reworking. The micro-self-locking screws must not be treated, greased or loosened and then screwed on again.

Fig 1: Overview - Trim Panel Under Dashboard

Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew fastening screws at the left and right of the steering column.

Fig 2: Removing Trim Panel Under Dashboard
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unscrew fastening screws under the side trim (on the fuse box).

Fig 3: Removing Screws At Sides
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unscrew fastening screws on the steering column holder.

Fig 4: Removing Screws On Steering Column Holder
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unscrew and remove fastening screws on the transverse strut -arrow A- and pull the trim panel forward towards the driver's seat -arrow B- .

Fig 5: Removing Trim Panel From Transverse Strut
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Release vehicle diagnostic socket -arrow- and pull it off.

Fig 6: Unclipping Vehicle Diagnostic Socket
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Release connector for knee airbag -arrow A- and pull it off -arrow B- .

Fig 7: Unclipping Connector For Knee Airbag On Driver'S Side
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Pull off connector for footwell lighting -arrow- .

Fig 8: Pulling Off Connector For Footwell Lighting On Driver'S Side
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Release and pull off connector for parking brake -arrow- .

Fig 9: Unclipping Connector For Parking Brake
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove trim panel.