WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Fig 1: Identifying Engine Cover
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
-- Carefully pull the engine cover off the retaining pins one after the other -arrows-. Do not pull sharply on the engine cover or pull it to one side.