RT 2013 Top Side Panel Removal

[wd5gnr]

I am trying to wire a 12V jack in my speaker grille (so far, so good -- the jack is mounted). I am trying to take off the top side panel to snake the wiring.

Here's the problem. The owner's manual says:

1. Open seat
2. Open frunk
3. Remove Side Panel.
4. Remove lower wind deflector screws
5. Remove mirror
6. Remove upper retaining screws (2x)
7. Remove rear retaining screw
8. Remove left service cover
9. Remove front retaining screw
---> 10. Remove lower retaining screws
11. Remove top side panel.

The lower retaining screws -- I think -- are silver and have a strange head on them. So I went to the service manual. It says:

1-9 - The same
10. Pull out lower part of top side panel to removeit from grommets.
NOTE: Do not remove lower screws from top
side panel.


That might explain why the screw heads are strange to keep you from just removing them on a whim. But the panel sure seems secure in there and I don't want to break it around the bolt heads.

Anyone with a 2013 RT want to shed any light? Meanwhile I'm off to YouTube to see if anyone has a video.

Thanks in advance.

Update: Ok, the silver screws hold posts that push into the grommet so the service manual is correct (and the owner's manual isn't). You just pull it out and the silver screws stay in place. Maybe that will help someone in the future.

 

[MouthPiece]

 

[wd5gnr]

Yeah I saw that. All worked ok but I can't get the bottom grommets to go in. One of the gromment posts is bent but it sure looks like it should be. Tough to get it back on and still fighting it.

 

[wetmountainman]

Yeah I saw that. All worked ok but I can't get the bottom grommets to go in. One of the gromment posts is bent but it sure looks like it should be. Tough to get it back on and still fighting it.

My upper side panel has a "bent" post also, I thought someone had bent it accidently. Is it supposed to be bent?

 

[Dan McNally]

Mine has a bent one, too . . . I've found I have to twist it so it is facing down to be able to pop it in.

 

[wd5gnr]

I think it is supposed to be bent. Sadly I pushed the straight grommet out and had to take the whole side panel off to fish it out. On the other hand, I no longer fear removing the tupperware.

Once it went in the rest is easy. I am still not sure how the mirror actually attaches, but it clicks in a satisfying way so it apparently works somehow.

I'll post pictures in the other thread.

 

[wetmountainman]

I think it is supposed to be bent. Sadly I pushed the straight grommet out and had to take the whole side panel off to fish it out. On the other hand, I no longer fear removing the tupperware.

Once it went in the rest is easy. I am still not sure how the mirror actually attaches, but it clicks in a satisfying way so it apparently works somehow.

I'll post pictures in the other thread.

Yep, I LOST two grommets putting mine on the first time. They were just GONE! I looked everywhere with no luck. I ordered 4 new ones and glued the two replacements in with super glue. I also put some spray silicone on those and any others that I have exposed. That really makes the panels easy to remove and install.

 

[Magdave]

Yep, I LOST two grommets putting mine on the first time. They were just GONE! I looked everywhere with no luck. I ordered 4 new ones and glued the two replacements in with super glue. I also put some spray silicone on those and any others that I have exposed. That really makes the panels easy to remove and install.

Another trick is to use little tie wraps on the grommets to keep them in place.

 

[wd5gnr]

Another trick is to use little tie wraps on the grommets to keep them in place.

Do you put them around the back? Or through the hole? I guess if you snugged it enough and didn't mess up any other clearance that would work.

I like the silicone idea -- will do that next time!

 

[Magdave]

Do you put them around the back? Or through the hole? I guess if you snugged it enough and didn't mess up any other clearance that would work.

I like the silicone idea -- will do that next time!

Through the hole use the skinny little one if possible.:thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

Through the hole use the skinny little one if possible.:thumbup:

:agree: They work pretty well... :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

The one post is supposed to be bent. Do not loosen the screw. The post has to be oriented properly to work. It is indexed aand will be oriented properly as long as the securtity screw is not loosened. It helps to wet the posts and grommets before reinstalling the panel. I use spit but the more refined owners may wish to use water. Don't use anything like a silicone spray, that does not dry and remains slippery. You may lose a panel that way. The panel needs to be flexed and pushed toward the back slightly to get the pins into the grommets. Tug at them afetrward to be sure the grommet didn't push through. Too much play or too much ease in installing means it is time to remove the panel again and check the grommets.