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How to remove personal light panel

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by lenjack, Nov 4, 2009.

  1. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    Need to access wiring behind overhead personal light panel. How do I do this without breaking anything or leaving marks?
     
    #1 lenjack, Nov 4, 2009
  2. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    search for Homelink or mirror replacement
     
    #2 mgb4tim, Nov 5, 2009
  3. iota

    iota New Member

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    The panel is two pieces; the ~2" front strip (nearest to the mirror) is separate from the light cluster piece. Just reach your fingers under the front strip at the windshield (reach around the front, basically) and pull down as straight as you can. It's held up by two large white plastic clips which fit into round holes in the sheetmetal of the underside of the roof. Once the front piece is down, do the same with the light cluster; it has four white plastic clips into the metal, and two "legs" near the back of the car that keep it from sagging down.

    Just pull down firmly and you should get them off without issue.
     
    #3 iota, Nov 5, 2009
  4. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    Thanks. Does this apply to the simpler, non homelink setup? I don't have that. I have the standard mirror without homelink.
     
    #4 lenjack, Nov 5, 2009
  5. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    it's the same, the homelink reference was to find wire to connect to
     
    #5 mgb4tim, Nov 6, 2009
  6. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    I just tried it.Got the front piece down without a problem. I could not get the larger rear piece down with the amount of force I was willing to attempt. I pulled very hard, but it wouldn't give. I am fearful that if I pull hard enough, I may break it. Is the rear section that much harder to get off?
     
    #6 lenjack, Nov 8, 2009
  7. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    From everything I've read on the subject, you pull the front part loose, *then you slide the whole assembly (light part) forward towards the front of the car, then it pulls down - I believe you were missing this step...
     
    #7 rrolff, Nov 8, 2009
  8. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    Thanks for the update. I never saw the part about sliding it forward.
     
    #8 lenjack, Nov 8, 2009
  9. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    Tried again. The remaining assembly does not slide forward. I don't want to chance breaking the panel. To clarify, my panel is shown in the owner's manual on page 364, Type B.
     
    #9 lenjack, Nov 13, 2009
  10. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    no sliding... it is scary, but keep trying a little harder. It will come down.
     
    #10 mgb4tim, Nov 14, 2009
  11. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    Got it. Was careful to pry near the sides. Thanks.
     
    #11 lenjack, Nov 15, 2009
  12. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    What are you doing that requires the removal of this panel? Inquiring minds want to know!
     
    #12 bighouse, Nov 21, 2009
  13. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    Looking for a switched 12 volt source for a Gentex auto dimming mirror. My Prius 3 has the standard mirror, and I had previously used the Gentex on my '98 Camry. I prefer not to pull the A pillar to get at the fuse box, due to possible interference with the airbag.
     
    #13 lenjack, Nov 21, 2009
  14. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    I'll see if I can snap a pick of the wires I used for the homelink - always on
     
    #14 mgb4tim, Nov 23, 2009
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