Removal Of Center Dash Panel - Around Vents And Nav

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Newbie with 2 questions. Been lurking for awhile.

Question 1.

Is there an "easy" way to remove the plastic panel that contains the two central vents and the navigation on a 2002 ES300? I'd like to install a vent-snap-on back-up camera and run the 12v wire to some source of power in that area. Alternatively, if the upper dash (that goes all the way to the windshield) could be removed, that might work too. I'd like to hide this power-wire for the camera. :) Also, is there a preferred source for power that can be easily identified?

I see a recent threat on adapting an aftermarket stereo (http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44276)... so how is this radio panel removed?

Question/Step 2.

This back-up camera, like most, is wired to the back-up lights. Given that the back-up lights are on the trunk section of the rear lights (and that the camera will go on the area of the license plate), is it easy to remove the liner on the trunk panel (that opens)? Any tricks or traps?

Thanks.

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Pretty please? Is it really difficult to remove this upper-center planel? I'd like to run a power wire into the HVAC vent and down to somewhere in the dash (for 12 volts) so-as to avoid an ugly after-market cord to the cigarette lighter.

I've seen another thread for a ES330 where the area around the shifter was removed. But I'm wondering about my 2002 ES300.

And is there a simple trick to removing the snap-things on the truck that hold the liner in? I don't want to break them.

Anybody? :)

[cuz.]

Pretty please? Is it really difficult to remove this upper-center planel? I'd like to run a power wire into the HVAC vent and down to somewhere in the dash (for 12 volts) so-as to avoid an ugly after-market cord to the cigarette lighter.

I've seen another thread for a ES330 where the area around the shifter was removed. But I'm wondering about my 2002 ES300.

And is there a simple trick to removing the snap-things on the truck that hold the liner in? I don't want to break them.

Anybody? :)

well i got a 94' so its different, but I hope it may help... I got my removal instructions for free from them don't know why hopefully it helps.

[Boink]

Pretty please? Is it really difficult to remove this upper-center planel? I'd like to run a power wire into the HVAC vent and down to somewhere in the dash (for 12 volts) so-as to avoid an ugly after-market cord to the cigarette lighter.

I've seen another thread for a ES330 where the area around the shifter was removed. But I'm wondering about my 2002 ES300.

And is there a simple trick to removing the snap-things on the truck that hold the liner in? I don't want to break them.

Anybody? :)

well i got a 94' so its different, but I hope it may help... I got my removal instructions for free from them don't know why hopefully it helps.

[Boink]

Looks very similar. Thank you. :)

I also just found this thread on another site:

-To remove a Lexus Es 300 radio/cd/tape (on a 1993 though)

-The centre vents pop out ( us a flat screwdriver to

pry it out ) there are two screws there remove them

-under the radio a plastic part of the car pops out

if you remove this there are two more screws these are the 4 screws that hold in the radio and heating unit in place (the whole unit comes out).

Something to know to make it easer on yourself

pull out the wood cover around the stick shift, this prys out also, held in by clips. The cup holder and ash tray

now can be remover now this may have to be done. This will give you the room need to take out the radio.

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I tried what you said and I couldnt get the vent out. Do you have to remove the clips, or do you just pry the whole vent from the outside? Where is it best to pry from? I am scared of breaking the vent. It seems pretty flimsy.

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try using a flat head and pry it out at the sides. pry a little on the right side then the left side and then the right and then the left and so forth untill you can grip it and pull, thats how i did it. i didnt break the vent when i took mine out and i did it like that.

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Just try prying out the centre vents with a flat screwdriver cover the screwdriver with electrical

tape so that it does not scratch the vent.

the vents pulls forward. Pull hard and slow

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It took a while but I was finally able to remove the center vent. Then taking out the radio was a simple process. I really appreciate all who helped me with this. I couldn't have done it without ya. Thanks again.