I recently tried to fit my Parrot handsfree kit into my Fabia vRS and got a bit stuck with the lower dashboard.....

I decided to locate the unit under the driver's side of the dashboard and route the mic and dash button cables that side too. My local dealer gave me an exploded diagram of the dash in that area to help me get it all apart. I prised off the cover to the fusebox on the RHS of the dashbaord and removed the screws on the side of the dash panel hidden inside. I then removed all of the visible screws from underneath the dash panel too. The panel drops but seems to rotate about a point above the throttle pedal and won't come out. I can't see any screws and don't want to pull it too hard in case there's some kind of special clip / screw that I can't seem to find.

Can anybody help me? I've had the car 7 months now.... I really need to get round to sorting this out!

You have one behind a pull off trim over the top of the steering column. One in beside the fuse panel and five on the lower panel itself. Also you need to remove the headlight switch and disconnect the rubber aircon pipe to the little draw.

There aren't any as far back as the pedals.

Thanks Stu, I reckon it could well be the pipe to the can cooler that is holding me back by the sounds of it, although I don't recall ever removing a screw from above the steering column?

Can you explain where the screw above the steering column is hidden pls. Also, will I only be able to see the pipe to the can cooler once the panel is loose? I assume that the pipe and the headlight switch are removed from behind?

Lower and fully extend the steering column. You will see a small covering panel below the dash pod, put your fingers underneath it and give it a sharp tug toward the rear of the car. The screw is to the right on a level with the wiper stalk.

The light switch is removed from the front. With the lights switched off push in and turn the kn0b to the sidelights position, this releases the locking arrangement on the back and the switch should pull free and then you can disconnect the two plugs. Ocaisionally they are a bit tight and you have to wait until the lower dash is slightly removed and give it a little push from the back by just squeazing your fingers in behind.

Once you are able to drop the lower panel a bit you can see the can cooler rubber hose and this just pulls off. Once you have lowered the panel it will still be teathered by the OBD plug, this can be removed from behind by levering the 3 tabs (1 on top and 2 below) with a screwdriver and withdrawing the plug.

In the picture you can see the panel is removed and the screw just to the right.

Cheers for that, excellent instructions and the photo really helps.

I'll be giving it a go at the weekend, hopefully with more success than before!

Andy

Good. Let us know how you get on won't you.

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