I'm trying to change my evap sensor, which I believe is behind the lower side panel of the centre console (driver's side).

Can anyone advise how this panel is removed? I've released the screw and tried sliding it forward as indicated in the attached diagram. But the footrest moulding is in the way!

I'm resisting the temptation to just pull using brute force, need some advise please from someone who's already done this... 

I think the footrest needs to be removed.

Also I don't know if you have removed the sides before but they are held on with screws, as shown, and some (usually) very strong velcro (the square near the back end).

They are also stiff plastic covered by cloth be careful if you pull outward too hard it can snap.

Hopefully this may help.

 

It comes out backwards!

 

There are two screws, one from down in the footwell and the other is behind the ashtray, they are both shown on the diagram.

 

I suffer from memory loss so maybe it is forwards, mine is RHD and I have never had to remove a footrest.

 

I think now it pushes forwards to disengage and then comes out backwards, I have forgotten the ashtray screws before and heaved and heaved, its not apparent from the feel that there is still a fixing retaining it.

Edited 9 August, 20196 yr by J.R.

Thanks, I'll go have another look when the rain stops! I assume the ashtray needs to come out to access the second screw

Knowledge is power when it comes to these kinds of jobs!

 

For the benefit of others the process went as follows:

1. I loosened the plastic trim holding the gearstick gaiter (no screws - just clipped on place, some gentle teasing loosened it).
2. This revealed the two ashtray screws, allowing removal of the ashtray.
3. In the ashtray cavity there are two more screws holding on the left and ride side panels.
4. I had already removed the side panel screw in the footwell, so the panel just needed a bit of teasing to come off (it seemed to work by swinging the panel outwards, as if hinged at the top, then pushing forwards and it came away).
5. For the sensor itself, remove the wire connector, then twist 90 degrees anticlockwise to remove.

 

Very easy job done in 15 mins!