How to Remove the Switch Panel From a Mini Cooper
by Russell Wood
The Mini Cooper is designed with a switch panel that mounts in the dashboard below the stereo that contains the power window switches, the central lock controls, and other switches as well. If any of these switches fails, then the entire panel needs to be removed from the vehicle and replaced with a new one. To do that, the first thing you have to do is remove the defective panel. This should take about 30 minutes to do.
Step 1
Grip the interior knee panel located just below the steering column with your hand and pull the panel towards the ground. Allow the panel to hinge open, then remove the fasteners holding it in place with the ratchet and Torx-head sockets.
Step 2
Remove the screws on the vertical silver panel that sits to the left of the switch panel using the ratchet and Torx-head sockets. Repeat this for the silver panel on the right side of the switch panel. Move both panels away from the center console.
Step 3
Unbolt the switch panel from the dashboard using a T-20 Torx-head screw and the 1/4-inch ratchet. Pull the panel away from the dash, and unplug the wiring on the backside. Remove the switch panel from the vehicle.
References
Things You'll Need
- 1/4-inch ratchet and socket set
- Torx-head socket set
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
