It's s lot easier if you have the right tool. Start in a corner and slowly pry the cover up a little at a time while going all around until you can pull it out from the clips. Be careful to not break any of the plastic tabs.

http://Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit, Set of 5 Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ij3SDb23A2Q5A

 

Note the location of the four spring clips in drawing 11. Starting at the bottom using a trim tool, ease the trim progressively out from each one until it releases. Don't attempt to free them completely one at a time or you risk breaking the plastic "tongues" on the back of the panel.




Ignore drawing 10 as it only applies to trim change, not straightforward removal and refit.

Graham

 

I have both plastic and that one metal tool, but I wrapped the metal tabs with heat shrink to avoid damaging anything.

 

Thanks all!! Great hints!!

 

Note that this diagram is for RHD, with the air quality sensor on the left towards the center of the car. LHD models are the opposite, with that sensor on the right.

 

All,

Meanwhile I purchased a replacement interior air temperature sensor.

Has anyone here changed this sensor themselves? What needs to be removed, to access the sensors and all of its connectors to swap it for a replacement?

br
ter

 

Hi all! So I will attempt these days to replace my cabin ambient temperature sensor. I would like to inquire here again, which panels need to be removed (and how) if you want not only to clean but also to fully replace the cabin ambient temperature sensor. Particularly, does one need to remove also additional panels on the underside of the steering wheel to access screws and/or the cable connector of the sensor?

btw - here pictures of the replacement sensor waiting to be installed:









many thanks!!!
ter

 

Why are you replacing the sensor? How did you determine the old one was faulty?

 

See above…

it makes vibration noises.

Replacing it to get rid of the noise and hope to get better temperature regulation with new one. ..worth a try.

br
ter

 

From memory I had to remove the panel under the steering wheel to get to the electrical connector on my '07.

Be careful how much you tighten the bolts as well otherwise you will compress the sponge gasket too much and the vibration noise will come back.

 

Any last minute hints on how to remove the panel on the underside of the steering wheel before I start this attempt today?

edit: did it.

 

Had about the same problem, hot air the first 10 minutes. As per Cee Jay's advice, look at interior temp sensor, I first tried to clean the sensor, no change. Bought a new one, installed by removing the two panels behind (in fact in front of) the steering wheel, the shiny one above and the black knee bolster below. Easy to replace connector.
And BTW, problem solved.