How to remove the stereo/heater-controls surround panel??

[ShooterMcGavin]

Ok, I have watched 2 videos on Youtube. Both videos show the person just pulling the panel out with slight pressure to separate the clips holding it in. That's not how it works on my 4Runner!! I have the surround piece unclipped all around, but it is still holding in there rock-solid! It feels like it is about to break, that's how much pressure I'm using to pull on it. I have even used plastic pry tools which are meant for panel removal.

Should I just keep pulling and hope that it comes out before it snaps into small pieces? Any other advice on this? Anyone else experience this?

 

[higgy]

if yours is the one with sliding heater controls knobs and not the rotating ones then there are screws behind that panel. remove knobs by pulling them straight back and with a small screwdriver pop the face plate off from the sides very gently and remove screws

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

if yours is the one with sliding heater controls knobs and not the rotating ones then there are screws behind that panel. remove knobs by pulling them straight back and with a small screwdriver pop the face plate off from the sides very gently and remove screws

Thanks so much! I do have the slider controls. I'm going to the garage now to try out your advice. Wish me luck. I'll report back

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Your advice worked!! Thank you so much for the quick help!

 

[higgy]

glad I could help