Below are instructions for removing the defroster vent and the dash pad.
One of the common reasons for removing the dash pad [panel] is to replace the Twilight Sensor Photocell that controls automatic dimming of the instrument panel and other lighting in the car. Instructions for replacing the photo cell can be found here .
There are 2 pieces of plastic that need to be removed.First remove the narrow vent cover. It needs to be removed, so that you can then remove the larger plastic dash pad [panel]. The vent cover will be either a "snap in" trim piece, or it will be held in place by 3 small torx screws.
That larger dash pad piece is held in place by "snap in" tabs. There are 7 points along the width of the dash pad where a tab snaps into the dash.
Starting from the drivers side, the snap in tabs are located at the following distances from the edge of the pad:
2" - 10 1/4" - 18 1/2" - 27 1/2" - 36" - 44 1/2" and 52" on center. Each tab measures 1" wide.
You must make a puller out of lightweight metal using the instructions below.
Prying up with a screwdriver will result in broken clips and big cracks in your dash.
Make a puller out of lightweight metal about 1/16" thick x 5"long [found in most hardware stores]. The tool is made of 1/16" metal. It measures 2-1/2" x 2-1/8". It is 1 inch wide. The lip in the end protrudes out 1/8" You must bend a short (90 degree) lip on it to allow it to hook into the groove. See photos below.
Thanks to DAVES89, member of the Reatta forums, for this information.
