How to remove Driver Information System panel

[handofthrawn]

I just bought my R-Spec a few months ago but my wife was sick (pregnant) and she accidentally puked on the driver information system area. We cleaned it up as best we could but I'm sure a little liquid got in between the cracks because now the knob isn't working right. The system isn't completely messed up as I can still do 95% of my actions but its like having a keyboard you spilled something on and a key is now stuck.

So my first question is to ask if there is a way to remove the driver information system panel. I want to really clean it up good but only the knob easily comes off. I've read through the manuals and google searches but no luck on how to do this. A computer friend recommended I try rubbing alcohol/naptha to clean it more properly and then let dry when I do get the panel off (if there is a way).

Also, should I take it to my local dealership and see if they can do anything? My other alternative is my normal mechanic who is very fair on fixing cars but I don't know if they have seen an R-spec before and I'm worried they may be too old school if an electronic board need to be replaced. I'm afraid of going to my small town dealership because the manager lost out on the sale when I bought the car from another dealership who beat the price by around $800. I don't want them to see me coming in a few months later with a problem as I'm sure they will have no problem throwing me a big bill since I didn't buy from them.

Thanks for any suggestions on how to remove the driver information system panel and suggestions on where to take it.

 

[PMCErnie]

Where's the problem? Take your new car where you bought it and get it fixed under warranty.

 

[homeofstone]

Take it to dealer and get them to clean/fix it. That is the safe thing to do.

 

[Mark_888]

There is usually information on www.hmaservice.com on how to remove and re-install parts. Registration is free. But I would agree that it is probably best to see if the dealer will do it for free under warranty.

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

What ever you do, DO NOT use naptha to clean anything in the car. You'll never get the smell out and it will eat away the coating on any electronic boards that are there. Alcohol may also eat away the coating, depending on which coating they used.

try and take it to a dealer if you can.

 

[mikec]

If the dealers won't do it under warranty, it looks like the procedure is:
1: pull the shift knob off. Pull straight up - it takes quite a bit of force to remove it... there is no set screw or other lock (at least on the 2012 manuals I'm referencing).

2: using a thin bodywork trim stick (basically like a stiff spatula) pry between the console bezel/cover (silvery part) and the sides of the shift tunnel area. There are several wire bundles/cables attached to this so don't pull it away from the transmission tunnel too far.

3: Look underneath it and you'll see the small screws holding the CCP (Central Control Panel aka DIS controller) to the bezel, in the corners/ears of the CCP.

mike c.

 

[handofthrawn]

thanks mikec and others. i will take it in first and if they give me some crap I will try to clean it up to make sure a piece of puke isn't causing the issue (although it will probably be replaced)

 

[TJPark01]

thanks mikec and others. i will take it in first and if they give me some crap I will try to clean it up to make sure a piece of puke isn't causing the issue (although it will probably be replaced)

This would be a courtesy thing cause I don't think this would be covered under warranty.