How to remove the DS side control panel?

[SteveD]

I have a 06 Phaeton and would LIKE to move some of the switch positions and possibly build a complete new panel since I dislike the location of the Trans control unit.


After removing all of the screws that hold the panel.. and then removing the CLAMP that holds the Trans control to that panel, and removing the Jacks control panel.. I still can't get the panel lifted more than about 1/4" before it just STOPS. By reaching through the opening for the jacks control, it seems that the big bundle of cables that connect to all those switches is TIGHT such that the panel CANNOT be lifted without .. 'doing something' to relieve that strain. From what I can tell all (or at least MOST of them) of those cables are bundled together and pass directly into the power bay just beneath the driver. From the bay side, there is absolutely NO SLACK in most of those cables.


What am I missing? I've looked at CruisinGator's posts about changing his panel to a different setup, but he never mentions either the removal or re-installation of the new panel. Guess it was easier in his Allegro since it went unmentioned.


Is my only option to cut and lengthen every cable from the power bay side?
TIA for any insight,
Steve

[ernieh]

From what I can remember on my previous coaches, every one of those cables has a plug connector at or very close to the switch, control panel, etc.

[jeskibuff]

I took mine apart to install a USB connection so I could easily choose from some 700+ albums to listen to while driving - also to power the TPMS monitor.

It was quite difficult to remove the panel...the biggest problem was with the parking brake because I didn't know how to remove the knob (thought it was a screw holding it on but it was a pin to be pushed out).

Your setup is probably quite different but in case you have the same type of parking brake control, this might help.

You have to figure that the installers couldn't put that panel together with such short wiring so there's got to be access to connections further down the line. They have the advantage of knowing how things snap together...you have to figure it out without breaking anything.