How to remove front grille

[matt12]

I need to remove the front grille. I have removed the 3 screws on the top, but I still need to remove the 2 side fixings on the top corners and about 8 tabs along the bottom.

2 Side Fixings
I just ripped it hard on one side and it seemed to pull out without breaking. Guess I will do that to the other side unless there are some other tips?

8 Tabs along the base
I tried moving the whole tab up & down and also the centre tab piece but they seemed pretty stuck. Any ideas?

Looks like the tabs are removed like this at 3.31 but I am not sure how to get access without removing the bumper ...

 

[kevinfoutch]

Removing the grill was pretty easy for my 2011, perhaps this thread might help? Aftermarket Black Hex Grille Thread

Just remember for those plastic pop tabs, press the center button down about 1/8" and then use a flat screwdriver, or similar, to gently pry out. There should definitely NOT be any resistance. To reinstall, press that center pin up through the top about 1/8" above the surface, gently push into place, and gently press center pin back into a flush position. I know I'm harping on being gentle, but that's the trick here.

Hope that helps!

 

[matt12]

those plastic pop tabs, press the center button down about 1/8" and then use a flat screwdriver, or similar, to gently pry out. There should definitely NOT be any resistance.

Thanks but ...
a) I didnt have any issues removing the radiator cowling where those 'plastic pop tabs' are used, but I was looking for some tips on the other connections.
b) I had read that thread and for my two issues, the only comment was 'carefully remove and save this clip'

Any ideas how to remove:
a) the 2 side clips
b) the approx 8 bottom tabs

 

[kevinfoutch]

Ah, gotcha, it's coming back to me now

Those 8 tabs like the attached photo? Just a small flat head screwdriver while pulling, just work your way from one side and across.

Those two pinch clips (?) I remember using some needle nose pliers to get them out. This step is where I'm not remembering it exactly but I *think* that's how I did it.

But even those clips didn't require much force to remove, just the right angle / leverage should do the trick.

Others here will hopefully recall more accurately.

 

[matt12]

Thanks ... I couldn't squeeze any needle noze pliers in on both sides (not enough room), but pushing on one side with a screwdriver seemed to help loosen it up to help rip it out! Luckily there was no breakage.

For the tabs on the bottom ... the wide part needs to pushed down whilst the centre smaller tab is lifted .. with some wriggling it slowly could be released.

 

[NLScooby]

I think some constant pressure helps to prevent the tab you just released from reconnecting as you move on to the next tab...I recall that being an issue when I removed mine!

 

[LouisianaFJ]

Push down on the center of the tabs at bottom and push out

For two larger side tabs just gently pull

Pulled mine a couple times, to put in hex grill and then to put stock one back after I painted it

 

[doctorres112]

Can anyone shed light on how to remove the chrome pieces under the headlights on the 2016+ models?

-Chris

 

[indycole]

View attachment 1620507 View attachment 1620508 Can anyone shed light on how to remove the chrome pieces under the headlights on the 2016+ models?

-Chris

They pop out from behind the bumper cover. There's a small chance that you can get to the tabs without removing the front cover but there'd be a decent risk of breaking a tab you can't see. The safer approach is would be to remove the entire front bumper cover. I had do to this when I replaced my bumper cover after a couple years of heavy abuse. There may be some photos in the tail end of my build thread.

indycole's 2016 200 Series Build and Retrospective

 

[Powell Runner]

View attachment 1620507 View attachment 1620508 Can anyone shed light on how to remove the chrome pieces under the headlights on the 2016+ models?

-Chris

Yes, I'd like to know also as I'd like to wrap them in matte vinyl.

 

[SWUtah]

I did mine only took couple seconds

 

[doctorres112]

View attachment 1621151 I did mine only took couple seconds

Ouch!! Everyone okay?

-Chris

 

[SWUtah]

Ouch!! Everyone okay?

-Chris

Hydroplane on the freeway in a major rainstorm just clipped off the frontend didn’t touch anything else but it cost 19,500 to put it back a lot electronics radar, front lights cost about $1800-$2000 apiece. All OEM pieces did not even dent the sheet metal. But with car fax I’m sure my vehicle value lost $10k

 

[Andreas P]

Hydroplane on the freeway in a major rainstorm just clipped off the frontend didn’t touch anything else but it cost 19,500 to put it back a lot electronics radar, front lights cost about $1800-$2000 apiece. All OEM pieces did not even dent the sheet metal. But with car fax I’m sure my vehicle value lost $10k

We've had to replace one of the front headlights (LEDs for 2016+) on our LX and it did cost more than $4K. Makes me wonder if I will ever not have a comprehensive insurance coverage on it.

 

[SWUtah]

I would keep full coverage on mine probably as long as I have it

 

[new2mud200]

I do OEM policy upgrade, adds @ $110/year on our 2017 LX, which gives us OEM parts, not aftermarket, in case of an accident... even applies to the windshield, which can cost upwards of $1200 vs 300 for aftermarket...

 

[04UZJ100]

I do OEM policy upgrade, adds @ $110/year on our 2017 LX, which gives us OEM parts, not aftermarket, in case of an accident... even applies to the windshield, which can cost upwards of $1200 vs 300 for aftermarket...

What company offers it?

 

[new2mud200]

I currently use CSAA... but I believe most carriers offer an OEM coverage upgrade