The biggest problem is a neck injury I got a couple of years back. The top cover is loose on the left side but solidly mounted on the right. I could break it and get it off that way but the local salvage yard has started a cover charge just to spend money there. If it isn't raining the next time I can get out there, I'll drop the shift lever to low range and see if that clears the screw.

If all else fails, I'll take a big pair of slip joint pliers to it. It WILL come off.

 

Sure wish my rememberer worked better.... there might be a screw by the lock cylinder. Been 2 years since I did the last one.

 

You know they have supplemental power dont you? Just in case a collision disconects the battery some way there is reserve power. Might just be a big hi fi size cap.

 

Good call! The DERM, (Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module) is located behind the passenger side kick panel. It has two 12 pin connectors.

 

Well, I pulled the steering wheel to give myself more room. Sakes, I've worked on Mercedes SLs and Rolls Royces that weren't this aggravating. What looked like a screw holding the turn signal switch in was actually one of the cover screws. I couldn't find the other one so I jerked the snot out of it and broke it off. I couldn't see that last screw until I broke it off. At least I can get the switch out now. After buying a new E4 internal socket. I was getting really annoyed and since I don't need to drive it to work tomorrow, I came inside to let it sit until tomorrow. I wonder what's on TV.

 

I don't recall having to remove the steering wheel, (I'd remember that) but it may have been a different year. On 98 I know for sure it doesn't have to come off.

 

I am drunk and read "sure wish my rememberer worked better" PEREFCTLY... that scares me.

 

I didn't really have to remove it, but it did give me a lot more room to get my fa.....er.....well endowed body under the dash. Had I seen the screws, I could have removed the covers without taking the steering wheel off. At least it's going back together fairly easy. I still cringe when I mess with the air bags. Only GM would make the air bags this irritating to remove.