Quick help needed - Trunk release switch

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Mar 31, 2010 | 03:03 PM
  #1  
Thank you in advance to anyone who can help with this...

I have a 2007 G35x. Today is my last day in my parking garage, and before I start parking on the street I want to disable the trunk release switch. I am referring to the press-down switch below and to the left of the steering wheel, in between the "VDC Off" and "AFS Off" buttons.

Is there an easy way to do this? It appears that removing this trim panel, which is the main panel below the steering wheel, and encompasses the hood release handle, would be rather difficult. Any suggestions, or any instructions on how to remove this trim piece, would be greatly appreciated.

[If you're wondering why in the world I would want to do this, it's because I find the "security" of the trunk rather weak. In order to thwart any would-be thieves, I (and my wife) would have to remember to open the glove box, flip the trunk bypass switch, and lock the glove box, EVERY time we get out of the car. Not to mention that the glove box could easily be popped and that bypass flicked, allowing the trunk release switch to function - and there goes the stuff from my trunk. Disabling the trunk release button will negate the need for this bypass switch (except when valeting the car) while still allowing the person with the key fob - Me - to get in the trunk when needed.]
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Mar 31, 2010 | 03:27 PM
  #2  
One other thing to note, the ski pass-through. One just needs to lay that down, use a coat hanger and pull on the emergency trunk release cable inside the trunk.

p.s. It's not that hard to open that pass-through either.
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Mar 31, 2010 | 03:28 PM
  #3  
Good point. Fortunately I have enough crap right there behind the pass-through (tool kit, etc.) that it would be pretty difficult for someone to go that route. Of course, if they're so determined...
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Mar 31, 2010 | 04:06 PM
  #4  
It might be easier to just get the hell out of Jersey!
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Mar 31, 2010 | 04:11 PM
  #5  
That's happening in about 4.5 months. Until then... can anyone tell me how to get this trim piece off?
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Mar 31, 2010 | 04:24 PM
  #6  
Page 16 of the Instrument Panel section on the FSM outlines it.

If you don't have it, feel free to download it here: http://gshack.org/?p=90
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Mar 31, 2010 | 04:51 PM
  #7  
Wow... that looks like a PITA, huh?
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Mar 31, 2010 | 05:31 PM
  #8  
Quote: Page 16 of the Instrument Panel section on the FSM outlines it.

If you don't have it, feel free to download it here: http://gshack.org/?p=90
THANK YOU for this link!

Quote: Wow... that looks like a PITA, huh?
Surprisingly, no - it took 10 minutes start-to-finish! Just pop off the side panel, then start pulling the under-steering wheel panel down, allowing access to the harness for the three switches. No need to undo the hood release or any of that.
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Mar 31, 2010 | 06:08 PM
  #9  
^ Strong work! I remember interviewing for a part time job in Jersey City a year ago, and didn't feel safe leaving my car on the street during daytime. Obviously I didn't take the job
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Mar 31, 2010 | 06:11 PM
  #10  
Quote: ^ Strong work! I remember interviewing for a part time job in Jersey City a year ago, and didn't feel safe leaving my car on the street during daytime. Obviously I didn't take the job
JC's not bad these days, especially during the day. I live downtown, catty-corner to City Hall, and there are always people around. But, like anywhere, it's deserted at night, and that's when trouble occurs. Not often, but it exists.
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Mar 31, 2010 | 07:16 PM
  #11  
you can also lock the pass through with your key, right?
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Mar 31, 2010 | 08:35 PM
  #12  
Yes
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Mar 31, 2010 | 09:19 PM
  #13  
Glad to see it went quick and easy. Some of those trim clips can be tricky.
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Apr 1, 2010 | 10:44 AM
  #14  
Quote: JC's not bad these days, especially during the day. I live downtown, catty-corner to City Hall, and there are always people around. But, like anywhere, it's deserted at night, and that's when trouble occurs. Not often, but it exists.
You know, my bad - the interview did not take place in JC but Elizabeth. JC has a very nice downtown, the area around PATH is pretty gentrified and affluent.
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Apr 1, 2010 | 11:06 AM
  #15  
Quote: Thank you in advance to anyone who can help with this...

I have a 2007 G35x. Today is my last day in my parking garage, and before I start parking on the street I want to disable the trunk release switch. I am referring to the press-down switch below and to the left of the steering wheel, in between the "VDC Off" and "AFS Off" buttons.

Is there an easy way to do this? It appears that removing this trim panel, which is the main panel below the steering wheel, and encompasses the hood release handle, would be rather difficult. Any suggestions, or any instructions on how to remove this trim piece, would be greatly appreciated.

[If you're wondering why in the world I would want to do this, it's because I find the "security" of the trunk rather weak. In order to thwart any would-be thieves, I (and my wife) would have to remember to open the glove box, flip the trunk bypass switch, and lock the glove box, EVERY time we get out of the car. Not to mention that the glove box could easily be popped and that bypass flicked, allowing the trunk release switch to function - and there goes the stuff from my trunk. Disabling the trunk release button will negate the need for this bypass switch (except when valeting the car) while still allowing the person with the key fob - Me - to get in the trunk when needed.]
1. Open your glove box.
2. Flip the switch to the left inside your glove box.
3. Lock your glove box.
4. Done.

This should be in the owner's manual.
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