I'm replacing the battery and I'm at the stage where I need to slide the cleats off the feet of the battery. I don't want to damage the trim panel at the side of the car that is keeping the cleats from sliding off. I can't find instructions on removing the entire panel or a good way of moving it out of the way to make room for the cleats. What's everyone's method?

 

I have never done this so take it with a grain of salt, but I thought I have read that people actually trim the trim panel to make space to slide it, I will try and do a search in the morning when I have more time, or hopefully someone with actual knowledge will chime in.

 

The first tools that go into the cart when I work on my DB9 are an area flood light, pencil beam fliash light, and the ever trust mirror on a stick and magnet on a stick. I have found the magnet on a stick to be really useful for moving battery feet out of the way..

 

You want to trim a small portion of the fiberboard. It’s all hidden behind the trim , I also cut the battery clamps to make them smaller so that subsequent battery replacement would be easier,
Sent you a PM with a website url. The website details the process. Hope it helps

 

You don't need to trim or cut anything, if you gently pull the lower panel towards the center of the car and forward. It allows you enough room to slide them out downwards. Its worth a try before hacking into the edge of the panel.

 

That's my concern. You have to pull pretty hard and I don't want to break any clips or screw posts that hold the panel to the car. I'm really hoping that the side panel pulls off the car after removing the one exposed screw at the back of the car exposed when removing the parcel shelf but I don't want to start yanking on the panel if there are other screws that I don't know about.

 

You only move the very bottom edge 1"-2" at most, just enough to slide the peice by. Just flex it a bit, it will not damage anything.

 

Thanks. I got it doing it as you describe. Having broken many panels by pulling on them, I'm always leery about just pulling.

 

I've done it without breaking or trimming anything. It's not for the timid....and takes some effort. I think I removed the sill plate, but not sure that it was of any help though.

 

I cut a small section out of the trim. As other have said it is hidden once you get everything back together and the next time a battery swap is needed (which should be a long time) , the job will be easier. I replaced the battery in ours with an AGM which weighed about the same as the original, so careful how you lift so you don't strain your back.