Screw sizes needed for under-dash panel

[HighCompression]

Hi all,

In the latest in what's turning out to be an unreasonably long list of fit-and-finish issues with my JSW, I suspect very strongly that the panel under the steering column was never properly secured / screwed in.

During the last few days, I kept hearing squeaks coming from the steering column... Sounded like plastic parts rubbing against each other. Took a look underneath, and saw this:



That panel is pretty loosely fitted, and the two arrows lead to just empty holes... I suspect there should be some screws in there. I'll do the work myself, but does anyone know what size screws are needed?

Thanks!

[HighCompression]

OK, I'm guessing that not many of you are keen about unscrewing a panel just to see what the size of the screw is... But will someone please confirm for me that there ARE screws in those holes to keep the panel in question firmly attached?

Thanks.

[Outrider6]

OK, I'm guessing that not many of you are keen about unscrewing a panel just to see what the size of the screw is... But will someone please confirm for me that there ARE screws in those holes to keep the panel in question firmly attached?

Thanks.

Wow, no answer five hours after you asked on a workday.

I'll walk out to the TDI and take a look. You could also get your parts guy to do this by looking it up on a computer...something they do for a living.

If you don't have a parts guy, get one. JC from Douglas VW is my prime source. 800 number and good advice. Vortex prices, too.

[Outrider6]

OK, I'm guessing that not many of you are keen about unscrewing a panel just to see what the size of the screw is... But will someone please confirm for me that there ARE screws in those holes to keep the panel in question firmly attached?

Thanks.

OK. After several mosquito bites and a minute of picking gravel off my knees, here goes. The panel in question is held on by two T-20 sheet metal screws on the edge furthest from the firewall and closest to the driver. Both are easy enough to see, considering that they are black screws set in black plastic in a generally poorly lit location.

How do I know this? I went outside, dropped the panel, then put it back on. The holes that you pointed to are molded closed on my JSWs and there are no corresponding mounting points where a fastener would secure in to. BTW, thanks for posting an annotated picture as that did make it easier to help you.

The panel in question isn't structural, though it does serve as a mounting point for the purple OBD-2 receptacle (VCDS access point) and a footwell light. It does have a clip molded in to the panel that helps keep the panel in place. Mine even stayed in place without any screws installed, which was helpful when swatting mosquitos.

[HazzMattPDX]

Yeah I installed an amp 2 weekends ago, and can verify the holes you pointed out did not have screws in my case. I agree it's odd, as the panel on that corner sort of seems like it should pop up and clip into something, but it really doesn't.

As a matter of complaint, the lower panel between the footwell and the center shifting console has ridiculous clips and alignment, and I still haven't worked up the patience to try putting that back together correctly yet.

BTW: for bass on the cheap a R1L-1X12 sounds pretty decent in the sportwagen... though once this one blows, I'll probably go for the 2 10"s in the R1L-2X10 instead.

[HighCompression]

Gotcha, thanks!

[HighCompression]

Also, I do appreciate you braving the mosquitoes and dealing with painful gravel for the sake of answer my question.