Chrysler Repair: PT cruiser center bezel, negative battery cable, airbag deployment

Question
We are trying to remove the center bezel on a Chrysler 2010 PT Cruiser. The manuals say to use a pry tool to release the clips and while we can get the bottom of the bezel to release the center and top will not come free no mater what we try. Is there something else we have to do beside prying on the thin plastic of the bezel?
Karl

Answer
REMOVAL
WARNING:  Disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.  



 
1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the two center bezel attaching screws (4) accessible through vents.
3. Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent (1), remove the center bezel (2) from the instrument panel (3) by releasing the snap retainers from the instrument panel.


NOTE:  To aid in reinstallation, note the installed positions of the control cables prior to removal.  
4. Disconnect the control cables and the wire harness connectors from the back of the A/C-heater control (Refer to 24 - Heating and Air Conditioning/Controls/CONTROL, A/C and Heater - Removal) .
5. Disconnect the wire harness connectors from the accessory switches, clock and power window switches (as equipped) and place the center bezel on a work bench.
6. If required, remove the screws that secure the accessory switch bezel and the A/C-heater control to the back of the center bezel and remove the bezel and control.
7. If required, remove the clock from the center bezel (Refer to 08 - Electrical/Clock - Removal) .
8. If required, remove the power window switches from the center bezel (Refer to 08 - Electrical/Power Windows/SWITCH, Power Window - Removal) .
9. If required, remove the instrument panel air outlets from the center bezel (Refer to 24 - Heating and Air Conditioning/Distribution/OUTLET, Air - Removal) .