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How To Remove the Front Fascia (front nose cap)
Removal of the front fascia allows you to install fog lights or Daytime Running Lights, or make changes to your engine intake air induction plumbing, or add a front lip.
Please read the Disclaimer in HT00. Note that these pictures are of a 2011 xB. Your car may be different, especially if it is a 2008-2010 xB which has a different front fascia.
Tools needed:
your fingers
small blade screwdriver
large blade screwdriver
10mm socket with 6" extension
Since my front lip hangs lower than stock, I raise the nose of my car by backing onto some ramps. Doing this improves access to screws under the nose. If your car is stock in this area, you can skip this step.
Next step is to remove the top trim panel by first removing the 5 push clips (circled in red).
To remove the push clip, pry up the center pin with a small screwdriver or your fingernail. Then grasp the main body of the push clip and pull it out.
By the way, the large push clips are removed the same way.
To remove the top trim panel, first slide it towards the rear, then lift the front lip of the panel and pull the panel forward and free of the car.
Remove 5 large push clips (circled in red).
Remove 4 bolts (circled in blue) using the 10mm socket.
Using the 10mm socket remove the bolt inside the edge of both front fenderwells (passenger side shown).
Using the large screwdriver turn the twist clip from the vertical position (I) to the horizontal position (-) then pull it straight out to remove it (both front fenderwells, passenger side shown).
The front underside edge of fascia is secured to the front belly pan by 8 gray sheet metal screws. These sheet metal screws have a 10mm hex head with a phillips screwdriver (+) slot.
Using the 10mm socket, remove all 8 sheet metal screws.
(This picture also shows the locking nuts and fender washers that secure my front lip.)
This is a close-up of the passenger side front wheelwell edge. Note how the white plastic that held the 10mm screw fits into the hole in the front fascia .
Use your fingers to ease the front fascia up and over the white plastic (both sides of the car).
The black plastic that held the twist pin also clamps the fascia.
Use your fingers to pull open the black tab while pulling the fascia out and away. Do this on both sides of the car.
Using your fingers, pull the fascia straight out and away from the car. You will hear and feels a series of snaps, this is the white plastic clamp clips releasing from the fascia. Don't worry, you didn't break anything: the fascia will clip back in when you reinstall later.
(Passenger side shown)
Keep pulling to expose the entire line of clips.
Then do the same pull on the other side of the car.
With both sides of the fascia unclipped and free, you can slowly pull and ease the fascia forward and away from the car. Take care to support the fascia to keep it from falling to the ground, since the soft plastic scratches easily. The fascia is bulky but not heavy, maybe 7 or 8 pounds. If you have a helper it's easier to handle.
(passenger side shown)
With the fascia removed, note these two brackets under each headlight (passenger side shown). They are used to help keep the fascia tight and snug under the headlights, so make sure to get the fascia alligned to these brackets when you reinstall.
Fascia is now removed from the car. First time is the hardest, then after you do it a few times it gets easier.
Reinstall is reverse of the above, except that the twist pins can be pushed in at the vertical (I) position. Be sure to take your time and ensure all the panels line up and are properly positioned before you fully tighten the screws and install the clips.
I always use hand tools to tighten the screws (not power tools) to avoid stripping the plastic.
You can send your questions or comments to BrickPig2011xb@gmail.com
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