How to Remove Underbody Trim Panel Fasteners of 2015 Toyota Highlander for Hitch Installation

Updated 02/03/2015 | Published 02/01/2015

Question:

Embarassed to ask this, but I have no idea how to remove this underbody panel clip see attached jpg on my 2015 Toyota Highlander. I am trying to install the Curt hitch on my car, and I can get 5 of the 7 clips off the underbody panel but Im stuck with two of these clips that dont seem to want to come off. I tried removing them with a 12mm nut driver, but that didnt work. I also tried to just pull hard on the panel and that didnt want to work either. Do you guys have any idea? Let me know if the picture isnt clear enough and Ill send you something that is higher res. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Jane D

Expert Reply:

Thank you for providing a photo of the fastener used to secure the underbody trim panel on your 2015 Toyota Highlander. You may be having trouble removing the last two fasteners that hold the panel in place because of tension on the panel. With 5 of the 7 fasteners removed the entire weight of that panel is now resting on those last two. You might try supporting the other areas of the panel, especially where the fasteners are already removed, to see if that helps relieve the tension enough to allow you to get the last two fasteners off. A spray lubricant would not hurt either.

expert reply by: Adam R