And how to change the pollen/cabin filter on the RHD model, there is minimal room to remove bolts from the filter cover so I wanted to know if there is a special tool to get in between the cover and steering wheel column to get the bolts out.
Thanks a lot
Just done the job in my Panda, so fresh in my mind. I'm assuming the 500 is very similar under the dash.
Put the driver's seat all the way back.
Remove any additional mats, then remove the cover to the left of the driver's feet.
Ensure steering is in straight-ahead position. Remove the bolt at the bottom of the column and lift the steering column off the rack. This can then be pulled towards you and jammed on top of the brake pedal. Keeps it out of the way.
Find a piece of wood or similar to jam between the seat base and the clutch pedal, with the pedal fully down. Bit of wood needs to be as low as possible on pedal or it will get in the way.
On mine there are then two wiring connectors, a smaller white one and a larger black one. The white ones detaches upwards, the black one downwards. The white one ccan be tucked away as is, but the black one needed disconnecting to get it out of the way.
Now you can get at the two screws on the cover. A short or angled driver might be necessary. Or a screwdriver bit, and use a small spanner to turn it.
These screws were left off later cars, and most do not get refitted, so you might like to leave them off.
Now the cover should just pull off. A mild amount of swearing may be necessary, but save the heavy searing for the next bit.
Now try to find an edge of the filter inside the dark hole. Pull. May need to jiggle a bit at top and bottom to achieve a straight pull.
Extract yourself from the footwell and breathe. Calm yourself for the refit.
The new one should have an arrow to show airflow. The air comes from the front of the car back towards you.
Now you have to get it into the hole, as straight as the pedals will allow, and jiggle it top and bottom until it is all the way in.
Pop the cover back on. Decide what to do about the screws. Mine were gone before I bought the car.
Refit the wiring connectors.
Refit the column. On Panda there is a master spline, so can't fit wrong, but take care that steering wheel has not turned. Bolt should not be re-used due to coating of locking goo. If re-used recommended to clean the threads and use a proprietary thread lock fluid. Or just stick it back in and do it up tight, like most do. Don't over-tighten it though, or you distort the joint and make next time more difficult.
Refit kick plate, remove wood.
Relax and look forward to repeating it again next year. Always good to have something to look forward to.
