Can't get that damn climate control panel off

I want to put a 120V outlet in one of my center console blanks, tapped off the inverter output. I can't get the climate control panel off to access the blanks. I just had that panel off a few weeks ago when I installed my new nav unit and it wasn't a problem at all. Now I can pop the bottom clips off but can't get the top clips to come loose, despite what I consider excessive force. I'm going to be very unhappy if I keep yanking on it and break something. Anybody else had this situation??

 

I used a very thin paint scrapper to wedge between the top and help persuade the clips to release.

 

I used a putty knife

 

Use a Plastic Putty Knife.

 

I put painters tape on mine

 

I once made the mistake of getting the bottom released before the top. Was at nearly a 45º angle. What happens if you do that is it can jam under the radio bezel just above it. Try pushing up on the bottom lip of the radio bezel, and then pushing the climate control panel back in. Then "start over" and try to pull straight out this time.

 

This is your best bet. I did the same thing and had it jammed

 

This sounds exactly like what's happening. Many thanks; I'll try again.