how to access passenger side relay/fuse panel

[Billha]

I set out to replace the fuel pump relay today, but I can't do that because I can't see an obvious way to access the passenger side relay/fuse panel.
I removed the passenger side dash lower panel, and I can see the relay/fuse panel, but how do I access the relays? There's got to be a way to pull the panel down, but I don't see an obvious latch mechanism.
Can anyone tell me how to access it?
Thanks.

[JMH1950]

I had a look at mine a few weeks ago and couldn't find any way to easily access it either. I think that when the manual says to take it to the dealer for this item, they mean it.

I suspect that if you recline the passenger seat and lay with your head under the dash with a flashlite in your mouth, you might be able to wiggle your hand in there. Maybe.

[J Wikoff]

I take the glove box liner out. It doesn't give you perfect access, but it's better than the alternative.

[JMH1950]

(insert head smacking smile here)

Never thought of that.

[Billha]

I take the glove box liner out. It doesn't give you perfect access, but it's better than the alternative.

Thanks, I thought about that, but I thought there MUST be a better way. After all, a breaker/fuse panel should have easy access, right?
If nobody else knows if or how to lower the breaker/fuse panel, I'll remove the glove box liner...but I'm hoping there's a way to lower the panel...

[J Wikoff]

I tried with no luck. Maybe I missed something, but when I took what looked to be the only bolt holding it in place, it didn't move much.

[Billha]

The shop manual shows a single mounting bolt somewhere at the top of the panel, but I removed the glove box liner and didn't see that bolt. Also, removal of the glove box liner didn't provide good access to the relay panel. I ended up accessing the relay through the removed glove box liner opening using an IC chip extraction tool to remove the #2 relay, and then carefully installed a replacement using needlenose pliers.

Mental note to GM design engineers: Place the relay/fuse panel in a location that allows serviceability.

[J Wikoff]

Yeah, I used needlesnose pliers too.

[93RedSled-SSE]

Just to share what I did... in case you run out of options. This is kind of a weird way to do it, but once you get your hand up in there and try to navigate it might make sense.

• I was able to remove the relay by feel.
  But then realized I didn't notice the pin alignment. So cursed and used the one brain cell still functioning.
  I unplugged the bottom relay (interior lamps) and ever so carefully keeping the pin orientation, plugged it into the now empty fuel pump relay socket... they are the same, generic relay.
  I could see the bottom relay socket and used the new relay in that one.

Pretty dumb, huh? Well, you do what you have to do.
A big honkin picture of the relay layout.

[92BonnevilleSE]

Thanks for that fuse diagram 93RedSled!!! It helped me locate the relay I need to replace. I couldnt figure out which one it was.