Grille Opening Reinforcement Panel
Removal/Installation Guide

Step 1
Remove the grille by removing the 4 phillips screws along the top of the grille and then, using a flat blade screwdriver, pop the 4 retaining clips at the bottom of the grille. Here’s a link to a youtube video that shows you what I’m talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Noc7fQ2g4

Step 2
Remove the headlights. Rather than getting into a long written explanation, here’s another video to show you how:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXsvnSPFhZE

Step 3
Remove the marker lights/turn signal assemblies. There are two phillips screws below the turn signal lens just above the front bumper They’re back up in there and kind of hard to see, so you may need to grab a flashlight. I have them circled in yellow. Once the screws are out the turn signal assembly just pulls out. Unclip the connector for the turn signal and remove the marker light socket from the lens assembly by turning the socket about 45° counter-clockwise. That’s it, you’re now ready to tackle the reinforcement panel.

Step 4
There are only 8 bolts (8mm) holding this thing on, 4 on each side. They are highlighted in red in the photo. But first you need to remove the temperature sensor (highlighted in white) and 9 panel connectors that hold the radiator shrouding to the panel.  They’re those little black, ribbed, push-in things. There are 5 along the top of the panel and 2 on each side of the radiator. After all of the panel connectors and temp sensor are removed you can remove the 8 bolts and the panel will pull right out.

Step 5
Your new panel should come with new brackets attached, so don’t order them! They are reference number 8C206 in the diagram.  You will, however, need to transfer a couple of pieces from your old panel to the new one. They are the little black inserts that the headlight posts clip into. There are 4 total, 2 on each side. You may also need to transfer the 4 clips along the top that the grille screws into. I did not. My new panel came with those already installed.

*NOTE :  I ordered a genuine Ford OEM panel from the stealership. If you decide to go the aftermarket route the brackets may not be included.

Step 6
Okay, this may sound elementary, but to install the new panel just do everything in reverse order. Just be sure not to reattach the panel connectors for the radiator shrould until everything else is bolted up.

That’s it…..you’re done.