This task seems daunting for the first timer but is really easy, as well as creates alot of room if you want to tackle removing the intake manifold or creating room to do your rear spark plugs.

Tools needed:
14mm socket
10mm socket
needle nose pliers
small flat-head screwdriver.


remove the wiper arms with a 14mm socket Partially thread nuts back on the wiper motor studs after pulling wiper arms off to avoid losing them.

Remove the 2 plastic push pins on the edges of the cowl covers by depressing the center of the push pins with a small screwdriver, lift up the edge of the push pins to pull out.

Unclip weather seal along the cowl cover edge by using a needle nose pliers, gently squeezing the pins under the cowl cover edge. Do not pull the weather seal up where there is no pin underneath, it may completely separate the adhesive!

Lift up the drivers side cowl cover edge to unclip the cover from underneath the windshield's edge. Repeat for passenger side and set the covers aside.

Unplug the wiring harness from the wiper motor. remove(5) 10mm bolts with large washers securing the wiper motor assembly and remove the wiper motor assembly.

unclip the wiring harness from the cowl pan, with a flat head screwdriver or needle nose pliers, squeeze the grommet and pull the wire harness plug through. Remove the remainder 10mm bolts (approximately 9 ?) securing the cowl pan to the body.

 

Thanks for the post!

 

Thanks for the very detailed instructions on how to remove the cowl etc so one can get at the intake manifold area and or the rear valve cover and or plugs if needed. Im gonna bookmark this page so i have handy reference to it.

 

Only thing i would add is take a 2ft long strip of blue masking take and lay it next to the wiper blade on the windshield before removing the wipers. When you reassemble, just match the position of the wiper blade with tape.

Salim

 

Good detail to add!
If you forget to set some sort of marker, like i did, install the passenger wiper arm first and line the passenger blade slightly above the dashboard level to avoid chances of hitting the hood.

 

Thanks for the post. Just wondering if this would make my spark plug change significantly easier. I watched speedkar99 video on ES300 spark plug change, I asked him and he told me to take off the cowl. I have half a mind to remove the plenum too. Will this make getting the nuts off of the back of the plenum and throttle body easy or will that part still be really hard?
Have a great day!
Sean

 

Thank you for the detailed instructions for removing the cowling. I am currently wanting to change the TPS sensor and find it very difficult to get enough grip on a stubby screwdriver in order to remove the TPS sensor screws, so I figured I would remove the cowling for more space.
It doesn't sound too difficult, just time consuming.
I have changed the rear valve cover gasket on my 2006 Nissan Quest and had to remove the cowling in order to do the job. I have also changed the rear spark plugs on my 1997 Taurus SHO which has a V8 and had to remove the cowling on that vehicle as well. So, I've had some experience in removing this stuff. Not difficult, just time consuming. Thanks again for the instructions.

 

WOW! Thank you for that reply. I printed it to accompany me in doing the job. It does sound daunting, especially since the only reason I need access to that area is to mend a leaky windshield washer hose, but at this point I may just replace the spark plugs and make it a bit more worth-while to do all the work
Thanks again!

 

Thank you for this excellent suggestion! I've done this job on other vehicles to access the rear of the engine and every time wish I had remembered to make those wiper locations! Maybe now I'll remember!

 

Yes very good advise. I did the same thing when I did the rear valve gasket replacement. Mark the spot, remove wipers, and pan. Lots of room work work on your engine.