jrmckinley

Did a quick search and didn't see anything here. Just bought a couple of bikes and a big bike rack that will hook into the tow hitch...but I have the plate covering the hitch. How do I get that off? Is it DIY or do I have to go to dealer? Thanks,

jrmckinley

Sorry, I have a 2010. Should have included that in the first post.

hzhao

Here is the illustration of bumper components. To remove the cover, there is one retaining clip to remove, that's it.

jrmckinley

Thanks. I was able to get the cover partially off by unscrewing 2 phillips screws - after partially removing it I can see the single screw the diagram references but I have no idea how to get that out. It's not slotted underneath to allow any sort of tool to turn it. Ideas?

REDHORSE

Not a screw, just a plastic push in fastner. Just pushed mine out from inside the cover.

hzhao

Not the screws. Those are for step cover, which requires to remove the bumper first. The bumper cover ONLY held by the plastic pin, just push and pull out the pin.

Reggie1

I tow a lot, and found that having to slide under the bumper to remove the 2 press fit plastic retainers holding the cover every time was a real PITA. So I used a dremel to cut an appropriate size hole in the cover to enable leaving the hitch ball on full time. I left enough of the cover plate so that IMO it looks much better than with the entire cover removed.

Then I bought a new cover to use when I'm ready to sell the LX, or if I want to remove the hitch and dress up the rear end. The replacmenrt cover plate was around $70, and they come in your vehicle's body color, so no worries about having to paint anything.