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Grill Removal step by step (05-08)

28754 Views 15 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  Ryan0311
Okay, I looked around here on CF and saw a little info here a little info there on how to remove the grill.
Thanks for all the tips people.
However I checked the DIY section and saw no step by step procedure to remove the grill so I figured while I was doing it I would document everything and post it up for you guys.

So here you go . . . .

Pop the hood and locate the small round "button" clips at the top of the grill holding the top portion on. On my 2006 there are 6 of these. I have to note that there were two different kinds of these clips both work essentially the same, why I don't know, ask Nissan.

Showing the two different clips still holding the grill on:


Showing the two different clips removed:


As you can see, the center part needs to be popped up/out before the outer part can decompress and be removed. Shown above the one on the left was the pry up kind and the one on the right is the threaded/screw out kind. Get the center part out and then remove the outer retaining portion for all six of these.

Next there are four square retaining clips in the face of the grill, two on the left, two on the right, next to the headlights.

This is what they look like with the grill removed:


They are slotted (screw driver required here) and need to be turned 45 degrees to slip back through the grill. I did one side at a time pulling out gently on the top of the grill as I turned these clips to further release the grill. Don't pull too hard four more clips left at the bottom!

Next you need to reach down behind the grill and locate the four clips like this:


It's the object dead center in the above photo.
You simply pinch them, pushing up on the tab from underneath slightly and they'll pop right out.

Here's the top portion of the bumper (grill removed) showing what the slots look like that the last four clips snap into:


Congratulations, you can now remove the grill.

The grill pretty much goes back on in the same order, but I'll share a tip that made it much easier.

The four square clips (picture 3 above) need to be removed from the sheet metal on the front of the truck and snapped into the back of the grill.

Front of truck showing square clips removed:


The square clips snapped back into the rear of the grill:


They will only snap back into the grill one way, so don't worry you really can't mess that up.

Once these four square clips are clipped back into the grill line the grill up and gently push the four bottom tabs back into the slots in the upper bumper. Next push in on the sides where your four square clips are and you'll hear them snap back into the sheet metal on the sides. Re-install the top six "button" clips by inserting the outer retaining parts through the holes in the top of the grill and into the sheet metal underneath. Finally install the center part of these clips by either knocking them back down or screwing them back in depending on which type you have.

You are now finished.
Get all of your tools out from under the hood before you close it.
Wash your hands and go grab a cold one as you marvel over a job well done.
:thumbsup:
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For what it's worth, my 06 only has four of the black snaps along the top. So in case anyone's looking for the fifth and sixth, they're not hidden or anything, your truck just might not have them. I had the pry-up kinds, but not the screw-out kinds.
For what it's worth, my 06 only has four of the black snaps along the top. So in case anyone's looking for the fifth and sixth, they're not hidden or anything, your truck just might not have them. I had the pry-up kinds, but not the screw-out kinds.
x2... My '07 only has 4 as well. Very good write up though, probably wouldn't hurt to sticky this.
Wish i had this before i took off my grill to paint it. Nice wright up bud.
probably wouldn't hurt to sticky this.
It's already stickied here with a bunch more good write-ups.
It's already stickied here with a bunch more good write-ups.
Sorry, didn't think to look in there... it's still early.
My 2006 has 6 of these. Use a flathead, pry the middle section about 1/4" and then pry the outer plastic a little bit and the rest wiggles out.

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How would the HOW TO on grille removal differ for a 2009+? And yes I did attempt to search this out. Thanks.
How would the HOW TO on grille removal differ for a 2009+? And yes I did attempt to search this out. Thanks.
I can say for my 2010 PRO-4X, it is the same except we don't have the "four square retaining clips" and the six round clips on tom should all be the same, not two different types. Mine has a body color grill though, chrome MIGHT be different.
http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/showthread.php?p=1083842

Not sure if this copied correctly, but it's a link for an inexpensive replacement


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app
I can say for my 2010 PRO-4X, it is the same except we don't have the "four square retaining clips" and the six round clips on tom should all be the same, not two different types. Mine has a body color grill though, chrome MIGHT be different.
Thanks for the reply, I have been hunting those square retaining clips but never saw them. I will tear into it and see how I do. BTW-nice looking 4X.

:fantastic:
No problem, the grill is a lot easier than it looks. I can have mine off in 2 minutes now. And thanks! :)
Just wanted to say "Thanks" to ToddG, for his write up on this, took my grille out to install a temp sensor for a new rear view mirror, and his directions were spot on, except that all 6 of my clips up top were the push in kind.

BTW............... for the "search Nazi's,........... I did find this thread using the search function. :lol:
Thanks ToddG, great write up and easy to follow, still valid after 7 years.
Can anyone confirm if this method still works for a 2019? I'm looking for some of these square bolts but I do not see any looking into the grill.
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