An old thread but in case anyone does a search, I'd like to add this. I removed the unit today and I think that the easiest way I found to remove the climate unit is to remove the switch cluster on the left and the lock/clock cluster on the right. These are relatively easy to do: for each one, side two credit cards, wide-side in, one at the top and one at the bottom, far enough to release the clips (two on top and two on bottom). The cluster will then slide out readily. With these out, it's simple to reach in with a finger on each side and release the metal clip holding the climate unit in place, and just pop it out. Atlantic British has a video suggesting sliding screwdrivers into the side of the climate unit to release the tabs, but I'm pretty sure that'll chew up the plastic.