How do you remove the air conditioning, defroster,etc. control panel on a 2000 VW Beetle?

The air conditioning, defrosters, everything controlled by the various buttons and knobs on the control panel are not working. Nothing will come on. We do not want to pay to get it fixed as we know it will be expensive. If anyone has any recommendations, especially on how to remove the panel so we can get a peek inside it would be much appreciated. Thanks.How do you remove the air conditioning, defroster,etc. control panel on a 2000 VW Beetle?
remove the center section on top of the dash, remove the radio, remove the button pod below the heater controls, remove all torx screws that you can find ( hint there are two hidden ones) then pull the center vent trim assembly out.this will give you access to the whole control head.