I don't think so. I had to remove it so I could get the strips in all the way. It was so much simpler to take the needles off and do it right the first time. It is not hard to get them back on in the right spot after. Our needles don't need to have a jumper or battery. Just twist them all the way to the right till they stop. When you feel then stop start to pull up on them and twist them some more to the right and they will pull right off. Before you put the clear plastic back in twist the shafts back all the way to the left till they stop. After you have everything back together then just slip the needles back on at there original starting point. I took a picture of mine just before I spun them off. Just don't push them down really hard or they will stick.

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2005 Ford Ranger Edge 4L 5 Speed DSG.
My Project