Abstract:
A vehicle panel assembly (20) and related method are provided. The vehicle assembly (20) includes a push plug (24) that is movable between a pre-installed position and an installed position where the push plug (24) is aligned with a hole (40) in a vehicle panel (22). A fastening post (64) extends from the vehicle panel (22) and is received in an aperture (80) in the push plug (24). An engagement member (86) projects from a side of the fastening post (64) and retains the push plug (24) on the fastening post (64) when the push plug (24) is in the pre-installed position. The aperture (80) is larger than the fastening post (64) in at least one dimension such that the engagement member (86) of the fastening post (64) does not retain the push plug (24) when the push plug (24) is in the installed position. This allows the push plug (24) to fall from the vehicle panel (22) if the push plug (24) is improperly installed in the hole.