It is there, the easiest access is usually removing the radio grill, 4 small, 1/4” nuts on the top/bottom trim pieces. That should give you the access you seek, good luck, anything under the dash is hard money!
Today I tried to slip a deep socket along the old cable as suggested by someone else in this thread. I can get it there, but it’s way too far in to even get a pair of Vice grips on the socket.
I’m gonna have to try your radio grill removal thing. I didn’t see the nuts you are talking about but will just have to look again.
