| Phil,
I haven't tried it nor am I going to but, I doubt that it will work tbh. To try this you would need to have the ignition on. Only a fool unplugs/plugs in live electronic components - you would run the risk of trashing the panel electronics and/or the ECU.
Suggestion: If anybody does try removing either their cpu or the instrument panel then be sure to remove the 3A fuses in the fusebox first to isolate them. | 
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