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 I’m going to show you how to remove the dashboard from a typical car – but I’m also going to warn you that this job is usually a project for pros. A dashboard houses the car’s computer, electrical, heating and air conditioning, entertainment, and dozens of other vital car systems. You should remove the dashboard only if you know exactly what you need to do (replace a broken instrument cluster) and how to do it, as described in the car’s service manual.
Car Words
A car’s dashboard or “dash” is the group of components that stretches across the front of the passenger compartment below the windshield. It includes the instrument panel as well as other controls and systems. The term originally referred to the board or panel on a wagon that keep the horse’s hooves and road dirt from dashing or striking the driver.
In general, the dashboard is removed thus:
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Disconnect the electrical system (typically, disconnect the negative battery lead) and disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or airbags, as suggested by the car’s manufacturer.
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As needed, remove the radio, disconnecting the wiring harness and antenna lead. Mark any loosened wire connections so you know how to reconnect them later (trust me, they will all begin to look alike).
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Remove the console (as detailed earlier), glove box (loosen the screws on the back of the door), and any plastic covers under the dashboard.
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As needed, remove any trim around the instrument panel to uncover and unscrew fasteners. Carefully pull the instrument panel toward you to expose the rear of specific instruments for replacement.
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As needed, remove covers from around the steering column and disconnect the wiring harness for the horn, cruise control, and air bag. If you need to remove the steering column, look for and unfasten the bracket that holds the column to the dashboard frame.
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Pray that you can get it all back together! (Making careful notes will help).
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