Dashboard trim panels — removal and installation
Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disarm the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag, which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system). The yellow wiring harnesses and connectors are for this system. Do not use electrical test equipment on any of the airbag system wiring or tamper with it in any way.
Note: Several types and designs of mounting clips and hooks are used to secure the trim panels to the instrument panel. Care should be taken when trying to remove the panel.
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
Instrument cluster bezel
Camry and Lexus models
2. If equipped with a tilt steering column, tilt the column all the way down.
3. Remove the steering column covers (see Steering column covers — removal and installation) and driver’s side trim panels (see Steps 18 through 21).
4. On 2011 and earlier models, remove the cluster bezel mounting fasteners (see illustration). On 2012 and later models, remove the driver’s side end cap, then disengage the center trim strip clips and remove the strip. Pull the driver’s side vent from the instrument panel.
23.4 Cluster bezel mounting fasteners Camry shown
5. Starting at the bottom of the bezel, care- fully pry the outer edges of the bezel away from the instrument panel until all the clips are released. On 2012 and later models, if necessary, disconnect the switches from the left side of the panel, then rotate the left side of the instrument cluster panel downwards while tilting the top of the panel towards the steering wheel and remove it from the vehicle.
Note: Take care not to scratch the surrounding trim on the instrument panel.
6. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure the clips are engaged properly before pushing the bezel firmly into place.
Avalon models
7. Remove the steering wheel (see Suspension and steering systems) and the steering column covers (see Steering column covers — removal and installation).
8. Remove the driver’s side trim panels (see Steps 18 through 21).
9. Pry the driver’s side center trim strip (see illustration 23.21a) and the passenger’s side center trim strip out from the instrument panel (see illustration).
23.9 On Avalon models, pry the passenger’s side center trim strip out to disengage the clips and remove
10. Remove the center panel.
11. Remove the cluster bezel mounting screws.
Note: There are two separate instrument clusters, both are removed the same way.
12. Starting at the top of the bezel and working from left to right, carefully pry the outer edges of the bezel away from the instrument panel until the clips are released. Take care not to scratch the surrounding trim on the instrument panel.
13. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure the clips are engaged properly before pushing the bezel firmly into place.
Knee bolster
14. Remove the driver’s kick panel (see Steps 28 and 29) for access to the left side bolster bolt.
15. Remove the right-hand bolster screw, then remove the bolt at the lower left side and disengage the bolster from the clips (see illustration).
23.15 Remove the right and left mounting screws from the knee bolster
16. Carefully pry the knee bolster out, disengaging the mounting clips (see illustrations). Disconnect the electrical connector at the back of the bolster, then disconnect the hood release cable and remove the panel.
Caution: Do not pry on the knee airbag when removing the knee bolster.
23.16a Carefully pry the knee bolster outwards to disengage the retaining clips along the perimeter of the panel
23.16b Once the bolster is pulled away from the instrument panel, disconnect the electrical connector and hood release cable
17. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Driver’s side trim panel
18. Remove the knee bolster (see Steps 14 through 16).
Note: On Avalon models, the steering column covers must be removed (see Steering column covers — removal and installation).
19. On 2011 and earlier, Camry and Lexus models, the driver’s side panel is two pieces the panels are held in place under the side vent and instrument cluster area by clips (see illustrations). Pry the edges straight out to release it.
23.19a Carefully pry out the left driver’s side trim panel
23.19b … and the right driver’s side trim panel — Camry and Lexus models
Note: On 2012 and later models, the driver’s side trim panel is incorporated into the instrument cluster trim panel.
20. Pull the panel back and disconnect the electrical connectors and remove the panel.
21. On Avalon models, pry out the center trim strip (see illustration), then carefully pry the trim panel out (see illustration) far enough to disconnect any electrical connectors and remove the panel.
23.21a On Avalon models, pry the center trim strip out …
23.21 b … then pry the one-piece driver’s side trim panel out, working all of the edges to release the retaining clips
22. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Passenger’s side lower panel and glove box
23. Disengage the mounting clips of the insulator panel and remove the panel (if equipped) and passenger’s side kick panel.
24. Open the glove box, squeeze the strut locking tabs together (see illustration) and slide the strut off of the glove box tab.
23.24 Squeeze the strut locking tabs together and slide the strut off of the tabs, then squeeze the sides past their stops and lower the glove box
25. Squeeze the glove box stops in and allow the glove box to come down enough to disengage the glove box from the lower
panel (see illustration) and remove the glove box.
23.25 With the glove box in a 90-degree position, pull the bottom of the glove box outwards to unclip it from the trim panel
26. With the glove box removed, remove the lower passenger’s side trim panel mounting screws and panel (see illustration).
23.26 Remove the passenger’s side lower panel mounting screws and unclip the trim panel from the instrument panel
27. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Kick panels
28. Using a trim tool, pry up the door scuff plate.
29. Unscrew the kick panel-to-firewall fastener from the stud, then carefully pull the panel out to release the remaining two clips.
30. Installation is the reverse of removal.