Instrument panel — removal and installation
Warning: Models covered by this manual are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disable 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).
Note: This is a difficult procedure for the home mechanic. There are many hidden fasteners, difficult angles to work in and many electrical connectors to tag and disconnect/connect. We recommend that this procedure be done only by an experienced do-it-yourselfer.
Note: During removal of the instrument panel, make careful notes of how each piece comes off, where it fits in relation to other pieces and what holds it in place. If you note how each part is installed before removing it, getting the instrument panel back together again will be much easier.
Note: It is not necessary, but it is suggested to remove both front seats to allow additional working space and lessen the chance of damage to the seats during this procedure.
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Remove the dashboard trim panels (see Dashboard trim panels — removal and installation) and the center floor console (see Center console and armrest — removal and installation).
3. Remove the instrument cluster (see Chassis electrical system) and the glove box (see Dashboard trim panels — removal and installation).
4. Carefully pry out the instrument panel lower side console trim and remove the trim panels.
Note: On Lexus models, the corner trim for the lower side console trim must be removed first before the side console trim panels can be removed.
5. Disconnect the passenger’s side airbag and remove the mounting fasteners and airbag (see Chassis electrical system).
6. Remove the audio unit from the center of the dashboard (see Chassis electrical system).
7. Remove the air conditioning control panel (see Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems).
8. Remove the driver’s knee bolster (see Dashboard trim panels — removal and installation).
Note: If equipped, disconnect the driver’s side knee airbag, remove the
mounting bolts and remove the airbag (see Chassis electrical system).
9. Pry off the end cap trim panels (see illustration) for access to the reinforcement tube mounting bolts.
25.9 The instrument panel end caps simply pry off
10. Remove the bolts securing the steering column and lower it away from the instrument panel (see illustrations).
25.10a Remove the lower bolt (A) (and the pinch bolt [B] if removing the column entirely)
25.10b … then the two upper bolts
11. A number of electrical connectors must be disconnected in order to remove the instrument panel. Most are designed so that they will only fit on the matching connector (male or female), but if there is any doubt, mark the connectors with masking tape and a marking pen before disconnecting them (see illustrations).
25.11a Label and disconnect the main instrument panel electrical connectors at the left.
25.11b … and the right sides, below the instrument panel
12. Pry up the speaker trim covers, defroster trim panel (at the top of the instrument panel) (see illustration) and disconnect the optical sensor electrical connector.
25.12 Carefully pry up the defrost panel starting from the left side and working around to the right side
13. Remove all of the fasteners (bolts, screws and nuts) holding the instrument panel to the body. Once all are removed, lift the panel, then pull it away from the windshield and take it out through the door opening.
Note: This is a two-person job.
14. If you’re also removing the instrument panel reinforcement tube, disconnect any electrical connectors that might interfere with the removal of the reinforcement tube. Detach the wire harness and remove the fasteners securing the tube, then take it out through the door opening.
15. Installation is the reverse of removal.