removing the dash?

[02bigstrokin]

does anyone have any good links to diy for removing the dash in a 03? ive got to change my evaporator core....oh joy

 

[TheBac]

This is from Alldata:

1. Remove the I/P trim panel.
2. Remove the center console, if equipped.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Remove the driver side knee bolster.
5. Remove the lower I/P trim panel.
6. Remove the passenger side air bag module.
7. Remove the radio.
8. Remove the HVAC control.
9. Remove the accessory switch housing.
10. Remove the left air louver housing.
11. Remove the steering column.
12. Remove the communication interface module, if equipped.
13. Remove the remote control door lock receiver module, if equipped.
14. Remove the data link connector from the I/P.
15. Remove the park brake release lever from the I/P.
16. Remove the I/P cluster.
17. Remove both front window air ducts from the I/P assembly.
18. Remove the harness from the I/P.

1. Remove the I/P assembly retaining bolts (3) and nuts (4).
2. Remove all harness hold down retainers from the I/P assembly.
3. Remove the I/P assembly from the vehicle.

I know it doesnt help much. Sorry. Maybe someone has access to the body manual that can email you the right chapter?
I helped Merchant put the dash back in the orange truck a few years back, but heck if I remember the particulars any more. Theres just a boatload of screws and bolts throughout the thing.

 

[02bigstrokin]

Thanks Tom. Yeah it's going to suck anyway I look at it but the dealer wants 800 to do it so I'm gonna try it myself first

 

[JoshH]

I think the biggest trick is getting the grab handle on the dash. From what I remember, there are some little release tabs you get to by removing the vents on either side.

 

[02bigstrokin]

I got the grab handle off but I can't figure out how to get the top part of the dash off?

 

[TheBac]

IIRC, there are screws inside the side electrical access panels, around the cluster and radio areas, and inside the vents on the pass side. I think the dash top has clips that slip into the framework up by the windshield.

 

[jlawles2]

IIRC there are 10 screws that hold the dash panel in. 2 in each of the bus panels, one in the driver A/C vent, 3 behind the cluster, 2 behind the radio, and one in each of the passenger A/C Vents.

After removing all of those, pull gently as there are several clips that hold it down by the windshield. Do not forget to unplug the sensor on the dash before getting all happy and pulling the dash cover out.

If you are looking for the duct actuator, good luck it's buried under more tubing than you would imagine could be under the cover. 1/4" drive ratchet and flex the plastic duct to get the screws out.

 

[02bigstrokin]

thanks for the help guys. im gonna mess with it some more in the morning. im not in a real hurry with it i just dont want to mess anything up

 

[JoshH]

There are some screws behind the panels on each side of the dash (the same panel that covers the fuse box on the driver's side), some behind the instrument panel bezel (the piece you take off to get the radio out), some behind the vents you pulled out to get the handle, and I think maybe some behind the glove box. Once you get them all out, you slide it back to unlock the hooks at the windshield.

 

[jimdmax]

IIRC there are 10 screws that hold the dash panel in. 2 in each of the bus panels, one in the driver A/C vent, 3 behind the cluster, 2 behind the radio, and one in each of the passenger A/C Vents.

After removing all of those, pull gently as there are several clips that hold it down by the windshield. Do not forget to unplug the sensor on the dash before getting all happy and pulling the dash cover out.

If you are looking for the duct actuator, good luck it's buried under more tubing than you would imagine could be under the cover. 1/4" drive ratchet and flex the plastic duct to get the screws out.

Getting the dash to release from the clips near the windshield can be a bitch.

 

[Sledhead]

Do not forget to unplug the sensor on the dash before getting all happy and pulling the dash cover out.

Ditto, I broke mine doing the heater core last month.

The steering column comes out. On my SLE I had to pull the seats to get the console out.

 

[02bigstrokin]

so i got the top part of the dash off, the seats out, console out, glovebox and airbag out, all the colored part of the interior is out. whats next, when you say the sterring column comes out, how does that happen? im deathly afraid im gonna screw something up

 

[Sledhead]

Batteries disconnected? Wouldn't want the airbags going off. My buddy did the steering column, I think it was about 4 bolts holding the cast aluminium to the dash.

(I was fighting with the coolant quick connects under the hood, try removing the tool to get them loose).

Hang in there, it looks worse than it is. Mine went back together in about half the time as taking apart.

 

[TheBac]

Steering column removal:

 

[TheBac]

Im not sure how much this will help, but here's some more info on getting the dash frame out. I think I've figured out where to find all the dash info, so let me know if you need anything else.

 

[TheBac]

Dash top removal:

 

[x MadMAX DIESEL]

There any better viewer friendly tutorials since this was posted. Gm? Trying to pull my frame back atleast an inch. I just found the 2 15mm under the windshield and the 2 other ones in the door fuse box.