Dash Pad

Complete removal and replacement of the dashboard pad assembly on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, requiring extensive interior disassembly including A-pillar trims, instrument cluster, center stack, and steering column cover removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Dashboard pad assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Dashboard trim clips × 1 — Replace any damaged clips during removal
• A-pillar trim clips × 1 — Replace any damaged clips during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait minimum 15 minutes for airbag system discharge
3. Remove both front seats to provide working access (retain seat mounting bolts)
4. Set steering wheel to center position and lock steering column
5. Gather all tools and prepare clean work surface for removed components
6. Take photographs of dashboard assembly from multiple angles for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove A-pillar trim panels
   Starting with the driver side, carefully pull the lower edge of the A-pillar trim panel away from the body using a plastic trim tool. Work upward along the panel to release the retaining clips. The panel is secured by push clips along its rear edge. Remove both driver and passenger A-pillar trims. Inspect clips and set aside panels in a protected area.
2. 2

   Remove windshield pillar weatherstrip upper sections
   Carefully peel back the upper sections of the windshield pillar weatherstripping on both sides to expose the dashboard pad edge and mounting points beneath. Only remove enough weatherstrip to access the dashboard edge; complete removal is not necessary. Note the routing and seating channels for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove instrument cluster
   Remove the Torx fasteners securing the instrument cluster bezel (verify exact count and retention method against the Aston Martin workshop manual — may be clip-retained). Pull the bezel forward gently to release any remaining clips. Disconnect the electrical connector at the rear of the cluster. Remove the Torx fasteners securing the instrument cluster itself (count and retention method must be verified against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before removal). Carefully withdraw the cluster and disconnect all remaining electrical connectors and harnesses. Label connectors for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove steering column upper and lower covers
   Locate and remove the Torx fasteners on the underside of the steering column lower cover (count must be verified against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual). Separate the lower cover from the upper cover and remove. Remove the Torx fasteners securing the upper steering column cover (count must be verified against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual). Lift the upper cover away from the column. Disconnect any electrical connectors for steering column switches if still attached.
5. 5

   Remove center console upper trim and faceplate
   Remove the center console upper trim panel starting from the gear selector surround. This panel typically lifts from the rear after releasing clips. Remove Torx fasteners securing the center stack faceplate surrounding the navigation screen and climate controls (count and locations must be verified against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual). Carefully pull the faceplate forward to access connectors behind. This provides access to dashboard pad fasteners in the center section.
6. 6

   Disconnect center stack electrical connections
   With the center stack faceplate loosened, disconnect all electrical connectors for the navigation unit, climate control module, hazard switch, and audio controls. Use electrical connector release tools where needed to avoid damaging connector locks. Label each connector with its position using masking tape. Support the faceplate assembly and set aside carefully to avoid strain on any remaining connected harnesses.
7. 7

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open the glove box and remove the contents. Remove the glove box damper by releasing it from its mounting points on both sides. Remove the Torx fasteners securing the glove box assembly to the dashboard structure (count must be verified against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual). Disconnect any electrical connectors for glove box lighting. Withdraw the glove box assembly to expose the dashboard pad fasteners and structure behind the passenger side.
8. 8

   Remove dashboard side end caps and lower trim panels
   Remove the dashboard side end caps at both driver and passenger sides where the dashboard meets the door opening. These are typically secured by clips and pull straight out toward the door opening. Remove any lower dashboard trim panels or knee bolsters beneath the dashboard on both sides. Check for Torx fasteners securing these panels (count per side must be verified against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual) before pulling. These panels may have electrical connectors for diagnostic ports or lighting that must be disconnected.
9. 9

   Disconnect dashboard harness connections
   Working methodically from driver side to center to passenger side, locate and disconnect all remaining electrical harnesses connected to components mounted in the dashboard pad. This includes connections for airbag modules (driver and passenger), additional climate control sensors, ambient lighting, and any other harnesses running to the dashboard structure. Use caution with airbag connectors and ensure they are not subjected to impact or static discharge. Tag each connector group by zone for reinstallation.
10. 10

    Remove dashboard pad mounting fasteners
    Locate all Torx fasteners securing the dashboard pad to the underlying structure. Locate all dashboard pad mounting fasteners per the Aston Martin workshop manual fastener map (counts and locations must be verified against OEM documentation before removal). Remove all fasteners and place in labeled containers by location. Verify all fasteners are removed before attempting to lift the dashboard pad. Note: Fastener count and locations must be verified against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual fastener map before removal; do not assume a count.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Remove dashboard pad assembly
    With an assistant, carefully lift the dashboard pad assembly starting from one side. Work slowly and check for any remaining connected harnesses or fasteners creating resistance. The pad assembly is large and must be maneuvered around the steering column and over the center console area. Tilt and angle the pad as needed to clear obstacles. Once free from all attachment points, lift the dashboard pad away from the vehicle and place on a protected surface. Inspect the mounting surface and structure for any damage or required repairs before installing the new pad.
12. 12

    Prepare and position new dashboard pad
    Inspect the new dashboard pad for any shipping damage and verify all mounting features are intact. Transfer any required components from the old pad to the new pad if they are not pre-installed (retaining clips, airbag modules if reusing, insulation, or mounting brackets). With an assistant, carefully position the new dashboard pad over the dashboard structure, maneuvering around the steering column and aligning it with the mounting points. Lower into position ensuring the pad seats correctly against all locating features.
13. 13

    Install dashboard pad fasteners
    Working in the reverse order of removal, install all dashboard pad mounting Torx fasteners. Start with the center section fasteners in the console and glove box areas to secure the pad position. Progress to the windshield edge fasteners, then the side fasteners near the A-pillars. Torque all dashboard mounting screws to the Aston Martin workshop manual specification (verify exact value; low torque typical to avoid cracking the pad). Do not overtighten as this can crack the pad or dashboard structure. Verify the pad is seated evenly with consistent gaps at all panel interfaces before final tightening. Note: Torque all dashboard mounting screws to the Aston Martin OEM-specified value (verify against the DB9 workshop manual before final tightening). Note: Torque all dashboard mounting screws per the Aston Martin workshop manual specification (verify exact value — low torque typical for trim fasteners to avoid cracking the pad or dashboard structure).
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect all dashboard electrical harnesses
    Using the labels and photographs from disassembly, reconnect all electrical harnesses to the dashboard-mounted components. Pay particular attention to airbag connectors, ensuring they are fully seated and locked. Reconnect connections for the passenger airbag, driver airbag (if removed), climate sensors, ambient lighting, and all other previously disconnected harnesses. Route all harnesses in their original paths and secure with any original routing clips or ties.
15. 15

    Reinstall all dashboard components and trim
    Reinstall components in reverse order of removal: glove box assembly with fasteners, center stack faceplate and electrical connections, steering column upper and lower covers, instrument cluster with all connectors, dashboard side end caps and lower trim panels, A-pillar trim panels, and windshield weatherstrip sections. Verify all trim panels are fully seated with clips engaged. Reinstall front seats and torque seat mounting bolts to the Aston Martin OEM-specified value using a torque wrench of appropriate range (seat anchor bolts are safety-critical and require a higher-range torque wrench than the low-range wrench used for trim fasteners; verify exact value against the DB9 workshop manual). Reconnect the battery negative terminal. Note: Reinstall front seats and torque seat mounting bolts to the Aston Martin workshop manual specification (verify exact value — seat anchor bolts are safety-critical). Note: Reinstall front seats and torque seat mounting bolts per the Aston Martin workshop manual specification (verify exact value — seat anchor bolts are safety-critical and must be torqued to OEM spec).
    Torque spec

    Seat Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all components in reverse order of removal, ensuring all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all trim panels are properly aligned and all clips are fully engaged before moving to the next component
3. Ensure windshield weatherstrip is properly seated in its channel along the entire length after dashboard installation
4. Double-check that all dashboard fasteners are installed in their correct original positions with proper torque

Verification

• Reconnect battery and wait for all vehicle systems to initialize. Check for any warning lights on the instrument cluster, particularly airbag system warnings
• Test all electrical functions controlled from the dashboard: climate control, audio system, navigation, instrument cluster functions, all switches and controls
• Verify all trim panels are secure with no rattles or loose sections by gently pressing on each panel
• Check all panel gaps and alignments around the dashboard pad for uniform appearance matching factory specifications
• Test airbag system with a scan tool to verify proper communication with all airbag modules and no fault codes present
• Perform a test drive and listen for any squeaks, rattles, or abnormal sounds from the dashboard area

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