Dashboard

Complete removal and replacement of the dashboard assembly on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including disconnection of all electrical harnesses, HVAC components, and steering column interfaces.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Dashboard assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Replace any damaged during removal
• Dashboard mounting fasteners kit × 1 — Use OEM specification if reusing damaged fasteners
• Electrical connector seals (if damaged) × 1 — Inspect during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect battery negative terminal and isolate cable end away from battery post.
3. Wait minimum 15 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge.
4. Remove front seats completely to provide working space and prevent accidental damage.
5. Have AC system professionally evacuated and refrigerant recovered by certified technician.
6. Prepare large clean workspace for dashboard storage once removed (minimum 6 feet x 3 feet area).
7. Set up adequate lighting inside cabin and gather all required tools.
8. Take comprehensive reference photos of dashboard, center console, and all visible harness routing from multiple angles.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel and column covers
   Turn steering wheel to center position. Remove Torx fasteners securing lower steering column cover (typically T20). Separate lower cover from upper cover. Remove upper steering column cover by releasing clips at rear edge. If vehicle is equipped with manual tilt-release steering column, mark steering wheel position and remove steering wheel center cap, disconnect horn connector, and remove steering wheel retaining bolt. Use steering wheel puller if wheel is tight on splines. The 2009 DB9 steering column adjustment type (power vs. manual) must be verified against factory documentation; most DB9s of this era use an electrically adjustable tilt/reach column. Verify steering column clearance for dashboard removal and remove the steering wheel if clearance is insufficient. Note: Verify the 2009 DB9 steering column adjustment type against OEM documentation (this era typically uses a power-adjust column); mark the steering wheel position and remove the steering wheel per OEM procedure if required for dashboard clearance, and verify column adjustment range on reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove A-pillar trim panels
   Starting at top of A-pillar on both driver and passenger sides, carefully pry A-pillar trim covers away from body. These are retained by clips along their length. Pull trim panel forward and away from windshield seal. Disconnect any harness connectors for tweeter speakers or ambient lighting if equipped. Set panels aside in protected area.
   Torque spec

   Trim Panel Clips2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove door sill plates and lower kick panels
   Remove door sill plates on both sides by releasing clips or removing Torx fasteners (typically T20 or T25). Once sills are removed, pry lower kick panel trim pieces away from body on both driver and passenger sides. These cover the lower dashboard mounting points and harness pass-throughs. Disconnect any harness connectors for footwell lighting.
   Torque spec

   Trim Panel Clips2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove center console assembly
   Starting at rear of center console, remove gear selector surround trim (pull upward to release clips). Remove console storage compartment liner to access fasteners beneath. Remove all Torx fasteners securing center console to transmission tunnel and dashboard lower section (check for fasteners under armrest, in cupholder area, and beneath storage compartments). Disconnect all electrical connectors present (connector set varies by trim/transmission), which may include the transmission selector/paddle-shift related harness (automatic Touchtronic cars), power outlet, any console-mounted switches, and audio or climate control pass-through harnesses. Verify selector mechanism type against OEM documentation (the DB9 Touchtronic uses dash-mounted selector buttons, not a console shifter). Carefully lift and remove entire console assembly rearward.
5. 5

   Remove lower dashboard panels and knee bolsters
   Remove driver side lower dashboard panel (knee bolster) by removing Torx fasteners around perimeter (typically T20). Disconnect any electrical connectors for diagnostic port, hood release, or footwell lighting. Remove passenger side lower panel and glove box assembly by opening glove box, compressing sides to drop past stops, and removing Torx fasteners securing glove box frame to dashboard structure. Remove any additional lower trim panels on both sides to expose dashboard mounting fasteners and harness connections.
6. 6

   Disconnect instrument cluster and upper trim
   Remove instrument cluster surround trim by carefully prying around edges to release clips. Remove Torx fasteners securing instrument cluster to dashboard (typically 4 fasteners, T20). Pull cluster forward carefully and disconnect all harness connectors from rear of cluster (typically 3-4 large multi-pin connectors). Label each connector position. Remove upper dashboard trim panel above cluster if present by releasing clips. Set cluster in protected location away from work area.
7. 7

   Disconnect center stack and climate controls
   Remove trim surround for center stack infotainment and climate control unit by prying carefully at edges to release clips. Remove Torx fasteners securing center stack assembly (radio, navigation, climate control head unit) to dashboard. Pull assembly forward and disconnect all harness connectors from rear (antenna, power, audio outputs, climate control data bus, display connector). Label each connection. Remove fasteners securing HVAC vents and disconnect any vent motor or temperature sensor connectors behind center stack area.
8. 8

   Disconnect side air vents and end caps
   Remove outer dashboard end caps on both driver and passenger sides by prying carefully to release clips. Remove side air vent assemblies by removing Torx fasteners from behind (accessed through end cap openings) and disconnecting any harness connectors for vent lighting or air quality sensors. On the passenger side, locate the passenger airbag module connector (verify its exact location against factory documentation) and disconnect it before further disassembly.
9. 9

   Disconnect all remaining dashboard harnesses
   Working systematically from driver side to passenger side, locate and disconnect all remaining electrical harnesses connected to dashboard assembly. This includes: driver airbag connector at steering column, passenger airbag connector at right side of dashboard, all harness connectors along dashboard underside (typically secured to dashboard structure with clips), fuse box connections if fuse box remains mounted to dashboard, ambient lighting harnesses, any sensor connections (sun load sensor, interior temperature sensor). Use masking tape to label each connector with its location and orientation. Take photos of complex multi-connector areas before disconnection.
10. 10

    Disconnect HVAC components and steering column
    Disconnect HVAC evaporator lines at firewall pass-through (lines should already be evacuated). Cap open lines immediately to prevent contamination. The heater core on the DB9 is integrated into the firewall-mounted HVAC housing; verify in the model-specific service manual whether heater hose disconnection at the firewall is required and only disconnect if confirmed necessary. Remove Torx fasteners securing steering column support bracket to dashboard structure and lower column to allow dashboard clearance. Note column position and support column weight to prevent damage to intermediate shaft. Disconnect any remaining harnesses from steering column (ignition switch, column lock, steering angle sensor). Note: Verify heater core location against OEM service data before proceeding; on the DB9 the HVAC/heater assembly is integrated into the dashboard-mounted HVAC unit, so confirm whether heater hose disconnection at the firewall is required for your specific build before disturbing lines.
11. 11

    Remove dashboard mounting fasteners
    Locate and remove all dashboard mounting fasteners to body structure per the 2009 DB9 service manual. Verify the exact count and location of fasteners at the driver A-pillar junction, passenger A-pillar junction, center tunnel/firewall, upper cowl/windshield frame (some accessed from top or through defroster vents), and both outer ends where dashboard meets door aperture against factory documentation before attempting removal.ts), and both outer ends where dashboard meets door aperture (typically 2 fasteners per side). Dashboard fastener sizes must be confirmed against the 2009 DB9 service manual before work begins (ensure a Torx set covering at least T30-T40 is available). Verify all fasteners are removed before attempting to lift dashboard. Note: Dashboard fastener head types and sizes on this DB9 must be verified against factory documentation before purchasing drivers. Verify all fasteners are removed before attempting to lift dashboard. Note: Dashboard fastener sizes vary and must be verified against OEM documentation before removal; have a full Torx set available including larger drivers (T30/T40/T45) as needed.
12. 12

    Remove dashboard assembly from vehicle
    With all fasteners and harnesses disconnected, verify dashboard is free from all attachments by gently pulling outward at multiple points. Check for any missed harness connections or fasteners. With a second person assisting, carefully lift dashboard assembly upward and rearward, angling to clear steering column opening and windshield base. Guide dashboard through door opening on driver or passenger side (passenger side typically provides better clearance). Place dashboard face-up on prepared clean workspace. Inspect mounting points and harness pass-throughs for any damage or remaining attached components.
13. 13

    Inspect and prepare for installation
    With dashboard removed, inspect vehicle body structure for any damaged fastener bosses, bent mounting brackets, or harness routing clips that need repair. Clean dashboard mounting surface areas on body. If installing used dashboard, transfer any components from old dashboard to new unit (additional harness clips, brackets, or seals). Inspect all electrical connectors on vehicle-side harnesses for damage, corrosion, or bent pins. Repair or replace damaged connectors before installation. Verify all harness routing paths are clear and harness retaining clips are intact.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed in reverse order of removal with the following critical notes.
2. Clean all dashboard mounting surfaces and fastener holes before installation.
3. Have assistant support dashboard weight during entire installation process - never leave dashboard partially installed without support.
4. Guide dashboard into position carefully, aligning upper mounting points to cowl first, then lowering into position over steering column.
5. Reconnect all dashboard-side harnesses before installing dashboard mounting fasteners - attempting to connect harnesses after fastening dashboard is extremely difficult.
6. Start all dashboard mounting fasteners by hand before torquing any to ensure proper alignment and prevent cross-threading.
7. Torque all dashboard mounting bolts to 12.0 Nm (9.0 lb-ft) in a center-outward pattern to ensure even seating against body structure.
8. Torque all dashboard screws (smaller fasteners, trim attachments) to 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft).
9. When installing trim panel clips, torque fasteners to 2.0 Nm (1.5 lb-ft) if threaded, or ensure clips are fully seated if push-type. Replace any damaged clips.
10. Verify all airbag connectors are fully seated and locked - these typically have positive locking mechanisms that must click into place.
11. Reconnect steering column and verify full range of adjustment (if equipped with tilt/telescoping) before installing column covers.
12. Route all harnesses in original positions using factory clips and retainers to prevent rattles and ensure proper clearance from moving components.
13. When installing center console, verify gear selector operates smoothly through all positions before fully tightening console fasteners.
14. Install all trim panels in reverse order, ensuring clips are properly aligned before applying pressure to seat.
15. Reconnect battery negative terminal after all work is complete.
16. Have AC system recharged and leak tested by certified technician after HVAC components are reconnected.

Verification

• Before reconnecting battery, perform visual inspection of all harness connections to verify full seating and proper routing with no pinch points.
• Reconnect battery and verify no airbag warning lights illuminate (wait for full system check cycle, approximately 30 seconds).
• Test all dashboard functions systematically: instrument cluster (all gauges and warning lights), infotainment system (radio, navigation, all input controls), climate control (all fan speeds, temperature adjustment, mode selection, air distribution from all vents), power outlets and USB ports, all interior lighting (footwell, ambient, glove box), all switches and controls (hazard lights, traction control, any dashboard-mounted buttons).
• Verify steering column adjustment operates smoothly through full range if equipped with tilt/telescoping function.
• Test gear selector operation through all positions and verify proper PRNDL display on instrument cluster.
• Check for any rattles or squeaks by gently pressing on dashboard surfaces and trim panels at various points.
• Verify all trim panel gaps are even and consistent with no misalignment.
• Test HVAC system operation after recharge: verify cold air from AC, hot air from heater, proper air distribution to all selected vents, no unusual noises from blower or blend door operation.
• Perform test drive to verify no rattles or vibrations from dashboard at various speeds and road surfaces.
• Verify no airbag warning lights illuminate during or after test drive.

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