Dashboard

Complete removal and replacement of the dashboard assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnection of all electrical components, HVAC controls, and instrument cluster.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Dashboard assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (assorted) × 20 — Mopar 6503598 or equivalent
• Dashboard fastener kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 15 minutes for airbag system discharge.
3. Remove both seats to provide working room and prevent damage during dashboard removal.
4. Photograph or label all electrical connections for reference during reassembly.
5. Place fender covers over door sills and lower body panels to protect finish during component removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering column covers and lower trim
   Remove the lower steering column cover by locating and removing the fasteners securing it. The cover is retained by screws around the perimeter. Remove upper steering column cover in similar fashion. Remove the knee bolster panel below the steering column by removing its retaining screws and clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors for courtesy lights or diagnostic port.
2. 2

   Remove instrument cluster
   Remove the instrument cluster bezel by carefully prying around the perimeter to release retaining clips. Remove the 4 screws securing the instrument cluster to the dashboard. Pull cluster forward carefully and disconnect the electronic speedometer/instrument connectors from the rear of the cluster. Disconnect electrical connectors from rear of cluster. Remove cluster from vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove center console and trim panels
   Remove center console by locating and removing fasteners securing it to the floor and dashboard. The console is secured with bolts through the mounting feet. Disconnect any electrical connectors for power outlets or switches. Remove center air vent assembly by removing retaining screws from behind and carefully pulling assembly from dashboard. Remove radio/climate control bezel by releasing retaining clips around perimeter.
4. 4

   Disconnect climate control and remove radio
   Remove radio head unit by removing mounting screws and disconnecting antenna cable and electrical connectors. Disconnect climate control cables from heater box by releasing cable end clips and removing cable housing retaining clips. Note cable routing and adjustment position. Remove heater control unit by removing mounting fasteners and disconnecting control cables and electrical connectors.
5. 5

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open glove box and remove contents. Remove glove box door stop mechanism by releasing from sides of box. Remove screws securing glove box assembly to dashboard structure. Disconnect glove box light electrical connector if equipped. Remove glove box assembly from dashboard.
6. 6

   Disconnect main electrical harnesses
   Working from under the dashboard, locate and disconnect all electrical connectors passing through the dashboard to body harnesses. This includes connectors for lighting, gauges, HVAC blower motor, and engine/body harness pass-throughs. Release harness retaining clips securing harnesses to dashboard structure. Leave connectors accessible for dashboard removal.
7. 7

   Disconnect steering column from dashboard
   Remove the steering column mounting bolts at the dashboard bracket. There are typically 4 bolts securing the column bracket to the dashboard support structure. Support the steering column with a strap or have an assistant hold it to prevent it from dropping. Disconnect any remaining electrical connectors at the column including ignition switch and wiper/turn signal switches if not already disconnected.
8. 8

   Remove dashboard side trim panels
   At both driver and passenger side ends of the dashboard, remove the side trim panels. These panels cover the mounting bolts at each end of the dashboard. The panels are typically retained by clips and may have screws at the bottom. Carefully pry panels away from dashboard to release clips.
9. 9

   Disconnect remaining components and ducts
   Disconnect any remaining HVAC ducts from the dashboard outlets and defroster vents. Remove or disconnect any ground straps attached to the dashboard structure. Verify all electrical connectors, cables, and mechanical connections have been disconnected from the dashboard assembly.
10. 10

    Remove dashboard mounting fasteners
    Locate and remove all dashboard mounting bolts. The dashboard is secured to the firewall and A-pillar structures with 8-10 bolts total. Remove bolts at each end near A-pillars (2-3 bolts per side), bolts along the top edge at the windshield (3-4 bolts), and bolts at the center support bracket (2 bolts). Keep fasteners organized by location.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Remove dashboard assembly
    With all mounting fasteners removed and all connections disconnected, carefully pull the dashboard assembly rearward and upward. The dashboard is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant support the passenger side while you work from the driver side. Tilt and maneuver the assembly to clear the steering column opening and door openings. Remove dashboard from vehicle through driver or passenger door opening.
12. 12

    Install replacement dashboard assembly
    With an assistant, carefully position the new or refurbished dashboard assembly into the vehicle. Maneuver the assembly through the door opening and position it over the steering column opening. Align the dashboard with mounting holes in the A-pillar structures and firewall. Ensure no wiring harnesses are pinched behind the dashboard structure.
13. 13

    Install dashboard mounting fasteners
    Install all dashboard mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Begin with center support bolts, then A-pillar bolts at each end, and finally top edge bolts along the windshield area. Once all bolts are started, torque to specification in a center-outward pattern to prevent stress on the dashboard structure.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect steering column and install side trim
    Position steering column to dashboard bracket and install mounting bolts. Torque column mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect all steering column electrical connectors including ignition switch and combination switch. Install dashboard side trim panels at both ends, ensuring clips engage properly.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect electrical harnesses and components
    Working systematically, reconnect all electrical connectors using reference photos or labels. Reconnect body harness connectors, HVAC blower motor, lighting connectors, and gauge/instrument connectors. Secure all harnesses with retaining clips to dashboard structure. Ensure no wires are pinched or under tension.
16. 16

    Install glove box, radio, and climate controls
    Install glove box assembly and secure with mounting screws. Reconnect glove box light connector. Install heater control unit and reconnect electrical connectors and any control cables. Reconnect and adjust climate control cables to heater box, ensuring proper cable tension and full range of motion. Install radio head unit and reconnect antenna and electrical connectors.
17. 17

    Install instrument cluster and trim
    Install center air vent assembly and radio/climate control bezel, ensuring all clips engage. Position instrument cluster and reconnect all electrical connectors to rear of cluster, including the electronic speedometer connector. Secure cluster with 4 mounting screws. Install instrument cluster bezel by pressing around perimeter to engage clips.
18. 18

    Install console and steering column covers
    Install center console, routing any wiring through appropriate openings. Secure console with mounting bolts and reconnect electrical connectors. Install upper and lower steering column covers, ensuring proper fit around column. Install knee bolster panel and secure with screws. Reconnect courtesy light and diagnostic port connectors.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable.
2. Verify all dashboard warning lights illuminate with ignition on and extinguish after engine start (except those normally remaining on).
3. Test all dashboard switches, controls, and gauges for proper operation including headlights, wipers, turn signals, HVAC controls, and radio.
4. Test climate control system through all modes and temperature settings to verify proper cable adjustment and airflow.
5. Verify instrument cluster gauges respond correctly including speedometer, tachometer, temperature, and fuel level.
6. Check for any squeaks or rattles by driving vehicle on rough road and listening for dashboard noises.
7. Reinstall seats and verify seat belt function.

Verification

• All dashboard warning lights function properly with ignition on.
• All gauges in instrument cluster respond correctly to vehicle operation.
• All switches and controls operate their intended functions without binding or malfunction.
• HVAC system operates through all modes with proper airflow from all vents.
• No dashboard squeaks, rattles, or loose panels present.
• All gaps between dashboard components are even and consistent.
• Steering column operates normally with no binding.
• Airbag warning light extinguishes after initial bulb check, indicating proper airbag system connection.

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