Dashboard

Complete removal and replacement of the dashboard assembly on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including instrument cluster, HVAC components, and all related electrical connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Dashboard assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Dashboard mounting clips (assorted) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• HVAC duct seals × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery and wait at least 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge.
3. Remove both front seats to provide working clearance and prevent damage to seat upholstery during dashboard removal.
4. Set the HVAC temperature control to full cold and mode to defrost to position blend doors for easier duct removal.
5. Photograph or document the routing of all visible wiring harnesses before beginning disassembly.
6. Prepare a clean work surface or blankets to lay removed dashboard components on to prevent scratching.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Steering Wheel and Column Covers
   Remove the driver airbag module by locating the access holes on the back side of the steering wheel and inserting a small pick or flat-blade screwdriver to release the spring clips. Disconnect the airbag connector and horn connector from the back of the airbag module. Remove the steering wheel center bolt and use a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel from the column shaft. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers by removing 4 screws securing the covers together. Separate the covers and set aside.
2. 2

   Remove Instrument Cluster and Surround
   Remove the instrument cluster bezel by carefully prying it free from the dashboard using a trim panel tool, starting at the top edge and working around the perimeter to release all retaining clips. Remove 4 screws securing the instrument cluster to the dashboard. Pull the cluster forward and disconnect the main harness connector from the back of the cluster. Remove the cluster from the vehicle. The 2005 Viper is equipped with a manual transmission and does not use a gear position indicator cable at the cluster.
3. 3

   Remove Center Console and Shifter Components
   Remove the shift knob (unscrew counterclockwise if threaded), then remove the shifter boot and trim ring by lifting upward to release the retaining clips. Remove the center console trim panel surrounding the radio and HVAC controls by releasing the retaining clips with a trim panel tool. Remove 6 screws securing the center console assembly to the floor and tunnel. Disconnect all electrical connectors from switches and accessories in the console. Lift the console assembly up and rearward to remove it from the vehicle.
4. 4

   Remove Radio and HVAC Control Module
   Remove 4 screws securing the radio unit to the dashboard bracket. Pull the radio forward and disconnect the antenna cable and all electrical connectors from the rear of the unit. Remove the radio from the vehicle. Remove 4 screws securing the HVAC control module to the dashboard. Pull the control module forward and disconnect the electrical connectors and vacuum harness from the rear of the module. Remove the control module from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Remove Lower Dashboard Panels and Kick Panels
   Remove the driver side lower dashboard panel by removing 5 screws along the bottom edge and releasing the upper retaining clips. Disconnect the hood release cable and any electrical connectors. Remove the passenger side lower dashboard panel by removing 5 screws and releasing the retaining clips. Remove both driver and passenger side kick panels by pulling them rearward to release the retaining clips from the A-pillar and floor areas. Disconnect the door jamb switches if integrated into the kick panels.
6. 6

   Disconnect Pedal Assembly and Steering Column
   Remove the brake pedal pushrod from the brake booster by removing the retaining clip and sliding the clevis pin out. Remove 4 bolts securing the pedal bracket assembly to the firewall and allow the assembly to hang downward. Remove the steering column intermediate shaft coupler bolt where the shaft connects to the steering gear. Mark the alignment of the shaft before removal. Remove 4 bolts securing the steering column mounting bracket to the dashboard support structure. Lower the steering column carefully and support it to prevent strain on the wiring harness.
7. 7

   Remove Passenger Airbag Module
   Locate the passenger airbag module mounting screws along the top edge of the dashboard, accessible from above near the windshield. Remove 4 bolts securing the passenger airbag module to the dashboard structure. Carefully pull the airbag module upward and disconnect the main airbag connector and passenger airbag disable indicator connector if equipped. Remove the airbag module from the vehicle and place it face-up on a padded surface away from the work area. Note: The dashboard contains airbag modules (driver and passenger).
8. 8

   Disconnect Main Wiring Harnesses
   Working from both the driver and passenger sides, locate all main wiring harness connectors passing through the dashboard. Common connections include: BCM (Body Control Module) connectors, fuse box connections, HVAC blower motor connector, multiple ground points, antenna connections, and various sensor connections. Disconnect all harness connectors, carefully releasing any locking tabs or secondary locks. Label each connector with tape and marker noting its location and connection point. Release any harness clips securing the wiring to the dashboard structure.
   ⚠Some connectors have secondary locking mechanisms that must be lifted or slid before the main connector can be separated. Do not force connectors apart.
9. 9

   Remove HVAC Ducts and Plenum Connections
   Remove the defroster ducts from the top of the dashboard by releasing the retaining clips at each connection point. Remove the center and side HVAC outlet ducts by pulling them forward out of the dashboard. Working under the dashboard, disconnect the main HVAC plenum from the heater core and evaporator housing by removing 6 screws securing the plenum to the firewall assembly. Carefully separate the plenum from the housing, noting that HVAC duct seals may be reusable if not damaged.
10. 10

    Remove Dashboard Mounting Fasteners
    Locate and remove all dashboard mounting fasteners. There are 8 bolts along the top edge of the dashboard near the windshield, accessible from above. Remove 2 bolts at each A-pillar connection point where the dashboard ends meet the door jamb area. Remove 4 bolts at the center support bracket where the dashboard mounts to the center tunnel structure. Remove 2 bolts at each lower corner where the dashboard mounts to the floor pan. Verify all fasteners have been removed before attempting to lift the dashboard.
    Torque spec

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

    Remove Dashboard Assembly from Vehicle
    With all fasteners removed and all electrical and mechanical connections disconnected, carefully lift the dashboard assembly upward and rearward. The Viper dashboard is a single large assembly that requires careful maneuvering to clear the steering column opening and door openings. A second person is highly recommended for this step to support the passenger side while guiding the dashboard out. Tilt the dashboard as necessary to clear the windshield angle and door apertures. Once clear of all obstructions, remove the dashboard from the vehicle and place it on a clean, padded work surface.
    ⚠The dashboard assembly is large and awkward to handle. Do not attempt removal alone as this may result in damage to the dashboard or injury. Use a second person to support the passenger side during removal.
12. 12

    Inspect Dashboard Mounting Points and Clean Work Area
    With the dashboard removed, inspect all mounting points on the firewall and A-pillars for damage, corrosion, or broken studs. Clean the mounting surfaces of any dirt, debris, or old sealant. Inspect all HVAC duct connections at the firewall for damaged seals or gaskets. Check the condition of all wiring harness grommets passing through the firewall. If installing a new or replacement dashboard, transfer any necessary components from the old dashboard such as mounting brackets, clips, or specific trim pieces that are not included with the replacement unit.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed in reverse order of removal with the following considerations:
2. Before installing the dashboard assembly, loosely position all main wiring harnesses through their routing paths to ensure they will reach their connection points without stretching or binding.
3. Position the dashboard assembly into the vehicle with assistance, ensuring the steering column opening and all mounting points align correctly before installing any fasteners.
4. Install all dashboard mounting bolts finger-tight first, then torque in sequence starting from the center and working outward to the edges to ensure even seating of the dashboard against the firewall and A-pillars.
5. Reconnect all wiring harness connectors, verifying each connection is fully seated and locking tabs are engaged. Refer to photographs or labels created during disassembly.
6. Reinstall the HVAC ducts and plenum, ensuring all seals are properly positioned before tightening fasteners to prevent air leaks.
7. When reinstalling the steering column, align the marks made during removal on the intermediate shaft coupler before tightening the coupler bolt.
8. When reinstalling the passenger airbag module, ensure the airbag connector is fully seated and locked before securing the module to the dashboard structure.
9. After reinstalling the instrument cluster, verify the gear position indicator cable is properly connected and adjusted (manual transmission vehicles).
10. Before reconnecting the battery, perform a final visual inspection to verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and no wiring is pinched or stretched.
11. After reconnecting the battery, turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start) and verify all dashboard warning lights illuminate and then extinguish as normal. Check operation of all gauges, switches, and HVAC controls before proceeding.

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position and verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes, indicating the airbag system is functioning correctly. If the light remains on, an airbag system fault is present and must be diagnosed.
• Start the engine and verify all instrument cluster gauges operate correctly, including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge.
• Test all dashboard-mounted switches and controls including lights, wipers, HVAC controls, and radio to verify proper operation.
• Verify HVAC system blows air from all selected vents (floor, dash, defrost) and that temperature control operates correctly across the full range.
• Check that the steering column operates smoothly without binding and that all steering wheel controls function properly.
• Verify the brake pedal feels firm and returns to proper position, and that the pedal height is correct.
• Inspect all dashboard panel gaps and alignment to ensure proper fitment with no rattles or squeaks.
• Test drive the vehicle and listen for any rattles or abnormal noises from the dashboard area. Verify all gauges read correctly during operation.

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