Dashboard

Complete removal and replacement of the instrument panel (dashboard) assembly, including disconnecting all electrical connectors, HVAC components, and mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Dashboard mounting clips × 1 — Use OEM specification
• HVAC duct seal tape × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel retaining clips (assorted) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable, then positive battery cable
3. Wait minimum 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Remove both front seats to provide working room (four bolts per seat)
5. Set climate control to fresh air mode and temperature to cold position
6. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position
7. Prepare labeling system for electrical connectors (numbered tape tags work well)
8. Take photographs of dashboard area from multiple angles for reference
9. Prepare clean workspace for storing removed components in order

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove A-pillar trim and upper trim panels
   On both sides, carefully pull A-pillar trim covers away from windshield frame starting at top. Remove door sill plates at floor level. Remove upper defrost grille panel by lifting rear edge and pulling rearward to release clips. Remove speaker grilles from each end of dashboard by prying up carefully with trim tool.
2. 2

   Remove instrument cluster and bezel
   Tilt steering column to lowest position. Remove instrument cluster bezel by pulling outward to release retaining clips. Disconnect headlight switch connector and any other switch connectors in bezel. Remove four screws securing instrument cluster. Pull cluster forward and disconnect all electrical connectors from rear. Remove cluster and set aside carefully.
3. 3

   Remove center console and floor components
   Remove center console if equipped by removing screws at front, rear, and inside cupholder area. Disconnect any electrical connections for power outlets or switches. Remove floor air duct registers by pulling straight up. Remove transmission shifter bezel by prying upward carefully. Remove transfer case shifter bezel if equipped.
4. 4

   Remove steering column covers and lower dashboard panels
   Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds (typically held by Phillips screws and clips). Remove knee bolster panel below steering column by removing screws along top and bottom edges. Remove lower dashboard trim panel on passenger side by removing screws and releasing clips. Disconnect hood release cable from handle.
5. 5

   Remove center stack and radio components
   Remove center bezel surrounding radio and climate controls by carefully prying outward to release clips. Disconnect any switch connectors in bezel. Remove radio mounting screws and pull radio forward. Disconnect antenna cable and electrical connectors. Remove climate control head unit by removing mounting screws and disconnecting electrical connectors and vacuum harness (if equipped).
6. 6

   Remove glove box and passenger airbag
   Open glove box and remove contents. Press in on sides to release stops and lower past stops. Remove screws securing glove box assembly and remove. Locate and remove the fasteners securing the passenger airbag module (verify quantity and torque against factory service documentation for this vehicle). Carefully pull airbag module out and disconnect yellow airbag connector. Set airbag aside with deployment surface facing upward.
7. 7

   Disconnect steering column and lower to floor
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from steering column (ignition switch, multifunction switch, clockspring). Mark steering shaft to intermediate shaft alignment. Remove pinch bolt at intermediate shaft coupling. Remove steering column mounting nuts on the support bracket (verify quantity and torque against factory service documentation for this vehicle). Carefully lower steering column assembly to floor and support to prevent damage to shaft or components.
8. 8

   Disconnect HVAC and vacuum lines
   From engine compartment side of firewall, disconnect heater hoses at heater core inlet and outlet after partially draining the cooling system. Plug hoses to prevent coolant spillage. Note: this vehicle uses Mopar HOAT (5-year/100,000-mile) coolant. Inside vehicle, disconnect the HVAC vacuum supply line at the firewall bulkhead connector (vacuum is supplied by the engine-driven vacuum pump on this diesel). Disconnect all HVAC duct connections from heater/AC housing. Remove fresh air inlet duct if accessible.
9. 9

   Disconnect remaining electrical connections
   Working systematically from left to right, disconnect all remaining electrical connectors from dashboard harness. This includes door harness connectors, antenna connector, radio harness, all switch connectors, blower motor connector, and any remaining sensor or module connectors. Label each connector clearly with its location.
10. 10

    Remove dashboard mounting hardware
    Locate all dashboard mounting bolts and nuts. Typical locations include: two bolts at each A-pillar base, bolts at center support bracket near transmission tunnel, bolts at each end near door openings, and bolts securing to HVAC housing. Remove all fasteners while supporting dashboard weight. There are typically 8-12 main mounting points.
11. 11

    Remove dashboard assembly from vehicle
    With all fasteners and connections removed, verify dashboard is free to move. With helper supporting passenger side, carefully lift and pull dashboard assembly rearward and upward to clear windshield and steering column opening. Maneuver assembly through driver door opening. Take care not to damage door seals, windshield, or any remaining wiring. Set dashboard on padded surface to prevent damage.
12. 12

    Inspect and transfer components to replacement dashboard
    If installing replacement dashboard, transfer all necessary components: vents, ductwork, brackets, clips, mounting nuts, and any modules or switches. Inspect heater core and evaporator core for leaks while dashboard is removed. Clean firewall area and inspect for rust or damage. Replace any broken clips or damaged ductwork seals.

Reassembly

1. Installation is reverse of removal with these critical points
2. Ensure all wiring harnesses are routed properly and not pinched or stretched
3. Verify all HVAC ducts are properly sealed and connected before securing dashboard
4. Align dashboard carefully to all mounting points before starting any fasteners
5. Install all mounting fasteners finger-tight first, then tighten in sequence from center outward
6. Reconnect steering column ensuring alignment marks on shaft match before tightening pinch bolt
7. When installing passenger airbag, handle by edges only and ensure connector locks fully
8. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
9. Verify climate control actuator arms engage properly with their linkages
10. Reconnect heater hoses and refill cooling system, bleeding air as necessary
11. Reinstall seats and torque seat mounting bolts to factory specification
12. Reconnect battery cables (positive first, then negative)
13. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have set from battery disconnection

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify all warning lights illuminate then extinguish properly
• Test all dashboard switches, controls, and gauges for proper operation
• Verify instrument cluster displays all information correctly
• Test climate control system on all modes (heat, AC, defrost, floor, vent) and verify proper airflow from all vents
• Check that radio and all audio controls function properly
• Verify all interior lighting works correctly
• Test windshield wipers and washer system
• Check that all warning chimes and indicators function
• Inspect for any rattles or loose trim panels by gently pressing on all areas
• Verify steering column operation is smooth with no binding
• Check for any coolant leaks at heater core connections
• Verify airbag warning light extinguishes after 6-8 seconds (system self-test complete)
• Test drive vehicle and verify no unusual noises or vibrations from dashboard area

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