Removing the Dashboard

Remove the battery lead. See Battery, disconnecting .

Remove (on both sides): 

• the A-post panels. See Replacing the A-Post Panel
• the soundproofing panel. See Soundproofing Panel, Replacing .

Slide the seat backwards.

Remove: 

• the courtesy lighting on the driver's side. See Courtesy Lighting, Front, Replacing
• the on-board diagnostics connector. See Data Link Connector (DLC), Replacing
• the steering wheel. See Steering Wheel, Replacing
• the gear selector assembly. See Gear Selector Assembly And Steering Wheel Module
• the combined instrument panel. See Driver Information Module (DIM), Replacing
• the center console. See Center Console, Replacing  (-2004) or Center Console, Replacing  (2005-)
• the radio. See Radio/Carphone, Replacing .

HINT: Disconnect the mechanical cable for the gear lever lock to facilitate removing the dashboard. 

Remove the end covers on both sides.

Lift up the sun sensor.

Disconnect the connector.

Remove the sun sensor.

Remove the road traffic information (RTI) screen/loudspeaker. See Display Screen/Loudspeaker, RTI (Road Traffic Information), Replacing .

Disconnect the connector for the hazard warning signal flasher.

Open the glove compartment. Release the limiter stop.

Remove: 

• the upper mounting for the gas strut
• the connector for the courtesy lighting
• the connector for the glove compartment lighting
• the connector for the passenger airbag module.

• the three mounting screws for the dashboard on the driver's side
• the screw for the mounting for the dashboard in the opening for the road traffic information (RTI) system.

• the four mounting screws for the dashboard on the passenger side
• the two screws for the mounting for the dashboard in the opening for the dashboard environment panel.

Pull the dashboard back slightly so that the brackets for the connectors at the A-post can be removed.

Move gear selector lever backwards.

Pull the dashboard backwards. Lift the dashboard over the gear selector lever.

Lift out dashboard.

Transfer the ventilation vents. See Ventilation Vents And Seals, Replacing .