How do you Remove a Dashboard From a 1996 Acura?

Answer 1

You will need to remove the dashboard in your Acura car in order to access or work on numerous components, including the heater core. The dashboard, also called the instrument panel, is made up of numerous components that include multiple trim panels and other devices like the radio and heater/air conditioner controls. You must remove these pieces one at a time, and you may need an assistant's help to remove the main dash.

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Step 1

Disconnect the car's negative battery cable using a wrench on the cable clamp nut. Wait at least three minutes after disconnecting the cable if the Acura has air bags.

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Step 2

Push the front seats all the way back. You may need to remove them completely, removing their nuts at the bottom with a wrench and lifting them out of the car, to clear as much room as possible.

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Step 3

Remove all the dash trim panels. Pry off the dash covers with a trim stick, unscrew and remove the knee bolster with a screwdriver, and then open the glove box and squeeze it on the sides to clear its bumpers.

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Step 4

Unscrew the center console with a screwdriver (some screws are in the ashtray or storage bin), disconnect any wiring harnesses and lift the console out of the car.

Removing the Panel

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Step 1

Remove the radio, clock, and sunroof switch (if equipped) from the dashboard, loosening all their mounting screws with a screwdriver and disconnecting their electrical connectors. Pry and pull out the heater/air-conditioning vents with a trim stick's help.

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Step 2

Lower the steering column with its lever.

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Step 3

Remove the air bag module on the passenger side. Unscrew its fasteners with a wrench/screwdriver, carefully lift it out and set it someplace secure with the trim pointing up.

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Step 4

Disconnect the radio's antenna lead and the air temperature control cable connectors from behind the dashboard along with the connectors at the fuse panel.

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Step 5

Remove each of the dash's side access panels, which are on each side of the panel near the door jamb.

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Step 6

Unscrew all of the dashboard's mounting bolts with a wrench -- some are in the air vent openings -- and then lift the dash out of the car. Unwind any wires that have become tangled within the dash.