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Instrument Panel: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the steering column, be sure to lock the steering column before carrying out this procedure.
  1. Depower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System Depowering and Repowering in the General Procedures portion of SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
  2. Remove the floor console. For additional information, refer to Console - Floor .
  3. Remove the engine cover.
    • Release the engine cover latches and remove the engine cover.
    4. Fig 1: Identifying Engine Cover Latches
    GF0011389Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Remove the instrument panel cowl top bolts.
    5. Fig 2: Locating Instrument Panel Cowl Top Screws
    GF0011390Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Remove the upper center instrument panel access panel.
    6. Fig 3: Identifying Upper Center Instrument Panel Access Panel
    GF0011391Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Disconnect the climate control vacuum harness connector.
    7. Fig 4: Identifying Climate Control Vacuum Harness Connector
    GF0011392Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Remove the LH upper access panel.
    8. Fig 5: Identifying LH Upper Access Panel
    GF0011393Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Remove the instrument panel cowl top nut.
    9. Fig 6: Identifying Instrument Panel Cowl Top Nut
    GF0011394Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Remove the RH instrument panel knee bolster.
    • Remove the 4 bolts.
  10. Remove the RH instrument panel dash brace.
    1. Remove the 4 dash brace bolts.
    2. Remove the RH instrument panel dash brace.
    11. Fig 7: Identifying RH Instrument Panel Dash Brace Components
    GF0011395Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Remove the LH instrument panel knee bolster.
    • Remove the 4 bolts and the 2 pushpin retainers.
  12. Remove the LH instrument panel dash brace.
    • Remove the data link connector bolt.
    • Disconnect the data link connector.
    • Remove the 6 LH instrument panel dash brace bolts.
    • Remove the brace.
  13. Remove the steering column pinch bolt.
    14. Fig 8: Locating Steering Column Pinch Bolt
    GF0011396Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Disconnect the steering column electrical connector.
    15. Fig 9: Disconnecting Steering Column Electrical Connector
    GF0011397Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Disconnect the transmission selector lever cable.
    16. Fig 10: Locating Transmission Shifter Cable
    GF0011398Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. Disconnect the stoplamp switch electrical connector.
    17. Fig 11: Locating Parking Brake Sensor Electrical Connector
    GF0011399Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  17. From under the hood, position the coolant reservoir aside.
    1. Remove the bolts.
    2. Position the coolant reservoir aside.
    18. Fig 12: Identifying Coolant Reservoir
    GF0011400Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  18. From inside the engine compartment, remove the main wiring assembly lower bulkhead connector.
    1. Loosen the bulkhead connector bolt.
    2. Disconnect the bulkhead connector clips.
    3. Remove the bulkhead connector.
    19. Fig 13: Identifying Bulkhead Connector
    GF0011401Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  19. Remove the RH A-pillar lower trim panel.
    20. Fig 14: Identifying RH A-Pillar Lower Trim Panel
    GF0011402Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  20. Disconnect the RH instrument panel cowl side wiring electrical connectors.
    21. Fig 15: Identifying RH Instrument Panel Cowl Side Wiring Electrical Connectors
    GF0011403Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  21. Disconnect the antenna cable from the radio and release the cable locators from the instrument panel.
  22. Remove the 3 RH instrument panel bolts.
    23. Fig 16: Identifying RH Instrument Panel Bolts
    GF0011404Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  23. Remove the 3 LH instrument panel bolts.
    24. Fig 17: Identifying LH Instrument Panel Bolts
    GF0011405Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    NOTE: Steering column removed for clarity.
    NOTE: Removing the instrument panel from the vehicle requires an assistant.
  24. Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle through the passenger side door.
    25. Fig 18: Identifying Instrument Panel
    GF0011406Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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