Dashboard Replacement Cost Estimate

The only diagnostics needed when determining if an instrument panel should be replaced or repaired is by testing for movement. If the instrument panel moves in any direction, there is a mounting issue that must be resolved. Removal of the instrument panel may be necessary when the instrument panel is not in need of repair. This will be due to replacing the dash pad, for some vehicles, accessing the heater core or evaporator coil, or replacement or testing of other components nestled deeply under the instrument panel.

Since this portion of the vehicle is so integral of other systems, removal and replacement is a daunting task. First, all of the trim panels must be removed, followed by all control units, such as the air conditioning controls, radio, instrument cluster, headlight switch, steering column, etc.., and that is simply to access the mounting fasteners. Once those components are removed, and not to mention the battery disconnected, the wiring harness will need to be removed from the vehicle chassis at some points, and from the instrument panel at other points. This is because some of the wiring harness will stay connected to the instrument panel during removal, and some will remain on the chassis. Afterwards, some vehicles will have vacuum lines and manifolds to remove, and the mounting fasteners can be extracted. Once accomplished, a final scan will be conducted to ensure all of the many components are detached, and clearance will be checked to determine if the seats must be removed to extract the dashboard. In the absolute worst case, the windshield may require removal in order to extract the instrument panel, though this is very rare. Once extracted, if replacing with a new instrument panel, all mounted components will be transferred, and the instrument panel will be replaced in reverse order before extensive testing of all operations performed on the instrument panel.

We recommend trusting only a certified technician to perform this repair, as lesser trained technicians can cause great damage to a vehicle while removing and installing the many connections and components behind the instrument panel. Not only can a lack of experience and training cause physical damage to these components and the wiring harness, but improper installation of the instrument panel can result in vibrations while driving, loss or intermittent loss of functionality, and more time without the use of your vehicle.

When instrument panels are installed on most vehicles at the factory, the seats, windshield, steering column, and doors are not installed on the vehicle. As with all large assemblies, this should be taken into account when having this repair performed since the vehicle may have to return to a similar state for removal and installation. Also, if replacing the dash pad, it is not extremely common to completely remove the instrument panel base frame, but in some cases it may be necessary to separate it from the chassis.

This repair should be left to a professional technician, as even many entry level technicians will require assistance completing this repair. This is a large job, and with all of the components involved there is a great chance of error or failure. Something else to consider is that once the job progresses past removal of trim panels, the vehicle may require towing to a repair facility.