Center Dash Removal

[DaveK98]

I'm trying to remove the small center part of the dash where there is a small compartment with the rubber mat in my 05. I think the seat heater switches go there if you have them.



I'd like to put my brake controler in there but need to remove it to drill a small hole for the wire at the back.



Anyone do this? Don't want to break any cheezy clips and my dash be screwed up.



Thanks... .

 

[NateE]

To remove the center dash, you just need to remove the screw hidden just above the "handbag" hook (lower left of glove box).



Once you remove that screw, you should be able to gently pull the center dash cover off, start on the right side (next to the screw you just removed) and work your way to the left. The center dash is held on by those pressure/friction clips, or whatever you want to call them.



Once you have the center dash off, you will have access to the small panel you are talking about. I am not sure (don't remember) if that panel pops out or not, but I suspect that it does. Looking at the back of the panel should show you.



From what I remember, it is only that single screw that you need to remove. I have removed my center dash a few times while working on connecting my IPOD to my RB1 radio (still in progress... )

 

[formula]

You can't remove just the smaller center part with the cubby hole, heater controls and radio. It has to come out along with the next larger piece that has the two vents and the little hook thing. Above the hook is a screw you'll need to remove. Then, starting at the hook, gently pull it toward you and work your way to the left to pop loosen the spring clips. When I did mine, once I got a couple of the clips loose the whole thing just kinda popped off all at once.



Sean

 

[ThomasLawrence]

And when you remove the center panel, be sure to open up the ash tray and cup holder first. If not, the metal spring clips that hold the panel in will scratch the heck out of them while you're trying to disconnect the wiring harnesses. My truck has the scars to prove it (thank you, dealership service dept. )



-Tom

 

[RMachida]

I found that the panel came out easier if I removed the drivers side knee panel (or whatever it's called). I was amazed that the entire panel came out after removing a single screw. I received the following email from TDR member, Gerry:



"Pulling the dash is quite easy. A phillips/hex screw down by the cig lighter and one over on the other side by the litter bag hook. There might be one other, but mostly it is a matter of grabbing the corners and gently pulling the snaps out of the holes. They go back in well. There are some electrics on the backs of some panels, like the fan switch and the like, but they are either a twist and turn or rectangular with a little lift lever. All have enough slack to pull them out a few inches to see okay. "



I just installed my Prodigy controller in the cubby and it works great, easy to reach, easy to see. I ended up adding an adjustment screw against the back of the mounting bracket to level the controller as the mounting bracket included with the controller had it aimed down. I used a Rotozip tool to make a rectangular hole the size of the connector just above the back of the controller.



Good luck

 

[JRMora]

I just installed my Prodigy controller in the cubby and it works great, easy to reach, easy to see. I ended up adding an adjustment screw against the back of the mounting bracket to level the controller as the mounting bracket included with the controller had it aimed down. I used a Rotozip tool to make a rectangular hole the size of the connector just above the back of the controller.



Good luck

So THAT'S how you did it. I just tried to install my Prodigy there, but I though the front of the controller was aimed too far down, so I ended up putting it on the knee bolster on the right of the steering wheel. I didn't want to put it there originally, but now that it's there, I like it. I can find the brake lever quickly without taking my eyes off the road.



Oh, well. I'll guess I'll have to figure out what to do with the holes in the top of my cubby!



And yes, I found it's easier to pop the bolster under the steering wheel and let it hang by the two screws when taking off or replacing the center piece of the dash (it fits under the bolster).

Juan

 

[crobertson1]

This was a pain, especially the air hoses for the controller. But these types of installs are so much cleaner IMO.



#ad

 

[DaveK98]

Thanks to all my dash is now out and taken apart on my pool table where I can work on it in the a/c. It's hot here in Houston.



I think I'm going to try and use the small metal bracket that it came with rather than the pocket mounting. I've trimmed off the bottom part of the bracket just leaving the closest holes. Gotta go buy some small bolts and lock washers to hold the bracket on the cubby hole. I don't trust those screws to hole into the thin plastic/rubber of that compartment.



I think it should sit pretty level when done? Guess I'll find out when I stick it back in there. Does the prodigy know it's not level and thus not work?



Thanks again!

 

[ThomasLawrence]

Does the prodigy know it's not level and thus not work?

The Prodigy automatically adjusts to any mounting within 70° of level, IIRC. Lots of us run them mounted to the lower dash panel, under the steering wheel, at about a 50° angle, and it works without a problem.



-Tom

 

[DaveK98]

Thomas, I was questioning if it was at - degrees of level. Does it not work? I know that this should not be done.

 

[RMachida]

When I first installed mine in the cubby, it was a couple of degrees down and it occasionally complained that it was out of level (two horizontal lines). You may have noticed in the instructions, they specify 0 - 70 degrees. I ended up using the plastic pocket that came with the Prodigy, with a self-tapping screw through the cubby, pushing on the top-rear of the packet to aim it up a couple of degrees. I haven't seen the "out of level" warning since. The unit is also much easier to install and remove with the plastic pocket than the metal bracket.



Hope this helps.

 

[GerryDrake]

error code

Mine is very close to level, and sometimes, when accelerating (DUH, not using the brake controller) I will get those horizontal lines that it is nose down, but when I get off the throttle, they go away. Even that only happens VERY rarely. I think I am going to mount a screw in the top of the back though to force it down just a bit. Good idea. . Thanks. Gerry

 

[DaveK98]

Yup, I did the screw thing and it holds very well... .