advice taking plastic dash apart
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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advice taking plastic dash apart
i am working on a a friends 1991 ford ranger.. i need to pull the dash apart to get at the wiring.. when i looked at the dash i didn`t see any screws, so i assume it is held on with clips or some kind of fasteners... i am afraid to just start prying on the cheap plastic in fear of cracking it... please help with instructions i need to get his truck fixed and back to him ASAP
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,243
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From: Chicago and Mt Carroll IL
Get yourself an inexpensive set of pry tools and picks (about 8 bucks) at an Auto zone or similar discount parts place. Most of the dash pieces (in my 97 anyway) usually have a couple of small hex bolts at the bottom with clips up the sides or on the top. Start at the bottom and work up. Removing the panels in sequence exposes the hidden fasteners at the bottom of the next panel and so forth. Downloading radio removal detailed instructions from a car audio forum might help get up the center of the dash.
Curious as to what you need to get at??? Post more specifically and you'll probably get better answers.
Curious as to what you need to get at??? Post more specifically and you'll probably get better answers.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 1
From: Dexter, MI
You need to remove the ash tray and then remove the screws that retain the tray holder. After that, the trim piece that surrounds the ash tray, radio, vents and the lower part of the panel will snap out. There are seven snap-in retainers. Pull gently.
If you want to pull out the instrument cluster, disconnect the PRNDL cable from the steering column (if you have an automatic trans.) and then remove the four screws that retain the cluster. Pull it out far enough to disconnect the speedometer and unplug the wiring connectors.
Good luck.
If you want to pull out the instrument cluster, disconnect the PRNDL cable from the steering column (if you have an automatic trans.) and then remove the four screws that retain the cluster. Pull it out far enough to disconnect the speedometer and unplug the wiring connectors.
Good luck.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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this is a work truck with a large light bar. i need to test the switches that have been installed in the dash under the light switch. . .. i have linked a photo.. this is my first time posting a pic so i dont know if the link will work....
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
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The switches should pry out from the front, no need to take the dash off. Test the switches with a Volt-Ohm-Meter VOM, cost about 10 at walmart. Set the VOM to Ohms, that's resistance (donchaknow). When the switch is on resistance should be zero, when the switch is off the resistance should be infinity, that's a lazy 8.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 1
From: Dexter, MI
Hi mpgvan,
You will have to remove the instrument panel trim to get to the panel that has the switches.
You will have to remove the instrument panel trim to get to the panel that has the switches.
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