Removing and installing dash panel

Torque wrench -V.A.G 1783- Removing Remove centre console → Chapter. Move front seats as far back as possible. Disconnect battery earth cable → Electrical system; Rep. gr.27. Remove driver side airbag → Chapter. Remove steering wheel → Running gear, axles, steering; Rep. gr.48. Remove steering column switch module → Electrical system; Rep. gr.94. Remove light switch trim → Chapter. Remove dash panel cover on driver side → Chapter. Remove glove compartment → Chapter. Remove centre vent → Chapter. Remove dash panel insert → Electrical system; Rep. gr.90. Remove trim for display unit for front information display and operating unit control unit -J685- → Communication; Rep. gr.91. Remove left and right trim for triangular window → Chapter. If fitted, remove sunlight penetration photosensor -G107- → Heating, air conditioning; Rep. gr.87. Disconnect connector for front passenger airbag → Chapter.

• Unscrew bolt -2- securing dash panel -1- to central tube on front passenger side.
• Unscrew bolts -3- securing dash panel -1- to central tube in middle.
• Unscrew bolts -4- and -5- securing dash panel -1- to central tube on right side.

• Unscrew bolts -2-, -3- and -4- securing dash panel -1- to central tube on left side.
• Unscrew bolt -5- securing dash panel -1- to central tube on driver side.

• Lift up dash panel -1- until locating lugs on left and right -arrow B- are released from mountings.
• At the same time, pull dash panel -1- out of mountings -2- in transitional area to windscreen -arrow A-.

The help of a second mechanic is required to remove the dash panel.

• Remove dash panel -1- from dash panel central tube -2-.
• Disconnect connectors and lay wiring harnesses on dash panel to one side.
• Carefully remove dash panel from vehicle interior and place it on a soft surface.

Installing Note Before installing, check all fasteners for damage and renew if necessary. When securing the dash panel, tighten bolts in reverse order of removal. Install in reverse order, but note the following:

• Before installing dash panel, check whether mountings -1- are firmly attached to body -2-.

• With the aid of a second mechanic position dash panel -1- onto dash panel central tube -2- so that a perfect fit is achieved.

• Insert dash panel -1- into mountings -2- in transitional area to windscreen -arrow A-.
• Insert locating lugs on left and right into mountings -arrow B-.