How to Take the Dash Out of a 2005 Corolla

The dash on a 2005 Toyota Corolla is separated into two sections, and each half contains multiple trim panels in addition to the components such as the radio, the heater controls and the instrument cluster. How much of the dash you need to remove depends on the service you need to perform and the parts within that you need to replace. Removing the entire dash is a long process, and you must keep track of every part removed for reinstallation.

Instructions

Trim Panels

1

Disconnect the car's negative battery cable.

2

Pry off the bezel beneath the gear shift lever using a trim stick. Disconnect the electrical connector behind the shift lever.

3

Pull out the center knob on the heater panel and remove the screw behind it. Detach the clips at each corner of the lower center trim panel with a small screwdriver. Remove the panel and unplug its electrical connectors.

4

Remove the screws at the bottom of the upper center trim panel. These are only accessible after removing the lower panel. Pry off the upper panel with the trim stick and disconnect the electrical connectors.

5

Detach the three screws at the bottom of the steering column cover with your screwdriver. Detach both halves of the cover. Tilt the column to its lowest position.

6

Pull out the single push pin along the underside of the instrument cluster bezel. Pry the bezel off its clips with your trim stick or screwdriver to remove it.

7

Open the glove box and remove the single screw located at the right side of the compartment. Squeeze the compartment on its sides and remove it.

8

Unscrew and remove the center console. Some of the screws are within the console storage compartment.

Dashboard

9

Loosen the Torx screws on the steering wheel with a Torx wrench. The wheel needs to be turned straight, and the screws still won't completely come out. Slide the air bag off the wheel and unplug its electrical connectors.

10

Unplug the cruise control's electrical connector if there is one. Mark the steering wheel's relationship to the shaft with a marker. Remove the central nut with a wrench and disconnect the steering wheel with a puller.

11

Disconnect the passenger air bag's yellow electrical connectors, located within the open glove box space.

12

Remove the single screw for the instrument cluster with your screwdriver. Pry and release the two bottom clips, pull out the instrument cluster and disconnect its electrical connectors.

13

Pull the heater control panel out of the dash, disconnecting the heater control cables and the electrical connectors to the AC and blower switches.

14

Pry out the trim panels along the front door scuff plates and the windshield pillars. Pry off all the vent grilles. Unscrew and remove the kick panels near the corners of the door frame.

15

Remove the two screws and one bolt for the upper half of the dash with your screwdriver/wrench. Release the dash from its clips to remove it.

16

Disconnect the hood release handle from the lower dash, prying out its clip, releasing the cable from the handle and prying off the plastic housing. Separate the diagnostic connector, located at the left edge of the dash.

17

Remove all the screws and pins for the lower dash and remove it. If the dash does not come off easily, locate and remove any remaining fasteners.