How to Remove the Dash on a Ford Focus
by Leonardo R. Grabkowski
The Focus is a popular compact car built and sold by Ford in the United States. The Focus was introduced in late 1999 as a 2000 model, and has won numerous awards for its European styling and handling. Modifying or removing the dash in a Focus is best suited for mechanically inclined owners.
Step 1
Disconnect the negative battery cable and allow the vehicle to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. You will be removing the passenger's side airbag, and the airbag system must be disarmed.
Step 2
Open the glove box door and squeeze the outer panels to release and remove the door. Remove the two airbag clips made visible when the door is removed.
Step 3
Use the flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry out one corner of the passenger airbag trim cover. Lift the airbag out of the dash and disconnect the clips and electrical modules. Place the airbag in a safe location; keep the front of the airbag facing away from you.
Step 4
Remove the bolts connecting the dashboard to the vehicle; they will become visible when the airbag is removed.
Step 5
Remove the lower part of the steering wheel panel and remove the trim panel to its left, near the lighting controls. Remove the bolt made visible when the trim panel is removed, then remove the trim panel on the driver's side of the dash next to the door.
Step 6
Remove the three bolts on the driver's side of the dash. Remove the upper part of the steering column to access the instrument panel screws. Remove the instrument panel and unplug the electrical modules from the rear. Keep the instrument panel in a safe place.
Step 7
Remove the trim panel that connects the floor center console to the dash. There are two screws on each side of the panel.
Step 8
Remove the center dash air vents located directly above the radio. Unscrew the bolts made visible behind the center vents. These bolts connect the radio surround panel, which can be pulled off when they are removed.
Step 9
Use the ford radio hook tool to release the radio clips. Remove the bolts connecting the radio in the dash and remove the radio; disconnect the antenna cable and connection module from the rear.
Step 10
Remove the bolts from the top of the dash, from end-to-end. Have a friend help you lift the dash from the vehicle; start with the driver's side to maneuver over the steering wheel.
Tips
- If the dash does not release freely, double-check for any bolts or screws attaching the dash to the vehicle.
- The Ford radio hook tool for radio removal can be purchased at any Ford dealer and most part stores.
Things You'll Need
- Pliers
- Socket wrench
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Ford radio hook tool
- Helper
Warnings
- Be careful when removing and working around the airbag. Always disarm the system beforehand.
Writer Bio
Leonardo R. Grabkowski has been writing professionally for more than four years. Grabkowski attended college in Oregon. He builds websites on the side and has a slight obsession with Drupal, Joomla and Wordpress.
