How to Remove the Dash From a Passat
by Daniel ValladaresThe Volkswagen Passat has several electrical components underneath its dashboard such as the heater core and blower. If you need to access these devices, you will need to remove your Passat's dashboard. Removing your Passat's dashboard is straightforward enough but rather time consuming, as you need to remove several screws and bolts. You should be able to completely dismantle your Passat's dashboard in a little over one hour.
Step 1
Open the hood and disconnect the Passat's battery.
Step 2
Pry out all of the air conditioning vents from the dashboard using a flat-head screwdriver.
Step 3
Remove the two Torx screws on each side of the dashboard, located on the side edge of the dash itself. Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the screws.
Step 4
Open the glove compartment and remove its three Torx screws with a Torx screwdriver. Pull it off the dash. Disconnect its wiring connector and remove it from the Passat.
Step 5
Remove the four bolts from the central console using a socket wrench. Lift the central console out of the vehicle.
Step 6
Remove the four screws from the radio and the four screws from the air conditioning unit using a Phillips screwdriver. Disconnect the electrical wiring connector from both devices and remove them from the vehicle.
Step 7
Remove the six Torx screws from the central dashboard and pull the central dash frame off the Passat.
Step 8
Remove the two bolts from both kick panels with a socket wrench and remove the kick panels.
Step 9
Remove the bolts at the rear of the steering column and lower it onto the seat.
Step 10
Remove the bolts at the top edge of the dashboard with a socket wrench. Once all the bolts have been removed, have another person help you lift the dashboard out of the Passat.
References
- "VW Passat & Audi A4 Repair Manual 1998-2005"; Haynes; 2008
Things You'll Need
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Torx screwdriver
- Socket wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
Writer Bio
Daniel Valladares began his career as a medical writer in 2008. He has written patient education brochures for several pharmaceutical companies and has worked as an auto mechanic at Kim's Speedy Auto Service since 2007. Valladares holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rice University and is currently studying to become a personal trainer.
