How to Remove the Dash on a Dodge Van

The dashboard or instrument panel on a Dodge Caravan has several components on and within it. You must remove each component in order to disassemble and remove the dash. This will be a long, complex job no matter what the reason for needing to remove it. It will ultimately take at least two people.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Trim stick
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Assistant

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. You will need to remove the air cleaner cover to reach it, then loosen the clamp nut for the cable.

2. Pry off the all trim panels on the dash by removing their screws and/or using a trim stick. This includes the instrument panel end caps, the top cover, the bezel for the radio and heater/AC control panel, the instrument cluster bezel and the knee bolster.

3. Detach the instrument cluster from above the steering wheel by removing its four mounting screws, pulling it out of the instrument panel and disconnecting the electrical connector in the back.

4. Remove the instrument panel switches from the dash. The trim panel for the mirror and headlight switches comes off with a trim stick, while the hazard flasher switch is screwed on. Disconnect the electrical connectors for both of these after detaching them from the panel.

5. Pull the radio out of its mount in the panel after removing its screws. Disconnect all connectors behind it, which includes the lead for the antenna.

6. Disengage the heater/AC control assembly, which is is done in essentially the same fashion as the radio.

7. Unscrew all the mounting screws for the dashboard itself. With an assistant's help, lift the dash away from the front of the van and carry it out the door.

References

• Chilton Chrysler Caravan/Voyager/Town and Country Repair Manual; 2006