Dash Pad Removal

Below are instructions for removing the defroster vent and the dash pad.

One of the common reasons for removing the dash pad [panel] is to replace the Twilight Sensor Photocell that controls automatic dimming of the instrument panel and other lighting in the car. Instructions for replacing the photo cell can be found here .

There are 2 pieces of plastic that need to be removed.

First remove the narrow vent cover.  It needs to be removed, so that you can then remove the larger plastic dash pad [panel].  The vent cover will be either a "snap in" trim piece, or it will be held in place by 3 small torx screws.

That larger dash pad piece is held in place by "snap in" tabs.  There are 7 points along the width of the dash pad where a tab snaps into the dash.

Starting from the drivers side, the snap in tabs are located at the following distances from the edge of the pad:
2" - 10 1/4" - 18 1/2" -  27 1/2" -  36" - 44 1/2" and 52" on center.  Each tab measures 1" wide.

You must make a puller out of lightweight metal using the instructions below.
Prying up with a screwdriver will result in broken clips and big cracks in your dash.

Locate the tabs using the measurements listed above. With the special tool hooked at the location of the tabs where they snap in, you must carefully lift straight up at each of those points until the dash pad is free. Do not use the tool as a pry bar or your dash will be broken.

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Thanks to DAVES89, member of the Reatta forums, for this information.

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