2004 TJ Dash Disassembly?

MelloYello32 · 03-10-2008, 06:12 PM

I have two '04 Wranglers, a X and a Rubicon, I am trying to clean the X due to all the mud from wheelin' it and I was looking for help. I have mud in every know place. It is the worst in the heat vents next to the drivers and passengers doors. I was wondering if someone can point me in the right direction? I am able to to remove the center dash cover for the radio, and the piece along the windshield easily, I also have no problem with parts you can see the screws to, I have conserns about the air bag and guages though. I have searched the net for a PDF manual or instructions... Please advise, all help is much appreciated!!

Thanks!
MelloYello32

**65thTJ** · 03-10-2008, 06:30 PM

Well, it starts with removing the top dash assembly, the center console, and then removing the lower panel below the steering column. The guage wires have a little slack to them - enough to get your hand back there and remove the clips once the screws are removed that hold it in place. Here are a few pics that I have:

If you want to remove the radio as well, there is a bolt on the back side of it, and I don't remember the size (metric I think though) that attaches to a hanger in the back. It's a PITA, and I got to it from the glove box opening (which was removed of course).

As far as the airbag: disconnecting the battery isn't good enough! Make sure to pull the fuse(s) for it too!!!

**Zew** · 03-10-2008, 06:36 PM

The dash comes apart very easily. Under the long strip that is by the windshield there are 4 10mm nuts that need to be loosened. To remove the dash cluster, start with the panel below the steering wheel. There are 2 screws that hold it on, remove those, then you'll see a metal plate. Remove the 4 screws from the metal plate. Above the metal plate there are 2 screws holding in the bezel that covers the gauge cluster, remove those two and the two above the cluster... Remove the guage bezel. Pull the 4 screws holding in the cluster.

To remove the airbag there is 2 screws on the backside of your steering wheel. I think they are 8mm. Remove them pull off the horn and airbag wire and that is off (be sure to disconnect the battery before yanking the airbag wire). To remove the steering wheel pull off the big nut then use a steering wheel puller to remove it.

Under the steering column, you'll see 3 phillips screws, remove those to get the plastic cover off the steering column. Now remove the turn signal and wiper control levers. Each one has a screw or two holding it in.

Go to your glovebox, take it off. You'll see 2 bolts holding the airbag bracket to the firewall. Remove those. While in the glovebox area, you'll see a wireharness plug next to a relay, unplug that and the yellow plug to the airbag.

Back to the drivers side... You'll see about 4 colored plugs from the dash harness to the main body harness. Unplug all of those and your dash can now be removed.

**Hesher420** · 03-10-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65thTJ

As far as the airbag: disconnecting the battery isn't good enough! Make sure to pull the fuse(s) for it too!!!

Just curious, why?

If the battery is disconnected, the fuses do not have power going to them.

**Zew** · 03-10-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hesher420

Just curious, why?

If the battery is disconnected, the fuses do not have power going to them.

I was wondering the same thing...

**65thTJ** · 03-10-2008, 09:31 PM

Yeah, I had a 13 hour day at work today. Totally meant it the other way around!

Measure twice, cut once.

MelloYello32 · 03-10-2008, 09:55 PM

Thank you for the help, I am going to try it on Wednesday.

MelloYello32 · 03-10-2008, 09:57 PM

Thank you for the help, I am going to try it on Wednesday.

MelloYello32 · 03-10-2008, 10:00 PM

Thank you for the help, I am going to try it on Wednesday.

MelloYello32 · 03-10-2008, 10:04 PM

Thank you for the help, I am going to try it on Wednesday.

Here is a Jeep

to all! Happy 4 Wheel'N

yosemitejeep · 04-06-2010, 01:22 PM

Hey Mello
Did you ever get this done? How was it? I have a 97 TJ that I am getting ready to bedliner and was going to try to fix my heater vents as well. I figured I could do this while everything was out of the jeep. I know NOTHING about electrical stuff so I am intimidated by removing my dash. Removing it though, would make my project easier. Any pointers, do's/dont's you want to pass along would be great!
Thanks!

jvanhare · 12-20-2011, 01:32 PM

http://www.jeephorizons.com/tech/stereo/
Here are more pix and explanation of the removal of the stereo from the rightmost hole in the theft deterrent bar. 1/4" drive 10mm socket. Very handy info to replace your factory stereo in the TJ.