dash removal

[andrewjs18]

how hard is it to remove the dash on the 00-05 lesabres?

I'm starting a new job on Monday and for the next few weeks, I'll be taking public transportation into the city until I start on my regular shift.

during that time, I'm going to try to get the servos in the gauge cluster fixed as well as inspecting and replacing any broken blend door actuators.

is there any decent guides to remove the dash or videos?

 

[Spriteman]

The gauge cluster comes out fairly easily - first remove the plastic cover over the side of the dash on the drivers side by the door - there is a small screw in there that has to be removed. Next - tilt the steering wheel down and remove a couple of the wooden trim pieces by gently pulling them up. Pull the dash trim piece out away from the dash and then 4 small bolts around the cluster.

 

[andrewjs18]

The gauge cluster comes out fairly easily - first remove the plastic cover over the side of the dash on the drivers side by the door - there is a small screw in there that has to be removed. Next - tilt the steering wheel down and remove a couple of the wooden trim pieces by gently pulling them up. Pull the dash trim piece out away from the dash and then 4 small bolts around the cluster.

how about the dash itself?

I want to try and inspect all of the actuators to see which ones need to be replaced.

 

[DonP]

It is not hard to remove the dash, there just are a number of things to remove in proper sequence, trim pieces and so on. Some pry out and some are held in with screws and clips. Your best bet is to get your hands on a FSM, or subscribe to an on-line service like ALLDATADIY.COM for the details. And that will cover pretty much the full gamut of working on the car, far better than the $15 manuals like Chiltons and Haynes.

Be aware that replacing the gauge servos involves some fine soldering on printed circuit boards, similar to replacing burned out IP lamps.

 

[andrewjs18]

It is not hard to remove the dash, there just are a number of things to remove in proper sequence, trim pieces and so on. Some pry out and some are held in with screws and clips. Your best bet is to get your hands on a FSM, or subscribe to an on-line service like ALLDATADIY.COM for the details. And that will cover pretty much the full gamut of working on the car, far better than the $15 manuals like Chiltons and Haynes.

Be aware that replacing the gauge servos involves some fine soldering on printed circuit boards, similar to replacing burned out IP lamps.

for the servos, I'd have someone else do that.

 

[redmondjp]

If you're going into the cluster, replace ALL of the incandescent bulbs as well. Observe static-sensitive handling procedures as well. This is not a task for somebody who is not adept at electromechanical and circuit board work. Just removing the gauge needles from the servos is a bit unnerving even for me.

As stated above, there are multiple places that rebuild GM instrument clusters (and HVAC control heads, and factory radios) that you can find online, including on Ebay (many of these companies do advertise there).

 

[Spriteman]

Here's a good video on removing the cluster - it's a little long but he gets the job done. If you notice this procedure gets you through about have of what you need to remove to get to the actuators below. NOTE: When removing the cluster, tilt the wheel down and put the trans in 1st gear. It'll give you more remove to slide it out.

[video=youtube;sVcAcNuyfqY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVcAcNuyfqY[/video]

I'll try to find some more info on removing the lower dash parts. Some of what you need is in the "sticky" at the top of the Lesabre page under blend door actuators. Once you get the hush panels underneath off - two or three screws you'll probably be able to see what else can be removed to get to the actuators.

 

[andrewjs18]

thanks. I'll check it out.