I have a new (secondhand) instrument panel (dashboard) that I want to install. I haven't been able to find specific detailed info on how to do it, exactly where and how to remove clips etc. I have the manual, but it is vague on specifics. If I attempt the job without additional info, I'm likely to damage something, I'm sure.

If anyone has done this or knows someone who has, I sure would appreciate hearing from them, or perhaps to be directed to any detailed DIY info on doing the switch.

Thanks in advance for any help I can get.

Thanks - Steve Chambers

 

Are you talking about replacing the entire dashboard or just the instrument cluster? The best I can do for either is to supply the attached diagrams.

I need to pop out the little shelf below the instrument cluster soon to install a phone kit LCD ... plan to ask my mechanic how to do it at an upcoming major service.

 

should be similar to lexls.com's guide for the 1LS for the most part, just take care for extra fasteners.

 

I am replacing the whole thing, the Instrument Panel, aka dashboard that goes from left door to right door. Thanks for the diagram, but as you can see, it doesn't show attachment clips, screws etc. I also couldn't find any Inst Panel tutorial on LEXLS.com.

As an example, I replaced the A/C panel in the center of the dash (1998 LS) and had to first remove the air register/vent above it. The manual gives erroneous clip location information, and after about two hours of pulling, pushing, prying etc, all I got was a broken interior plastic part (which luckily didn't cause a visual or other problem. What I finally found out was there are black tabs on the left and right interior sides of the register that are easily released with a flat screwdriver - a 60 second or less operation once you know how to do it. Use a flashlight, look closely, and you will see the release tabs.

This is the sort of info I would like to get to properly remove the instrument panel.

Steve

 

you should have looked harder...
http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/elect...ntcluster.html

 

PD, the 98-2000 are completely different than the 90-94 your link shows.
I have removed the center air register on my 99 and have experienced a simulator disaster. Mine came out in pieces, which were VERY hard to reassemble and get back in. it was at that point I saw the two tabs he spoke about. I have never seen any helps on this operation.... but one would be very helpful.

the photo below shows the little tab on the left side of the register.

 

taking the center console out is very different yes, but he's talking about the cluster, right?

 

I believev he is replacing the whole dash including the cluster.

 

yes he is, but there are mounting bolts behind the register....
plus the cluster is completely different to remove..

 

Yes, I'm replacing the entire dash. Had a very low speed rear ender in traffic and the two airbags and seat belt explosives went off. The passenger side airbag deployment distorted the dash near the windshield (If you didn't know it was distorted, you likely wouldn't see the bulge.) I replaced the seat belts and have all the additional parts (secondhand) needed to replace the dash and airbags, so that is why I'm looking for some detailed info/help on doing the dash removal and replacement.

Anyone else with additional info would be appreciated. Thanks -- Steve (North Tustin, CA)

 

Lucky for me I use the search function before I try any DIY project... This thread prevented broken expensive plastic.

I need to access the radio antenna plug from the back of the Nak. deck. After removing the center console I assumed I need to pull the center HVAC vents. Does anyone know how to properly deal with these tabs so the unit can slide out ? The vents slide straight out ? From there its must be only a few bolts away.

 

As I recall, you insert a flat screwdriver between a tab and the register and push the tab, which is spring loaded, towards the opposite side of the register. At the same time, gently pull the register straight out maybe 1/4 inch till it is released from the tab. Hold in that position and repeat on the tab on the opposite side. There is also a top middle connection on the register, but it is just a friction connection (push in, pull out). The register should pull straight out after releasing both tabs.

 

Thanks for the guidance.

 

Wow sucks that no one has done a youtube how to video on gauge cluster removal for our cars! Just found out from Lexus that my cluster is bad and they want $1100 to send it out to have it fixed. Really wish there was a good DIY on this :-(