Early 944 Dash Replacement (Pre-1985.5)

Introduction

Replacing the dash in an early 944 is not overly difficult, but it is very tedious and requires patience. Work slowly, bag and label all fasteners, and take notes on where items go before disassembly.

Tools

• Metric wrench set
• Metric socket set
• Screwdriver set
• Paint pen, colored nail polish, or other permanent marker

Dash Removal

1. Disconnect the battery negative lead.

2. Remove the steering wheel: a. Remove the horn button by pulling firmly on the center pad.

   Caution: A wire is attached to the back of the button pad — do not pull sharply without accounting for this wire.

   b. Disconnect the wire attached to the back of the horn pad. c. Using a 15/16″ (24 mm) socket and ratchet, remove the steering wheel retaining nut and washer. d. Mark the orientation of the steering wheel to the splines on the end of the steering column shaft. e. Pull the steering wheel straight off the end of the steering column.

3. Under the dash, disconnect the three plugs for the turn signal switch, wiper switch, and ignition switch.

4. Remove the screws (4) holding the turn signal/wiper switch assembly to the steering column and remove the assembly.

5. Remove the 6 mm Allen head bolt for the ignition switch from underneath the steering column.

6. Remove the long plastic spacer from the steering column, then remove the ignition switch.

7. Remove the plastic trim piece from the steering column.

8. Remove the instrument cluster: a. Remove the two screws at the top of the gauge cluster. b. Pull the cluster out far enough to reach behind it and disconnect the speedometer drive cable. c. Pull the cluster further out and disconnect the three electrical connectors from the back of the gauges. d. Remove the cluster and store it where the gauges cannot be damaged.

9. Remove the center console: a. Remove the two screws holding the instrument panel; remove the panel and disconnect its plug. Set the panel aside where it cannot be damaged. b. Remove the radio and disconnect the wiring from the back. c. Remove the heater control faceplate (snaps off), then remove the two screws holding the controls to the console. d. Remove the gearshift boot and move the gearshift lever rearward to provide clearance to remove the console. e. Remove the six bolts/screws holding the console in place: two large hex head bolts under the ash tray, two in the top of the console going into the bottom of the dash, and two on the side of the console. f. Slide the console rearward toward the gearshift lever to remove it.

10. Remove the glove box. As the glove box slides out, disconnect the glove box light connector.

11. Remove the speaker grill in the center of the dash by prying up on the bottom of the grill. Remove and disconnect the speaker.

12. Behind the speaker opening, remove the nut that holds the dash to the body.

13. Remove the center and side vents from the dash by pulling them straight out.

14. Remove the tray under the dash in the passenger's footwell (3 screws).

15. Remove the trim panels on either side of the roof.

16. Remove the sun visors.

17. Remove the A-pillar trim pieces.

18. Remove the screws behind the A-pillar trim that hold the top of the dash.

19. Slide the dash out of the car.

Dash Installation

1. Maneuver the dash into position against the firewall and install the outside screws at the A-pillars.
2. Install the glove box into the dash and connect the glove box light wiring. Secure the glove box with retaining screws.
3. Install the nut in the speaker enclosure that holds the dash to the body.
4. Reconnect and install the speaker and speaker grill.
5. Install the center and side vents into the dash.
6. Install the tray under the dash in the passenger's footwell.
7. Install the center console: a. Position the center console under the dash and secure with the 6 retaining bolts/screws. b. Install the heater controls to the console (2 screws) and attach the heater control faceplate. c. Connect the instrument panel plug and secure the panel to the center console. d. Install the radio.
8. Install the ignition switch and turn signal/wiper switch assembly onto the steering column. Attach the electrical plugs to the switch assemblies.
9. Install the instrument cluster, connecting the three electrical connectors and speedometer cable as it slides into the dash.
10. Install the instrument cluster trim piece.
11. Attach the A-pillar trim, sun visors, and roof panel trim.
12. Install the steering wheel.
13. Reconnect the battery.