This is a difficult procedure for the home mechanic. There are many hidden fasteners, difficult angles to work in, and many electrical connectors to tag and disconnect/connect. We recommend that this procedure be done only by an experienced do-it-yourselfer. During removal of the instrument panel, make careful notes of how each piece comes off, where it fits in relation to other pieces, and what holds it in place. If you note how each part is installed before removing it, getting the instrument panel back together again will be much easier. It is not necessary, but it is suggested to remove both front seats to allow additional working space and lessen the chance of damage to the seats during this procedure. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal. Remove the dashboard trim panels and the center floor console. Remove the instrument cluster and the glove box. Carefully pry out the instrument panel lower side console trim and remove the trim panels. On Lexus models, the corner trim for the lower side console trim must be removed first before the side console trim panels can be removed. Disconnect the passenger's side airbag and remove the mounting fasteners and airbag. Remove the audio unit from the center of the dashboard. Remove the air conditioning control panel. Remove the driver's knee bolster. If equipped, disconnect the driver's side knee airbag, remove the mounting bolts, and remove the airbag. Pry off the end cap trim panels for access to the reinforcement tube mounting bolts. Remove the bolts securing the steering column and lower it away from the instrument panel. A number of electrical connectors must be disconnected in order to remove the instrument panel. Most are designed so that they will only fit on the matching connector (male or female), but if there is any doubt, mark the connectors with masking tape and a marking pen before disconnecting them. Pry up the speaker trim covers, defroster trim panel (at the top of the instrument panel), and disconnect the optical sensor electrical connector. Remove all of the fasteners (bolts, screws, and nuts) holding the instrument panel to the body. Once all are removed, lift the panel, then pull it away from the
Windshield and take it out through the door opening. This is a two-person job. If you're also removing the instrument panel reinforcement tube, disconnect any electrical connectors that might interfere with the removal of the reinforcement tube. Detach the wire harness and remove the fasteners securing the tube, then take it out through the door opening.