Instrument Panel Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Subaru Baja. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Airbag system wiring harness is routed near the combination meter.

WARNING:

All airbag system wiring harness and connectors are colored yellow. Do not use electrical test equipment on these circuits.
Be careful not to damage airbag system harness when servicing the instrument panel.

Disconnect ground cable from battery.
Remove lower cover.

Fig 1: Identifying Lower Cover Hook Pawl
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove lower column cover and disconnect harness connectors to steering column.

Fig 2: Identifying Lower Column Cover
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Remove steering column assembly (with steering wheel). < Ref. to REMOVAL , Tilt Steering Column . >
Remove stopper (A) then remove glove box.

Fig 3: Identifying Glove Box Stopper
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Remove side panel of both sides.

Fig 4: Locating Side Panel Screws
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Remove passenger's airbag module. < Ref. to REMOVAL , PASSENGER'S AIRBAG MODULE. >
Remove console box. < Ref. to REMOVAL , CONSOLE BOX. >
Remove front pillar upper trim of both sides.

Fig 5: Identifying Front Pillar Upper Trim
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove front pillar lower trim (A) of passenger side.

Fig 6: Identifying Front Pillar Lower Trim And Hook Pawl
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Set temperature control switch (A) to "FULL HOT" and then disconnect temperature control cable from bottom of heater unit. (Manual A/C equipped model)
NOTE: Do not move the switch and link when installing.

Fig 7: Identifying Temperature Control Switch
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Remove instrument panel mounting bolts.

Fig 8: Locating Instrument Panel Mounting Bolts
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Disconnect harness connectors and remove instrument panel ASSY carefully.
CAUTION: Do not pull the harness when disconnecting the connector.

NOTE: If necessary, make matching marks for easy reassembly.

Fig 9: Identifying Harness Connectors
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
CAUTION:
- Take care not to scratch the instrument panel and related parts.
- When storing the removed instrument panel, place it standing up on the floor.
  
  Fig 10: Identifying Instrument Panel
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.