For those who want to know. - Dash Questions Answered.

[crazy0000]

We'll I was reading a few threads about removing the dash, then I decided to just go ahead and do it. It wasn't difficult at all. I'm replacing mine with a black dash. I'm doing this cause I have to do my heater core, and I also want to change out my dash with a black one cause the gray looks terrible and the PO decided to glue and screw a few things to it, making it look Awesome! :confused

First question I found people asked was, do you have to remove the steering wheel? Answer?
No. I removed the dash without removing the steering wheel and it didn't cause me any grief.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/IMG_0552.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/IMG_0553.jpg

Second question I read was "Whats the humming noise behind my dash?" Well I found out... There are two stepper motors that direct the cold ac air and allow air to enter the cabin when the car is on. When you turn the key it opens the main flap which allows outside air in. Then if you have the AC on it opens a second flap. These air valves move slow(stepper motor) so when you turn the key off, the noise is the stepper motors closing everything off from the outside. I tried to get a movie of it, but I could only get the one flap to move once, since I didn't have any controls still plugged into the car.
First stepper motor(passenger side) Located left of glove box:
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/IMG_0548.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/IMG_0549.jpg

Two other stepper motors(driver side foot well) Located way up the drivers foot well, not easily accessible:
first pic is looking straight up.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/IMG_0550.jpg
Notice the Steering column to get a reference of where they are located.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/IMG_0551.jpg

The dash is currently out of the car so if people have any more questions or want pictures! I will take them!
Heres a location of the things holding the dash to the car. Any steps before that I won't be much help in. but its not hard.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/dashlocationscopy.jpg


P.S. I finally understand how the heating and AC is directed in such a strange way!


I do have a question of my own though! Does anyone know if the foam around the vent area is available for purchasing? Mines in terrible condition, and I tried to vacuum it and even more ripped off.
This Stuff.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/IMG_0537.jpg

[jehu]

Clear detailed pics of the stepper motors would be a start..

[Kashmirbeige525]

Ive considered removing my dash and spraying it black as it is 5 shades of brown ranging from dark beige to dirt to shit brown.

[dansgt]

got a pic showing the location of all the screws? thats my next project, a black dash swap...

[crazy0000]

Clear detailed pics of the stepper motors would be a start..

On It! But keep in mind my system doesn't have the automatic foot and face controls all manual cable ones, but ill get you pics of the stepper motors that I'm referring to.

Updated first post with info.

[Dash01]

That foam stuff can best be replaced with a roll of adhesive-backed weatherstripping from a hardware store or Home Depot. Buy and apply as needed, comes in various thicknesses and widths.

[filmy]

Brilliant! Thanks for taking the time.

[Sherman]

Great photos and info. You're in Canada, so you have DRLs! Any chance you could try to trace the Green/blue (green with blue stripe) wire from the headlight switch and see if you can see where it joins another green/blue wire that will eventually connect to a Yellow? As well, the Yellow/Grey off the same switch and see where it connects to a yellow?
Diagram:
309249
To remove DRLs, my understanding is that the Yellow wire to LKM needs to be connected after the headlight switch rather than before. The connections are either exposed with what you have apart or are under the fuse box under the LKM. Greatly appriciated if you can find it and/ or post a pick of the wiring on that side of the dash!!

TIA!

[T444E]

Why is your window switch/hazard switch surround like wrapped in brown?

[Chinman]

How may hours did it take to get to the heater core?

[crazy0000]

K a bunch of questions... Where to start... Uhh okay, got it.

For starters! The PO of the car was some kid(I'm only 21, but not into doing the things this guy was) was trying to do a "Custom interior", was partially the reason I got the car for 900$, so right from the get go my car had the following removed already...
1)The shifter surround unit
2) the rear seat vent
3)A few thing here or there

That brown thing you see, was his attempt at making his own center console.

How long did it take to get to the heater core? Well this has two answers, firstly, I actually got to the heater core a few days ago, and it took me literally 30min to remove the radio, computer, vent controls and such, and some interior pieces, so I was at the heater core rather fast, upon doing that, I basically said, screw it, I'm half way there and I want a black interior so I'll take out the dash, so add another 2 hours to remove the dash and you have what you see in the pics. but I would say first time doing this, and if everything was still in the car. tack another 1.5 hours onto the job just getting to where I am right now. I have a feeling putting the new black dash in perfectly will be a bit more difficult, but I take my time on most things, expecially cause I don't have to drive the car anywhere for awhile.

Sherman- I will have a look tomorrow when I return from the junkyard with my black dash.

Anyone know if I have to remove all the coolant to do the heater core? I have to change my heat valves also cause ones stuck open, but I was thinking I wouldn't have to drain the whole system cause it seems to be located high enough to do without.

Edit: Any mods see this and want to move it to DIY, don't hesitate as I think I will be adding more info and even possibly a "Change Your Dash" DIY if I find the time to write it up.

[Sherman]

That'd be great, Thanks!
I'm trying to remember when I did my heater core a couple years ago. I think I did. The pipes are not that high, so you will get a lot of seepage if the system isn't drained, especially with a valve stuck open. I would think it's probably not worth risking filling your interior up with coolant. Draining and refilling is easy!

[crazy0000]

Thanks!

Tomorrow I'm going to spend some time cleaning up the car a bit, while I have access to all the carpet, instead of sitting on my hands waiting for a heater core to come in. Ill trace those wires for you also.

Today scored big time at the junkyard. Picked up a new heater control valve and pump. and got these beauties.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/IMG_0554.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/IMG_0555.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/crazy0000/IMG_0556.jpg

I might document how to change the dash at some point, so I will take pictures installing this one and work backwards with it.

[AZDinanE34]

Looks good! I get so jealous of pics I see of those of you w/ manual tannys...errr

[Touhou]

i need a new blue dash so hard ;-;

[tim eh]

Those are great photos.


K
Anyone know if I have to remove all the coolant to do the heater core?

I changed the pipes to the heater core and spilled maybe 1/2 a cup of coolant but that was only the pipes. I think to remove the core you probably have to tilt the top of it towards you and a lot of what is in the core will spill but probably not too much will come from the pipes...

I dunno... call me crazy... could you remove the intake pipes first and flush water through it out the outtake pipe before you remove it?

*-or rig something up just to drain the core after you take the pipes off...