How to remove dash on 2001 Pontiac Aztek

Removal & Installation

1. Remove the I/P accessory trim plate.
2. Remove the HVAC control module retaining screws.
3. Pull the HVAC control module straight out from the I/P.
4. Disconnect the HVAC control module electrical connectors.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Illustration of the control panel for the Pontiac Aztek

To install:

NOTE

The key should be in the off position when connecting the HVAC control module electrical connector to ensure proper calibration.

1. Connect the HVAC control module electrical connectors.
2. Push the HVAC control module into I/P opening.
   
   NOTE

   Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
   
   
3. Install the HVAC control module retaining screws and tighten the screws to 22 inch lbs. (2.5 Nm).
4. Install the I/P accessory trim plate..
   
   NOTE

   Do not adjust any controls on the HVAC control module while the HVAC control module is self-calibrating. If interrupted, improper HVAC performance will result.
   
   
5. The engine must be running for proper calibration to occur.
6. Start and allow the engine to run for a least one minute.

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Instrument Panel & Pad

Removal & Installation

Instrument Panel

1. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
   
   CAUTION

   When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling . Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.
   
   
2. Disable the Supplemental Restraint (SIR) system.
3. Remove the covers from the right and the left access holes on the Instrument Panel (I/P).
4. Remove the I/P insulators.
5. Remove the Data Link Connector (DLC).
6. Remove the side upper garnish moldings from the windshield.
7. Remove the upper trim pad from the I/P.
8. Remove the front floor console.
9. Remove the knee bolster panel.
10. Remove the bolts from the lower steering column.
11. Remove the nuts from the upper steering column.
12. Lower the steering column.
13. Remove the hood release handle.
14. Remove the accessory trim plate from the I/P.
15. Remove the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) trim plate bezel.
16. Remove the IPC.
17. Remove the radio.
18. Remove the heater A/C control.
19. Remove the I/P compartment.
20. Remove the I/P compartment lamp switch.
21. Remove the I/P mounting screws.
22. Reposition the I/P wiring harness.
23. Remove the I/P.

To install:

1. Align the I/P to the vehicle.
2. Reposition the I/P wiring harness.
   
   NOTE

   Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
   
   
3. Install the I/P mounting bolts at the cluster pocket and tighten the mounting bolts to 44 inch lbs. (5 Nm).
4. Install the I/P mounting bolts at the windshield and tighten the mounting bolts to 44 inch lbs. (5 Nm).
5. Install the I/P mounting bolts to the compartment and tighten the mounting bolts to 18 inch lbs. (2 Nm).
6. Install the I/P compartment lamp switch.
7. Install the I/P compartment.
8. Install the IPC.
9. Install the heater A/C control.
10. Install the radio.
11. Install the IPC trim plate bezel.
12. Install the I/P accessory trim plate.
13. Install the hood release handle.
14. Raise the steering column.
15. Install the nuts to the upper steering column and tighten the nuts to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
16. Install the bolts to the lower steering column and tighten the bolts to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
17. Install the knee bolster panel.
18. Install the front floor console.
19. Install the I/P upper trim panel.
20. Install the windshield side upper garnish moldings.
21. Install the I/P insulators.
22. Install the DLC.
23. Install the I/P access hole covers.
24. Enable the SIR system.
25. Connect the battery negative cable.

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Removing the dash from a 2001 Aztek doesn't require a lot of mechanical skill, though it will take some time. The dash itself is anchored under several other interior components and trim pieces that need to be removed to gain access to the retaining screws.

The plastic on the dash of the 2001 Pontiac Aztek can be brittle, so care needs to be taken when removing the dash.

Park the Pontiac Aztek somewhere with a lot of room to work. The dash is made of large plastic pieces that need to be placed out of the way so an errant step won't break them. Shift the Pontiac Aztek into Park and pull the emergency brake up to keep the car steady while you work on it.

Pry the rubber bottoms in the two center cup holders out with a flat head screwdriver. This exposes the Phillips screws on the bottom of each. Unscrew them with a Phillips head screwdriver and place them to the side. Open up the center arm rest and remove the rubber bottoms in there as well. Unscrew the two screws on the bottom and place them to the side. Pull the center armrest up and place it to the side.

Remove the four screws at the sides of the center dash that are now exposed. Then open the glove box and remove the two screws that hold the hinges on either side. Pull the glove box door out, then remove the four screws along the bottom that hold the bottom of the passenger-side dash. Pull the bottom of the passenger-side dash off by hand, by pulling up and then out.

Go to the driver's door and locate the eight screws that go along the side of the driver-side dash. Remove the screws and keep them somewhere safe. Go to the passenger side and remove the eight screws that hold the dash in on that side. Go to the center console and wedge a flat head screwdriver into the seam between the center console and the dash. Work around the seam and gently wedge the center console bezel off until it's loose. Remove the center console by hand and place it out of harm's way.

Pull the top dash off by hand and carefully slide it out of the car. If it is stuck, do not force it -- you've probably missed a screw. Go back and check for any screws that you missed.