[tonystoolroom]

During the install of the new car stereo for my 05 SSR, one needs to remove the upper dash to get to the radio. To remove the dash the passenger side airbag module gets in the way. I have the complete service manual for the SSR, but I still couldn't get the airbag out, and wasted alot of time messing with it. (I'd make a bad airbag thief). There are errors in the service manual that make it even more difficult, (for instance the manual says to remove fuse 14 in the under hood fuse box to disable the SIR airbag system, while the fuse box diagram has has #14 in a different position and labeled differently.)

My solution was to remove the dash with the airbag inplace. The dash will snap out and over the airbag plastic cover. (With some gentle force and bending)

Now to re-install, trim the back flange of the plastic dash around the airbag opening. Leave a small lip, but not much. I used a Dremel tool and the stone basically melted its way through the plastic due to friction.

Now the dash easily snaps back over the airbag cover and you can secure the dash. Proper procedure is start with the top screws (7mm) then the left side, then the bottom screws.

With the back flanged area removed taking the dash one and off is made much simpler & faster.

I will need to remove my dash a few times as i'm constantly installing and adjusting my electronic gadgets.

For those who want to know, the upper-center dash area is excellent for stowing Sat radio (Sirius or XM) antennas, or GPS navigation antennas. Basically the whole space above the radio is hollow, and looks through the windshield with no metal obstructions. I'm getting great Sirius & GPS reception, and the antennas arer hidden under the top dash cover.

My idea of an automotive designers HELL would be for them to spend eternity servicing the vehicles they designed!!!!!

Have fun,
Tony

 

[tonystoolroom]

I should have added that once the dash is reinstalled the modification is invisible.

 

[living2be]

Where were you when I needed you!!!!!!! :lol Thanks for the dash removal and airbag trick, Tony! One I will remember the next time I want to take it off! I spent endless hours too, but to no avail, and changed the instrument cluster with the dash still attached around the airbag! :banghead

 

[LOP]

During the install of the new car stereo for my 05 SSR, one needs to remove the upper dash to get to the radio. To remove the dash the passenger side airbag module gets in the way. I have the complete service manual for the SSR, but I still couldn't get the airbag out, and wasted alot of time messing with it. (I'd make a bad airbag thief). There are errors in the service manual that make it even more difficult, (for instance the manual says to remove fuse 14 in the under hood fuse box to disable the SIR airbag system, while the fuse box diagram has has #14 in a different position and labeled differently.)

My solution was to remove the dash with the airbag inplace. The dash will snap out and over the airbag plastic cover. (With some gentle force and bending)

Now to re-install, trim the back flange of the plastic dash around the airbag opening. Leave a small lip, but not much. I used a Dremel tool and the stone basically melted its way through the plastic due to friction.

Now the dash easily snaps back over the airbag cover and you can secure the dash. Proper procedure is start with the top screws (7mm) then the left side, then the bottom screws.

With the back flanged area removed taking the dash one and off is made much simpler & faster.

I will need to remove my dash a few times as i'm constantly installing and adjusting my electronic gadgets.

For those who want to know, the upper-center dash area is excellent for stowing Sat radio (Sirius or XM) antennas, or GPS navigation antennas. Basically the whole space above the radio is hollow, and looks through the windshield with no metal obstructions. I'm getting great Sirius & GPS reception, and the antennas arer hidden under the top dash cover.

My idea of an automotive designers HELL would be for them to spend eternity servicing the vehicles they designed!!!!!

Have fun,
Tony

PICS??????????

 

[mikepowell]

way cool tip Tony!

we all definately need pics next time your in there :flag

 

[tonystoolroom]

I dont' know if I can post pics here, so i need to be a supporting member?

 

[Buffy]

Yeah Tony,

Only supporting members can post pics........

 

[tonystoolroom]

I will be in the dash in a few weeks. I'll take some pics then.

I still need to tinker with the Metra GM radio adapter to get my chimes to work. I need to call tech support regarding the hookup, some vague reference about an additional adapter. I also need to install a second GPS antenna for remote tracking/anti-theft.

I put the dash together just for cruising during the upcoming 4th of July weekend.

Have fun,

Tony

 

[domestictuner]

Yeah Tony,

Only supporting members can post pics........

any pics at all or jsut host pics on the site?

you should be able to host pics elsewhere and simply link to them, or if thats not allowed send me a pm with the pics if you could as i am going to attempt to put in a kenwood nav this weekend.

 

[cruzned]

Tony: Just curious, how did you remove the satin cover that has the hvac controls and stuff. You know, the big bow tie on the dash? I need to remove mine to service my aftermarket horn button.:thumbs

Thanks, Ed

 

[Gary G]

Here's some recent pics of my XM Radio installation by "Diggs". He's been in his dash about 3 times, so working around the airbag is a piece of cake for him.

Just follow the bottom part of the thread.

Hope these help.

Gary G...........:black:

 

[Maui Mike]

Tony: Just curious, how did you remove the satin cover that has the hvac controls and stuff. You know, the big bow tie on the dash? I need to remove mine to service my aftermarket horn button.:thumbs

Thanks, Ed

Just give a gentle tug on the HVAC knobs, they pull right off. Then pull on a corner of the long and short trim pieces, they just pull off too.

Aftermarket horn buttons??? Please explain. Thanks!

 

[cruzned]

It's just a simple "Wolf Whistle" from J.C. Whitney. Over time, the area where the hole was dremeled in has expanded and occassionally the thing gets stuck so I need to sand it out some more. Thanks for the tips!