Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

Fig. 11 Instrument Finish Panels, 1985-88 Cougar & Thunderbird.:

Fig. 12 Removing Center Finish Panel, 1985-88 Cougar & Thunderbird.:

Fig. 13 Removing Steering Column Braces, 1985-88 Cougar & Thunderbird.:

Fig. 14 Steering Column Electrical Connecotrs, 1985-88 Cougar & Thunderbird.:

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Disconnect all underhood wiring connectors from main wiring harness. Remove rubber grommet seal from dash panel and push wiring harness and connectors unto passenger compartment.
3. Remove screws retaining lower left and right side trim panels, Fig. 11. Remove panels by carefully pulling on upper portion of panels to disengage clips.
4. Remove steering column opening cover.
5. Remove right and left side insulator panels.
6. Remove right and left cowl side trim covers.,
7. Remove ten cluster opening finish panel retaining screws.
8. On models less center console, proceed as follows:
a. Open ashtray receptacle, and remove two outboard screws inside ashtray opening.
b. Remove four screws retaining center finish panel and remove panel, Fig. 12.

9. On models with center console, proceed as follows:
a. Open rear ash receptacle door and remove two rear finish panel attaching screws, Fig. 11.
b. Remove finish panel to gain access to wire connectors.
c. Disconnect wire leads, then remove two front finish panel attaching screws and remove panel.
d. Remove four center finish panel retaining screws.

10. Remove steering column brace assemblies and disconnect all steering column wiring connectors, Fig. 13 and 14.
11. Remove speaker and headlight dimmer sensor grilles.
12. Remove three upper instrument panel to cowl retaining screws.
13. Open glove compartment door and flex stops on sidewalls on bin to allow glove compartment to swing open.
14. Remove two lower cowl side retaining screws.
15. Remove instrument panel away from cowl and disconnect remaining A/C controls and wire connectors.
16. Remove instrument panel from the vehicle.
17. Reverse procedure to install.