Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Description and Operation
Interior TrimDashboard Assembly
The Dashboard Assembly houses the climate control air outlets, solar sensor, Hazard Warning switch, Instrument Illumination switch, Instrumentation and the IKE.
The Dashboard assembly consists of three main assemblies:
- Dashboard
- Dashboard - upper covering
- Dashboard cross car beam
Dashboard
The Dashboard is the complete assembly and is attached to the dashboard cross car beam in 9 locations. Depending on derivative, the tachometer (or speedometer) is positioned on top of the steering column and the speedometer (or tachometer) is positioned centrally in the dashboard except on models where navigation has been specified. The speedometer and tachometer are then housed in separate units on top of the steering column. Additional switches for the hazard warning lights and instrument illumination are located centrally on the dash lower assembly.
NOTE: There is an additional locating stud that is attached to the heater unit and this is accessed from the engine bay.
Dashboard Upper Covering
The Dash Upper covering is attached to the top of the Dashboard with 4 screws accessed through the remove able side panels.
Removal of the dash upper covering allows access to the passenger airbag.
Dashboard Cross Car Beam
The Dashboard Cross Car beam is attached to the body in 6 locations. Removal of the dash, upper and cross car beam can be achieved as a complete assembly without having to remove the steering wheel, dash trim (incl. speedometer pack / nav pack, heater and heater controls, switch pack, radio unit and glove box/dash shelf).
Instruments and Vents
Dash Vents
When the MINI COOPER is equipped with Automatic Temperature Control a solar sensor is installed in the top of the Dash assembly.
The dash contains four adjustable air outlets for heating/ventilation purposes. Three more fixed outlets are fitted in the dash upper cover, two for side window de-misting purposes and a central outlet for face level heating/ventilation.
Instrumentation
Depending on model and options, the MINI COOPER is fitted with various instrument cluster arrangements.