Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Instrument Panel, Removing



Instrument Panel, Removing

WARNING: Refer to parts list for correct combination of instrument panel and passenger side airbag unit.

NOTE: Determining the correct coding for the anti-theft radio before removing.

Removing

CAUTION: On vehicles equipped with Audi Telematics by OnStar(R), switch-off the emergency (backup) battery for the Telematic/Telephone Control Module prior to disconnecting the vehicle battery. Switch-on the emergency (back-up) battery after reconnecting the vehicle battery.

- Disconnect battery Ground (GND) strap at battery.
- Remove driver's side airbag unit.
- Remove steering wheel.
- Remove instrument cluster.

- Remove driver's storage compartment.
- Remove glove box.
- Remove rear section of center console.
- Remove front section of center console.
- Removing center section of instrument panel (on vehicles with "Chorus" and "Concert" radios).
- Removing center section of instrument panel (on vehicles with "Symphony" radio and "radio-navigation system plus".

Removing steering column switch

- Driver's side airbag unit and steering wheel removed.
- Pull out steering column and tilt downward as far as it will go.







- Remove screws - 1 - (2x).
Tightening torque: 2.8 Nm (25.2 in lb)
- Remove grip - 2 -.







- Remove two Phillips-head screws -arrows-.
Tightening torque: 0.6 Nm (5.4 in lb)
- Remove upper steering column switch trim - 1 -.

When installing, insert upper section into hooks on lower section, swivel downward and secure with screws.







- Remove screws - 2 - (2x).
Tightening torque: 0.6 Nm (5 in lb)
- Remove hex socket head bolt - 1 -.
Tightening torque: 0.6 Nm (5 in lb)
- Remove lower steering column switch trim - 3 -.







- Separate connection - 1 -.
- Release locking lugs -arrows- and pull coil connector with slip ring off steering column switch.

NOTE: The steering must be in the center position (wheels in straight-ahead position) when the coil connector and slip ring are removed and installed.

- Remove screw - 2 -.
Tightening torque: 2.8 Nm (25 in lb)
- Disconnect connectors - 3 - (2x).
- Remove steering column switch - 4 -.

Removing reinforcing bracket







- Remove screws - 1 - (5x).
Tightening torque: 4 Nm (35 in lb)
- Remove reinforcing bracket - 2 -.

Removing instrument panel end trim (left)







- Use screwdriver to unclip left-hand instrument panel end trim.

Removing instrument panel end mounting screws (left)







- Remove screws - 1 - (3x). Tightening torque: 4 Nm (35 in lb)

Removing instrument panel end trim (right)







- Use screwdriver to unclip right-hand instrument panel end trim.

Removing instrument panel end mounting screws (right)







- Remove screws - 1 - (3x). Tightening torque: 4 Nm (35 in lb)

Removing instrument panel mounting screws-driver's side







- Remove screws - 1 - (2x).
Tightening torque: 4 Nm (35 in lb)

Detaching passenger side airbag







- Use screwdriver to lift connector - 1 - for passenger side airbag unit over retainer tab - 2 - and pull off connector in direction of arrow - 3 -.







- Remove bolts - 1 - (4x).
Tightening torque: 9 Nm (80 in lb)

Removing photosensor







- Carefully pry off cover - A -.
- Remove screw - B -.
- Lift photosensor and secure harness connector with cord or cable tie.
- Disconnect harness connector.

Disconnecting connectors for side vent lighting and temperature sensor







- Disconnect connector - 1 - on left and right for side vent lighting.
- Disconnect connector - 2 - for side-vent temperature sensor on left and right by squeezing together retainer tabs - 3 -.

Disconnecting connector for center vent lighting







- Disconnect connector - 1 - for center vent lighting.
- Pull out instrument panel toward the rear.

Installing
- Extend photosensor by attaching a cord or cable tie.
- Locate instrument panel and insert extension attached to photosensor.
- Clip - 1 - with felt pad - 2 -.







- Insert instrument panel into clips - 1 -, at the same time pressing it down slightly.
- Press gently to check that instrument panel is installed properly in clips - 1 -.
- Install steering column switch but do not tighten mounts.







- Install lower section of trim - 3 - for steering column switch.
- Tighten screws - 2 - (2x).
Tightening torque: 0.6 Nm (5.4 in lb)
- Install screw - 1 - but do not tighten.
- Install self-cancelling ring and slip ring.
- Install steering wheel.







- Position steering column switch with lower section of trim at a distance of 3 mm from steering wheel (distance - a -).
- Tighten clamp - 1 -.
Tightening torque: 2.8 Nm (25 in lb)
- Tighten socket-head bolt - 2 -.
Tightening torque: 0.6 Nm (5 in lb)
- Perform remaining installation steps in reverse order of removal.