How to Remove the Dashboard of Volkswagen Lavida?
3 Answers
The method to remove the dashboard of Volkswagen Lavida is as follows: 1. Adjust the steering wheel backward, then remove the screws from the lower end of the combination switch cover; 2. Remove the upper part of the cover, take off the dashboard guard ring and trim, and then remove the screws at the top of the dashboard to complete the disassembly. The body dimensions of the Volkswagen Lavida are: length 4670mm, width 1806mm, height 1474mm, with a wheelbase of 2688mm and a fuel tank capacity of 51 liters. The Volkswagen Lavida is equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 110kW and a maximum torque of 250Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It features a front suspension type of MacPherson independent suspension and a rear suspension type of torsion beam non-independent suspension.
I've disassembled the instrument clusters of several Volkswagen models, including the Lavida version. The first step is to ensure safety by turning off the engine and disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery to prevent short circuits and damage to electronic components. Next, carefully pry open the protective cover below the steering wheel using a plastic pry tool—there are clips there, so it's important to gently pry it open without using excessive force. After removing the cover, you'll see the screws securing the instrument cluster, usually two Phillips-head screws. Loosening these allows you to gently lift the cluster out. The cluster is connected by wiring harnesses, so taking photos to record the position of each connector is crucial to avoid incorrect reassembly, which could lead to abnormal displays or warning lights. Relatedly, the Lavida's instrument cluster sometimes needs to be opened to replace bulbs or backlights, as the dashboard lights in Volkswagen models tend to fail over time. Doing it yourself saves money, but beginners should ideally seek help from a friend. The entire process takes about twenty minutes, and the tools required are just a few dollars' worth of screwdrivers and pry tools.
I've worked on quite a few Volkswagen cars, and removing the Lavida's instrument cluster isn't particularly difficult. The main tools required are a Phillips screwdriver and plastic pry tools. Always disconnect the battery before starting to avoid short-circuit issues that could damage other components. Remove the lower steering wheel cover by releasing the clips, then take out the securing screws, and the instrument cluster can be lifted out. Pay attention to the wiring harness connectors - when disconnecting, carefully note the colors and positions, and apply gentle force. Related topics indicate this type of disassembly is commonly performed for instrument light repairs or speed sensor inspection. If not done properly, it might trigger an airbag warning, so it's better not to attempt it yourself unless necessary. With simple tools, it can be carefully completed in about ten minutes.
