Late Model 944 (1985.5 and Newer) Dash Replacement

Overview

Replacing the dashboard in your Porsche 944 S / S2 (16v engine) is a manageable task for a DIY enthusiast with mechanical experience. It’s a time-consuming process that requires patience, but it’s worth it to refresh your interior. This guide walks you through removing the old dash and installing a new one, ensuring everything fits perfectly and works as it should.

Pink and blue text represents links to additional resources, tools, parts, and partner websites.

Tools Required

• Metric wrench set
• Metric socket set
• Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
• T30 Torx socket (for airbag-equipped S / S2 models)
• 24 mm (15/16 inch) socket
• Paint pen, colored nail polish, or permanent marker
• Needle-nose pliers
• Small flat-tip screwdriver

Parts Required

• Replacement dashboard for Porsche 944 S / S2 – 944 552 013 03

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Disconnect the negative battery lead to ensure safety during the procedure, especially since the S / S2 may have airbags.

Step 2: Remove the Steering Wheel

2. Wait at least 30 minutes after disconnecting the battery if your S / S2 has an airbag.
3. Locate the two Torx screws on the back of the steering wheel, recessed into the column. Use a T30 Torx socket and ratchet to remove them.
4. Slide the airbag assembly off the steering column and unplug the connector on the back. Store the airbag face-up in a safe place.
5. Use a 24 mm (15/16 inch) socket to remove the steering wheel retaining nut and washer.
6. Mark the steering wheel’s orientation on the column splines with a paint pen or marker for reassembly.
7. Pull the steering wheel straight off the column.

Step 3: Remove the Gauge Cluster

8. Remove the three Phillips screws from the top of the plastic trim around the gauge cluster.

9. Remove the two Phillips screws below the trim, on either side of the steering column.

10. Remove the three Phillips screws in the center dash vents: one on the far right, two closer to the cluster.

11. Lift the bottom edge of the trim behind the steering column and pull it out, adjusting the top if needed to clear the dash.

12. Remove the four Phillips screws holding the gauge cluster, then slide it forward.

13. Carefully disconnect the three electrical connectors on the back by pushing their locking levers outward. Watch the ribbon circuit board to avoid damage.

14. Slide the cluster out, tilting it if necessary, and push up on the dash opening for clearance.
15. Disconnect the odometer reset switch to the right of the cluster by pulling it straight out.

Step 4: Remove the Climate Control Unit

16. Gently pull off the four control knobs, using a small flat-tip screwdriver behind the fan speed knob to avoid breaking the bulb or tabs.

17. Pry the temperature control cover loose with a small flat-tip screwdriver under each edge.

18. Remove the four Phillips screws behind the cover and slide the unit out.

19. Disconnect the electrical plug on the back and remove the unit.

Step 5: Remove the Trim Panel Above the Glove Box

20. Open the passenger door, remove the single Phillips screw from the side trim panel, and slide it forward to disengage the tabs.

21. Remove the two Phillips screws from the passenger-side vent and take the vent out.
22. Remove the bottom Phillips screw behind the side trim panel.

23. Pry off the rectangular trim cover next to the vent control lever with a small flat-tip screwdriver.

24. Remove the two Phillips screws behind the trim cover.

25. Turn the temperature sensor intake cover 90° counterclockwise with needle-nose pliers and remove it carefully.

26. Remove the single Phillips screw behind the sensor cover.
27. Slide the trim piece (with clock, cigarette lighter, and hazard switch) away from the dash and disconnect the wires cautiously to avoid breaking plastic clips.

Step 6: Remove the Center Console

28. Pull the ashtray straight up to remove it, then remove the two Phillips screws at the front of the opening.

29. Force the storage pocket under the radio out by pressing outward with both hands and pulling.
30. Remove the two Phillips screws at the bottom of the pocket opening.

31. Lift the console insert around the gear shift lever, removing the radio trim if necessary.
32. Release the plastic tabs on the console switches with two small flat-tip screwdrivers simultaneously, then disconnect the plugs.

33. Remove the spring clip from the gear shift knob and slide it off.
34. Slide the radio out (if present), disconnect its plugs, and remove it.
35. Remove the four Phillips screws holding the cassette holder insert (two at the ashtray opening, two at the back), then remove the insert.
36. Remove the two screws at the front of the console (one per side) and slide the console rearward to remove it.
37. Remove the two brackets securing the dash to the torque tube tunnel.

Step 7: Remove the Glove Box and Passenger Airbag

38. Open the glove box and remove all Phillips screws (front, sides, near the light) and the clamp at the back.
39. Crawl under the dash, disconnect the hose at the back, and slide the glove box out, pulling down on the top-front if needed.
40. Disconnect the glove box light wires as soon as you can reach them.
41. Reach above the glove box area, disconnect the two red plugs from the passenger airbag, remove the four Allen bolts, and take the airbag out.

Step 8: Remove Additional Trim

42. Remove the three Phillips screws from each sun visor pivot and the two screws from the sunroof visor clips.
43. For each A-pillar trim piece, remove the plastic screw covers, then the two bottom Phillips screws. For the top screw, insert the screwdriver straight up toward the roof to engage it.
44. Pull back the weather-stripping and remove the A-pillar trim, pulling down on the roof panel if needed.
45. Remove the three Phillips screws from the steering column turn signal trim and take it off.
46. Pry off the rubber trim around the ignition switch with a small flat-tip screwdriver.
47. Remove the two Phillips screws from the ignition switch trim, disconnect the wires, and remove it.
48. Pull the headlight knob off, pry off the oblong cover to the left of the fog light switch, and remove the two Phillips screws behind it.
49. Remove the triangular trim piece on the driver’s side (one Phillips screw), then the two Phillips screws underneath.
50. Remove the driver’s side vent (two Phillips screws), the screw left of the steering column, and one on the bottom of the dash.
51. Remove the nut holding the headlight switch, slide it out, and remove the trim piece, disconnecting the fog light switch wires.
52. Remove the steering column switch assembly by unbolting the collar, sliding it off, and disconnecting the plug.

Step 9: Remove the Dash

53. Remove the two upper dash mounting screws at the A-pillars.
54. Remove the two lower dash mounting screws at the bottom outside of each footwell.
55. Pull the dash straight back toward the seats, removing the side vent ductwork as you go.

Step 10: Install the New Dash

56. Check all wiring and components behind the dash for good condition before installing the new one.
57. Install the upper side vents into the new dash (944 552 013 03).
58. Position the new dash against the firewall felt ledge and install the two upper mounting screws at the A-pillars.
59. Reconnect the ventilation ductwork to the side vents.
60. Install the two lower mounting screws at the bottom outside of the dash.
61. Install the passenger airbag with four Allen bolts and reconnect the two red wiring harness connectors.
62. Reverse the removal steps for the glove box, trim panel, center console, climate control unit, gauge cluster, A-pillar trim, sun visors, and steering column trim, reconnecting all wiring and components as you go.
63. Install the steering wheel, aligning it with your marks, and tighten the retaining nut to 45 Nm (33 ft-lbs) with a 24 mm (15/16 inch) socket.
64. Reconnect the airbag to the steering wheel and secure it with the two T30 Torx screws.
65. Reconnect the battery.
66. Take the vehicle to a Porsche dealer to reset the airbag warning light using a Bosch-Hammer diagnostics tool (required for S / S2 models).

Post Procedure Checklist

• Ensure the steering wheel turns smoothly and the airbag light resets after dealer service.
• Check that all dash components (climate control, gauges, switches) function correctly.
• Verify no loose screws or rattles from the dash or console.
• Confirm the glove box and vents operate properly.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• YouTube