Early 944 Dash Replacement (Pre-1985.5) – 2.5L NA

Overview

This procedure guides you through replacing the dashboard in a Porsche 944 (8-valve engine configuration, 1983-1985.5). The dashboard houses critical components like the instrument cluster, vents, and controls, and replacing it may be necessary due to cracks, wear, or upgrades. This process is tedious but manageable with patience, requiring careful disassembly and reassembly to avoid damaging components. Work slowly, label all fasteners, and take notes or photos to track part placement.

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Tools Required

• Metric wrench set (including 24mm (15/16 inch) wrench)
• Metric socket set (including 24mm (15/16 inch) socket)
• Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
• 6mm Allen wrench
• Paint pen, colored nail polish, or permanent marker
• Ratchet

Parts Required

• Replacement dashboard, 944 552 011 00 (Pre-85.5)
• Glove box light bulb (if needed), 900 631 103 90

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle and Disconnect the Battery

1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Disconnect the negative battery lead using a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench to prevent electrical shorts during the procedure.

Step 2: Remove the Steering Wheel

3. Gently pull the horn button pad in the center of the steering wheel to remove it. A firm tug may be needed, but avoid excessive force to prevent breaking the attached wire.
4. Disconnect the wire from the back of the horn button pad and set the pad aside.
5. Using a 24mm (15/16 inch) socket and ratchet, remove the steering wheel retaining nut and washer.
6. Mark the steering wheel’s orientation to the steering column splines using a paint pen or permanent marker for accurate reinstallation.
7. Pull the steering wheel straight off the column and store it safely.

Step 3: Remove Steering Column Components

8. Under the dash, locate and disconnect the three electrical plugs for the turn signal switch, wiper switch, and ignition switch.
9. Remove the four screws securing the turn signal/wiper switch assembly to the steering column using a Phillips screwdriver, then remove the assembly.
10. Remove the 6mm Allen head bolt securing the ignition switch under the steering column.
11. Slide off the long plastic spacer from the steering column, followed by the ignition switch.
12. Remove the plastic trim piece covering the steering column.

Step 4: Remove the Instrument Cluster

13. Remove the two screws at the top of the instrument cluster using a Phillips screwdriver.
14. Pull the cluster out slightly to access and disconnect the speedometer drive cable by hand.
15. Pull the cluster further to disconnect the three electrical connectors from the back of the gauges.
16. Remove the cluster and store it in a safe place to avoid damaging the gauges.

Step 5: Remove the Center Console

17. Remove the two screws securing the instrument panel on the center console, disconnect the instrument plug, and set the panel aside safely.
18. Remove the radio and disconnect its wires from the back.
19. Pry off the heater control faceplate (it snaps off), then remove the two screws securing the heater controls to the console.
20. Remove the gearshift boot and move the gearshift lever back to clear space for console removal.
21. Remove the six bolts/screws securing the console: two large hex head bolts under the ashtray, two at the top of the console into the dash, and two on the console’s sides, using a 10mm (3/8 inch) socket or wrench.
22. Slide the console back toward the gearshift lever to remove it.

Step 6: Remove Additional Dash Components

23. Remove the glove box by disconnecting the glove box light connector and sliding it out of the dash.
24. Pry up the bottom of the center speaker grill to remove it.
25. Disconnect and remove the speaker from the dash.
26. Locate and remove the nut behind the speaker opening that secures the dash to the body using a 10mm (3/8 inch) socket.
27. Pull the center and side vents straight out of the dash to remove them.
28. Remove the tray under the dash in the passenger footwell by removing three screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 7: Remove Interior Trim

29. Remove the trim panels on either side of the roof near the windshield.
30. Remove the sun visors using a Phillips screwdriver.
31. Remove the A-pillar trim pieces by gently prying them off.
32. Remove the screws behind the A-pillar trim that secure the top of the dash.

Step 8: Remove the Dashboard

33. Carefully slide the dashboard out of the vehicle, ensuring no remaining components are caught.

Step 9: Install the New Dashboard

34. Maneuver the new dashboard, 944 552 011 00, into position against the firewall.
35. Install the screws at the A-pillars to secure the dash, tightening to 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lbs) using a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 10: Reinstall Components

36. Slide the glove box into the dash, reconnect the glove box light connector, and secure it with its screws.
37. Install the nut in the speaker enclosure to secure the dash to the body, tightening to 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lbs) using a 10mm (3/8 inch) socket.
38. Reconnect and install the speaker, then snap the speaker grill into place.
39. Install the center and side vents by pushing them into their slots.
40. Reinstall the passenger footwell tray with its three screws using a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 11: Reinstall the Center Console

41. Position the center console under the dash and secure it with the six bolts/screws, tightening to 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lbs) using a 10mm (3/8 inch) socket or wrench.
42. Install the heater controls with two screws and snap the faceplate back on.
43. Reconnect the instrument panel wires and secure the panel to the console with two screws.
44. Install the radio and reconnect its wires.

Step 12: Reinstall Steering Column Components

45. Install the ignition switch and turn signal/wiper switch assembly onto the steering column, securing with the 6mm Allen bolt and four screws, tightening to 8 Nm (5.9 ft-lbs).
46. Reconnect the three electrical plugs to the switch assemblies.

Step 13: Reinstall the Instrument Cluster

47. Slide the instrument cluster into the dash, reconnecting the three electrical connectors and speedometer cable as you go.
48. Secure the cluster with its two screws at the top using a Phillips screwdriver.
49. Reinstall the instrument cluster trim piece.

Step 14: Reinstall Interior Trim

50. Reinstall the A-pillar trim, sun visors, and roof panel trim, securing with their respective screws.

Step 15: Reinstall the Steering Wheel

51. Align the steering wheel with the marked splines on the steering column and slide it into place.
52. Install the retaining nut and washer, tightening to 50 Nm (36.9 ft-lbs) using a 24mm (15/16 inch) socket.
53. Reconnect the horn button wire and snap the horn pad into place.

Step 16: Finalize Installation

54. Reconnect the negative battery lead and tighten to 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lbs) using a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Verify the steering wheel is aligned correctly and turns smoothly.
• Check that all electrical components (radio, gauges, lights, switches) function properly.
• Ensure the glove box light works when opened.
• Confirm the dashboard is secure with no rattles or loose components.
• Inspect for any forgotten tools or fasteners left in the vehicle.

Sources

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