Late 944 Dash Replacement (1985.5 and Newer) – 2.5L NA

Overview

Replacing the dashboard in a Porsche 944 (8-valve engine variants, 1985.5–1988) is a detailed but manageable task that refreshes the interior and ensures all components function properly. This guide covers the removal and installation of the dash, tailored for DIY enthusiasts working on late-model 944s with the 8-valve engine configuration. Patience is key, as the process involves many small parts and connectors. Take notes and label fasteners to make reassembly easier.

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

Tools Required

• Metric wrench set (sizes 10mm–17mm, or 3/8 inch–11/16 inch)
• Metric socket set (sizes 10mm–24mm, or 3/8 inch–15/16 inch)
• Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
• T30 Torx socket (85.5 Onwards, air bag cars only)
• 24mm socket (15/16 inch)
• Paint pen, colored nail polish, or permanent marker
• Needle-nose pliers
• Small flathead screwdriver

Parts Required

• Replacement dashboard (944 552 011 00)
• Dashboard mounting screws (if needed, 999 591 911 02)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

1. Locate the battery in the engine compartment and disconnect the negative (-) lead using a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench. This prevents electrical shorts during the procedure.

Step 2: Remove the Steering Wheel

2. (Pre-85.5, non-air bag cars): Pull firmly on the steering wheel horn pad to remove it. For aftermarket wheels with a center horn button, gently pry around the button’s edge with a small flathead screwdriver to dislodge it.
3. (Pre-85.5, non-air bag cars): Disconnect the wire from the back of the horn button.
4. (85.5 Onwards, air bag cars): Wait at least 30 minutes after disconnecting the battery to safely handle the air bag. Locate two Torx screws on the back of the steering wheel, recessed into the column, and remove them using a T30 Torx socket.
5. (85.5 Onwards, air bag cars): Slide the air bag assembly off the steering column, disconnect the plug on the back, and store the air bag face-up in a safe location.
6. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut and washer using a 24mm (15/16 inch) socket.
7. Mark the steering wheel’s orientation to the steering column splines with a paint pen or marker for accurate reinstallation.
8. Pull the steering wheel straight off the column.

Step 3: Remove the Gauge Cluster

9. Remove three Phillips screws from the top of the plastic trim around the gauge cluster using a stubby Phillips screwdriver.

10. Remove two Phillips screws from the bottom of the trim, located on either side of the steering column.

11. Remove three Phillips screws from the center vents: one on the far right and two near the gauge cluster.

12. Lift the bottom edge of the trim behind the steering column and pull down slightly on the top to clear the dash. Slide the trim out.

13. Remove four Phillips screws securing the gauge cluster.

14. Slide the cluster forward carefully to access the electrical connectors, avoiding damage to the ribbon circuit board on the back.

15. Release the locking levers on the three electrical connectors and disconnect them.
16. Tilt the cluster and slide it out, pushing up on the dash opening if needed. Be cautious of the ribbon circuit board.
17. Disconnect the odometer reset switch to the right of the cluster by pulling it straight out.

Step 4: Remove the Climate Control Unit

18. Gently remove the four control knobs from the climate control unit. For the fan speed knob, carefully pry with a small flathead screwdriver to avoid breaking the bulb or tabs.

19. Pry under the edges of the climate control cover with a small flathead screwdriver to remove it.

20. Remove four Phillips screws behind the cover.

21. Slide the unit out, disconnect the electrical plug, and remove the unit.

Step 5: Remove the Trim Panel Above the Glove Box

22. Open the passenger door, locate the side trim panel, and remove one Phillips screw using a stubby screwdriver. Slide the panel forward to disengage tabs.

23. Remove two Phillips screws from the passenger-side vent and remove the vent.
24. Remove the bottom Phillips screw behind the side trim panel.

25. Pry off the rectangular trim cover next to the vent control lever with a small flathead screwdriver.

26. Remove two Phillips screws behind the trim cover.

27. Turn the temperature sensor intake cover 90° counterclockwise with needle-nose pliers to remove it, taking care not to break the vents.

28. Remove one Phillips screw behind the sensor cover.
29. Slide the clock, cigarette lighter, and hazard switch trim piece out, then disconnect their wires carefully to avoid breaking plastic clips.

Step 6: Remove the Center Console

30. Pull the ashtray straight up to remove it.
31. Remove two Phillips screws at the front of the ashtray opening.

32. Force both hands into the storage pocket under the radio, press outward, and pull to remove it.
33. Remove two Phillips screws at the bottom of the pocket opening.

34. Lift the console insert around the gear shift lever, removing the radio trim if necessary.
35. Release the plastic tabs on the console switch plugs using two small flathead screwdrivers simultaneously to avoid breaking them.

36. If the radio fader knob cannot be disconnected, push it out of the insert and leave it in the car.
37. Remove the spring clip from the gear shift knob, slide the knob off, and set the knob and insert aside.
38. Remove the radio trim ring (if present), slide the radio out, disconnect its plugs, and remove it.
39. Remove four Phillips screws holding the cassette holder (two at the ashtray opening, two at the cassette holder).
40. Remove two Phillips screws at the front of the console, one on each side below the dash, then slide the console rearward to remove it.
41. Remove two brackets securing the dash to the torque tube tunnel using a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 7: Remove the Glove Box

42. Open the glove box and remove all retaining screws (front, sides, and near the light) using a Phillips screwdriver.
43. Crawl under the dash and disconnect the ventilation hose at the back of the glove box.
44. Slide the glove box out, pulling down on the top-front if needed, and disconnect the light wires as soon as accessible.
45. (85.5 Onwards, air bag cars): Reach above the glove box area, disconnect the two red electrical plugs from the passenger air bag, remove four Allen head bolts, and remove the air bag.

Step 8: Remove the Sun Visors and A-Pillar Trim

46. Remove three Phillips screws per sun visor pivot and two Phillips screws for the sunroof visor clips.
47. Remove plastic covers over the three screw holes per A-pillar trim piece.
48. Remove two bottom Phillips screws per A-pillar trim piece.
49. Insert a Phillips screwdriver straight up toward the roof to remove the top screw per A-pillar trim piece.
50. Pull back the door frame weather-stripping and remove each A-pillar trim piece, pulling down on the roof panel if needed.

Step 9: Remove the Steering Column Trim and Switch Assembly

51. Remove three Phillips screws from the turn signal trim and remove it.
52. Pry off the rubber trim around the ignition switch with a small flathead screwdriver.
53. Remove two Phillips screws from the ignition switch trim, remove it, and disconnect the wires.
54. Pull the headlight knob straight out.
55. Pry off the oblong cover to the left of the fog light switch with a small flathead screwdriver and remove two Phillips screws behind it.
56. Open the driver’s door, remove one Phillips screw from the triangular side trim piece, and remove it.
57. Remove two Phillips screws under the triangular trim piece.
58. Remove two Phillips screws from the driver’s side vent and remove the vent.
59. Remove one Phillips screw to the left of the steering column and one on the bottom of the dash.
60. Remove the nut holding the headlight switch, slide the switch out, and disconnect the fog light switch wires while removing the trim piece.
61. Remove the bolt and collar securing the switch assembly to the steering column, slide the assembly off, and disconnect its plug.

Step 10: Remove the Dash

62. Remove one upper mounting screw at each A-pillar using a Phillips screwdriver.
63. Remove one lower mounting screw at each footwell’s bottom outside edge.
64. Ensure all wires are clear, pull the dash straight back toward the seats, and remove the side vent ductwork as you pull.

Step 11: Install the New Dash

65. Inspect all wiring and components behind the old dash for wear or damage before installing the new dash.
66. Install the upper side vents into the new dash (944 552 011 00).
67. Position the new dash against the firewall’s felt ledge and install the upper mounting screws at the A-pillars, tightening to 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lbs).
68. Reconnect the ventilation ductwork to the side vents.
69. Install the lower mounting screws at the bottom outside of the dash, tightening to 10 Nm (7.4 ft-lbs).
70. (85.5 Onwards, air bag cars): Install the passenger air bag with four Allen head bolts and reconnect the two red wiring plugs.
71. Install the glove box, reconnecting the light wires, ventilation hose, and clamp, then secure with all screws.
72. Install the trim piece above the glove box, reconnecting the clock, hazard switch, and cigarette lighter wires, and attach the temperature sensor vent tube.
73. Install the passenger-side upper vent and triangular side trim piece with one Phillips screw.
74. Reconnect the gauge cluster’s three electrical connectors, insert the cluster, and secure with four Phillips screws.
75. Connect the odometer reset switch to the dash.
76. Install the gauge cluster trim piece with five Phillips screws (three top, two bottom).
77. Install the switch assembly onto the steering column, tighten the collar, and reconnect the wiring.
78. Install the far-left dash trim piece, headlight switch (with nut and knob), and remaining steering column trim, reconnecting ignition switch wires.
79. Install the rubber trim ring around the ignition switch.
80. Install the driver’s side upper vent and triangular side trim piece with one Phillips screw.
81. Install the climate control unit, secure with four Phillips screws, attach the cover, and reinstall the knobs.
82. Install the A-pillar trim pieces with three Phillips screws each, securing the weather-stripping.
83. Install the sun visors with three screws each and the sunroof clips with two screws.
84. Install the center console brackets to the torque tube tunnel.
85. Position the center console, secure with two front screws, and reinstall the radio, reconnecting its plugs.
86. Install the shift knob, boot, and console insert, reconnecting switch plugs and the radio fader switch.
87. Secure the console with four Phillips screws (two at the ashtray, two at the cassette holder).
88. Install the pocket under the radio and the cassette holder with four screws.
89. Install the ashtray.
90. Align the steering wheel with the marked splines, install the retaining nut and washer, and tighten to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).
91. (Pre-85.5, non-air bag cars): Reconnect and install the horn button or pad.
92. (85.5 Onwards, air bag cars): Reconnect and install the air bag into the steering wheel with two T30 Torx screws.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Verify all electrical components (gauges, lights, climate control) function correctly.
• Check that the steering wheel is aligned and secure.
• Ensure all trim pieces are firmly attached with no loose screws.
• (85.5 Onwards, air bag cars): Confirm the air bag warning light is off. Follow this link to ensure this step – Air Bag Reset Procedure – is followed accurately.
• Inspect for rattles or loose components while driving 5 miles (8 km).

Sources

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