Remove the Dashboard on a 1995-2004 (First Generation) Toyota Tacoma

Works For:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Toyota Tacoma Models

Source: CustomTacos

These instructions will help you take your dash apart to gain access to the instrument cluster and stereo receiver. Always pay attention to the disassembly procedure to remember how to re-assemble the dash.

Tools Needed:

Stubby Phillips Head Screwdriver	Small Hook Tool	OR	Flat Head Screwdriver	Phillips Head Screwdriver	10mm Nut Driver or Socke

1: Remove all of the temperature control knobs, including the A/C button (95-00 models).

Using a small hook or a flat-head screwdriver, carefully pull the control panel straight out. It will pop out with a slight tug.

2: Remove two phillips head screws from behind temperature control panel.

3<: Remove ashtray and remove the phillips head screw on upper right side

4: Carefully remove center black dash molding. This can be easily done by grabbing the plastic between the vents and the temperature controls and pulling toward you and slightly down. It will pop out with a slight tug.

At this point, you have access to the stereo receiver. The stereo brackets are attached using 4 10mm bolts. These bolts also have a phillips head, but it is recommended that you use a 10mm socket to remove them.

If you wish to gain access to the instrument cluster, continue reading…

6: Remove the (4) 10mm nuts from the dash molding below the steering wheel. Unscrew the Phillips screw under the left vent.

7: Remove 2 phillips screws that hold the hood release mechanism in place. Manuver the hood release lever free from the dash molding. (The hood release lever may be left in place for the dash panel to lay in the floorboard, if desired)

8: Carefully pull off the panel. There are clips holding the left side, which will pop off with a slight tug. If you are accessing the instrument cluster, this panel does not need to be completely removed, but rather just dropped down.

9: Now, remove the clock and keyhole panel. It will pop straight off with a slight tug.

10:Next unscrew the black trim around the gauges. There are two screws under the upper panel of the gauge trim panel. This is where the stubby Phillips head screwdriver comes in handy.

11: Next pull the gauge trim out. Pull gently and take care not to pull too hard. If you have a tilt steering wheel, make sure it is tilted all the way down. There are several clips that will pop out with a slight tug.

12: As you pull the gauge trim panel out, disconnect any applicable accesory harnesses: hazard flashers, ECT, clutch start cancel, rear locker, and the dimmer switch.

13: Remove the 4 phillips screws that hold the instrument cluster in place. There are two on each side.

14: Pull the instrument cluster partially out and disconnect the 3 wiring harnesses and remove cluster

To gain access under the dash on the passenger side, remove the 2 Phillips head screws just beneath the glove box. Unlatch the glove box and take it out.