How do you remove a Saturn Vue dashboard?

Answer 1

Information for this answer was found on saturnfans discussion forum. This seems to cover removing the center part of the dashboard covering the radio, hvac controls, etc.

Overview

This manual covers the removal and installation of the factory radio into the 2004 Saturn VUE.

This task requires minimal ability to complete and can be undertaken by any dealership technician. Being an employee of the dealership, familiarity with general mechanical skills is presumed.

WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING THE REMOVAL OF THE FACTORY RADIO UNIT, DISCONNECT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE�S ELECTRONIC AND/OR COMPUTER SYSTEMS.

Required Tools

The following hand tools will be required to perform this task:

� #2 Phillips screwdriver

� 7mm nut driver

Setup

Park on a flat surface and set the vehicle parking brake.

Turn the ignition key to the ON position but DO NOT START THE VEHICLE.

Record the customer�s current radio station selections for programming into new radio unit.

On an automatic transmission equipped vehicle, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever to the �L� (or Low) position.

On manual transmission equipped vehicles, depress the clutch and move the shift in 4th gear.

Trim Removal

During this procedure, use firm but straight forces when removing and installing the plastic shift and dash trim pieces. Pulling upward at an angle could case damage to them.

Lift up the lower left corner of shift trim piece until it unsnaps from the shift console.

Slide the trim piece back so that it hangs between the seats.

NOTE: THERE ARE SEVERAL ELECTRICAL ATTACHMENTS TO THIS TRIM PIECE SO IT WILL NOT SEPARATE TOO FAR FROM THE CONSOLE SO DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FORCE SEPARATION.

Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the four screws holding in the plastic �cubby� and set the �cubby� aside. If vehicle is equipped with factory installed Comfort Package heated seat switch panel, remove the four screws and let the switch assembly hang down into the console.

Lift the dash trim piece until the assembly snaps off the dashboard by lifting the bottom.

This will expose the stock factory radio unit.

NOTE: THIS ASSEMBLY HAS MANY ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONNECTORS ATTACHED TO IT AND IT WILL NOT SEPARATE TOO FAR FROM THE DASHBOARD, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FORCE SEPARATION.

Radio Removal

Using the 7mm nut driver, loosen and remove the two hex head screws (one on the left and one on the right of the radio unit) holding the factory radio unit into the dashboard.

Slide the factory radio unit out of the dashboard by lifting on the face plate and pulling the radio unit toward the rear of the vehicle. The unit will slide out of dashboard with little resistance.

Once the radio unit has cleared the dashboard, unplug the antenna connector from the rear of the radio unit.

After the antenna has been unplugged, the radio unit will slide a little further from the dashboard and you will have access to the large factory wiring connector located on the rear of the factory radio unit. Unplug this connector from the back of the factory radio unit.

Radio Installation

Remove the replacement radio unit from the packing material.

Place the replacement radio unit into the stock radio unit�s dashboard opening.

Reconnect the factory wiring connector and antenna connector to the rear of the replacement radio unit.

Slide the replacement radio unit completely into the stock dashboard location. The radio unit will align into the opening on the right and left alignment studs.

Using the 7mm nut driver, reinstall the two hex head screws to secure the radio unit into the dashboard.

Trim Installation

Place the top edge to the dash trim assembly into the alignment slots at the top of the dash board.

Using even pressure and straight downward force, press on the dash trim assembly until it snaps into place.

Place the top edge to the shift trim piece into the alignment slots under the dash trim piece.

Using even pressure and straight downward force, press on the shift trim assembly until it snaps into place in the shift console.

NOTE: MAKE SURE THAT ALL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONNECTORS ARE STILL ATTACHED TO THE DASH AND SHIFT TRIM ASSEMBLY. IF ANY CONNECTOR HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED, REATTACH THE CONNECTOR TO THE CORRESPONDING TRIM ASSEMBLY BEFORE CONTINUING.

Wrap Up

On an automatic transmission equipped vehicle, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever to the �P� (or Park) position.

On manual transmission equipped vehicles, depress the clutch and move the shift to neutral.

Turn the key to the OFF position.

Reconnect the positive battery cable.

Test the new radio unit and reprogram customer�s radio station selections.

The information for the above answer was gathered from the saturnfans forums.