Unveiling the Hidden Secrets of Disassembling a 2015 Chrysler 200 Dash

Unveiling the Hidden Secrets of Disassembling a 2015 Chrysler 200 Dash

The dashboard of your 2015 Chrysler 200 is not just a visual centerpiece but a functional area where various components like the radio, air conditioning controls, and essential instrumentation reside. If you’re planning to disassemble your Chrysler 200 dash, whether for repairs, upgrades, or a full replacement, knowing the proper steps is crucial to avoid damage and ensure a smooth process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the hidden secrets of disassembling a Chrysler 200 dash. This will help you make the process easier, faster, and safer, ensuring your car is back to top condition in no time.

Why Disassemble the Dash of a Chrysler 200?

Disassembling the dash of your Chrysler 200 may be necessary for several reasons:

• Repairs – If certain dashboard components like the air conditioning, stereo system, or climate controls are malfunctioning.
• Upgrades – You may want to upgrade to a more modern infotainment system or install a custom dashboard.
• Cleaning – Over time, dust and debris can accumulate under the dashboard, requiring a deep clean.
• Maintenance – Certain components such as wiring, sensors, and electrical connections might need attention.

Regardless of the reason, it is important to follow a step-by-step process to avoid costly mistakes. Now let’s dive into the procedure of disassembling a 2015 Chrysler 200 dashboard.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disassembling Your Chrysler 200 Dashboard

Before you start, you will need a few basic tools: a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, plastic trim removal tools, and possibly a socket wrench set. Make sure you also have a safe place to store screws and small components to avoid losing them.

Step 1: Disconnect the Car Battery

Before starting any work on the dashboard, it’s crucial to disconnect the car’s battery. This step will ensure that you avoid any accidental electric shocks, especially when handling airbag components or wiring.

• Locate the negative terminal of the battery under the hood.
• Using a wrench, disconnect the negative terminal first.
• Wait for at least 10 minutes to allow any residual charge to dissipate.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Dash Panels

Now that the battery is disconnected, you can begin removing the lower dash panels. These panels typically cover the area around your knees and may house fuse panels, wiring, or storage compartments.

• Use the flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off any visible screws or clips.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to avoid damaging the panels.
• Set the panels aside in a safe location.

Step 3: Remove the Center Console and Gear Shifter (if applicable)

The Chrysler 200’s center console houses important components, and removing it is necessary to access certain areas of the dashboard. Depending on your model, you may also need to remove the gear shifter.

• Unscrew any visible bolts around the base of the console and around the shifter area.
• Gently pull the center console upwards, ensuring no wires are still connected.
• If the gear shifter needs to be removed, disconnect any wiring harnesses first.

Step 4: Remove the Instrument Cluster

The instrument cluster is the part of the dashboard that houses your speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and other essential instruments. Removing this piece may be necessary for repairs or upgrades to the internal wiring.

• Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the instrument cluster in place.
• Carefully pull the cluster away from the dashboard.
• Disconnect any wiring harnesses or connectors attached to the cluster.

Step 5: Detach the Main Dashboard Panel

With the lower panels and instrument cluster removed, you can now focus on the main dashboard panel, which is typically secured with screws and clips.

• Use a screwdriver to remove the screws around the edges of the dashboard panel.
• Carefully pry the panel off with a trim removal tool, starting from the edges.
• If the panel is stubborn, gently wiggle it back and forth until it comes loose.
• Be cautious not to damage any clips or wiring attached to the panel.

Step 6: Disconnect the Wiring and Remove the Dashboard

Once the dashboard panel is loose, you’ll need to disconnect the various electrical connections before fully removing it. These may include airbag sensors, climate control wires, and infotainment system connectors.

• Label each connector if necessary, so you know where they will be reattached later.
• Gently disconnect each wiring harness from the back of the dashboard.
• Carefully lift the dashboard out of the vehicle and set it aside.

Troubleshooting Tips for Disassembling Your Chrysler 200 Dashboard

While disassembling the dashboard of a 2015 Chrysler 200 may seem straightforward, you might encounter a few issues along the way. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve common problems:

1. Stubborn Dashboard Panels

If the dashboard panels won’t come off easily, they may be held in place by hidden clips. Use a plastic trim removal tool and gently work around the edges. Avoid using excessive force to prevent cracking or breaking the clips.

2. Damaged or Stripped Screws

Over time, screws can become stripped or damaged, making them difficult to remove. If you encounter this problem:

• Try using a screw extractor tool to remove the damaged screw.
• If that doesn’t work, carefully drill out the screw using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw head.

3. Wiring Issues

When disconnecting the wiring harnesses, be gentle to avoid damaging any connectors. If a connector seems stuck, never force it—try gently wiggling the connector or applying a small amount of lubricant to loosen it. If you’re unsure, consult a repair manual or reach out to an experienced technician.

Reassembly of Your Chrysler 200 Dashboard

Reassembling your Chrysler 200 dashboard is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process. However, it’s important to ensure that all wiring harnesses are correctly reconnected, screws are tightened, and panels are securely clipped into place.

• Reconnect all electrical connections before securing the dashboard panels.
• Double-check all screws and bolts to ensure everything is tight and secure.
• Reinstall the center console and gear shifter, if applicable.
• Finally, reconnect the car battery, starting with the positive terminal.

Once the dashboard is reassembled, check all components to ensure that everything is functioning properly, including the instrument cluster, air conditioning, and audio system.

Conclusion

Disassembling the dash of your Chrysler 200 can be a challenging but rewarding task, especially if you’re aiming to make repairs, upgrades, or simply clean out accumulated debris. By following the steps outlined above and taking the proper precautions, you can complete this process with minimal stress and hassle. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned mechanic, taking the time to carefully disassemble and reassemble your Chrysler 200 dashboard will ensure that your vehicle remains in top working condition.

If you found this guide helpful and are looking for more Chrysler 200 maintenance tips, check out Chrysler’s official website for expert advice. For further reading on dashboard components and troubleshooting, you can explore our other blog posts.

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by TheFixitLab Team