Dashboard: cracks and removal
Why dashboard cracks are almost a given, which two versions exist and what to watch for when removing it.
In short: Cracks from sunlight are common. There are two fundamentally different dashboards: up to mid-1985 and from “1985.5”.
Two versions
The 944 received a new dashboard in mid-1985. Removal and parts differ accordingly before and after 1985.5. Parts do not simply interchange between the versions.
Removal
Removal is not overly difficult but very tedious: steering wheel, instruments, centre console, glovebox, trim panels and finally the dash itself. The instrument cluster’s ribbon circuit and many plastic clips are fragile.
Cars with airbags
For cars with airbags there is a waiting time after disconnecting the battery (see table). On the S2 the airbag warning light then has to be reset with a diagnostic tool. Airbag work is safety-relevant – check in the workshop manual first or leave it to a specialist.
Technical values
Only work with the workshop manual and the correct tools. Do not use unverified values without checking them – wrong tension values can destroy the engine.
| Value | Figure | Condition | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waiting time after disconnecting the battery before removing the airbag | at least 30 minutes | Safety-relevant – check in the workshop manual before doing the work | unverified | [2] |
Sources
- Secondary source Porsche 944 (Abschnitt «Production»)
Secondary source. Production tables per model year, no book citation; totals are partly inconsistent.
- Secondary source Dashboard Replacement (1985.5 and Newer)
Dashboard removal from model year 1985.5.
- Secondary source Porsche 944 buying checklist (PDF)
Buying checklist ordered by area.