Yes, this is substantially more involved than removing the visible trim panels. On the 2023 Navigator with the HUD, the upper dash pad is retained from underneath and interfaces with the passenger-airbag module. You should expect to loosen and likely remove the instrument-panel assembly far enough to access the upper-pad fasteners. The windshield normally does not have to be removed, but the HUD, center display, cluster-area trim, defroster trim, A-pillar trim, and numerous electrical connections must be dealt with in the prescribed order.
Because the passenger airbag deployed, do not replace only the torn pad. The supplemental-restraint system must be diagnosed with a capable scan tool, and Ford/Lincoln’s post-deployment parts-replacement procedure should be followed. Depending on the recorded deployment event, this can include the passenger-airbag module, deployed seat-belt pretensioners, restraints control module, impact sensors, damaged wiring/connectors, and related trim components.
Before touching the passenger-airbag or HUD area:
Disconnect the supplemental-restraint system using the factory depowering procedure—not merely by disconnecting the battery and immediately beginning work.
Never probe airbag connectors with a test light or ordinary ohmmeter.
Keep the new airbag module facing upward while handling it.
Do not switch the ignition on with SRS components disconnected unless the service procedure specifically instructs you to do so.
Protect the HUD unit and do not alter its mounting position; it may require alignment or calibration afterward.
I would obtain the 2023 Navigator workshop-manual procedures by VIN for Instrument Panel Upper Section, Instrument Panel Removal, Passenger Airbag, HUD, and Supplemental Restraint System Depowering/Repowering. There are numerous hidden fasteners and model-specific variations, so an older Navigator tutorial is not dependable for this job.
The short answer is: the complete HVAC housing generally does not need to come out just to replace the pad, but the instrument-panel assembly must be extensively disassembled and may need to be pulled or removed to reach the pad and passenger-airbag attachments. Since this is a deployed-airbag repair, I strongly recommend using the exact Lincoln procedure rather than prying or searching blindly for the remaining fasteners.
Sep 7, 2026 at 9:31 AM
