How Do I remove the Dashboard trim piece(s)?

RYDER1477

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
188,000 MILES

I am wanting to install a stereo in my car listed above, and I can't figure out how to remove the wood looking, trim piece that goes from the steering wheel all the way to the passenger side door. It's one whole piece and I can't find a clip or screw or anything. I tried giving it a firm tug but that didn't jar anything loose.
Any suggestions?

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Saturday, March 8th, 2025 AT 3:38 PM

1 Reply

CANNON1349

MECHANIC
748 POSTS

Hello, this piece is made into the instrument cluster bezel, and cannot be removed. You will need to remove the entire front plate to accomplish this. However, this is not necessary to install a new radio, unless your aftermarket stereo is much bigger than the spaces shown in your photos. Nevertheless, I will provide instructions to remove this bezel for you with pictures.

Removal Procedure

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Using a small flat-bladed tool, remove the bezel from the ignition switch cylinder.
(image 1)

3. If the vehicle is equipped with a column shift, position the transaxle shift control indicator to 1. Keep the key in the ignition switch cylinder.
(image 2)

4. Adjust the steering wheel for access.
5. Remove the steering column filler panel.

6. Remove the instrument panel (I/P) fuse block access hole covers.
(image 3)

7. Remove the screws from the I/P cluster trim plate.
8. Starting at the right end of the I/P cluster, grasp the trim plate and pull rearward.
9. Continue working around the I/P cluster trim plate until all of the retainers are released from the I/P trim pad.
10. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the hazard switch and from the traction control switch, if equipped.
11. Remove the I/P cluster trim plate.
(image 4)

INSTALLATION

1. Position the IP cluster trim plate to the I/P trim pad.
2. Connect the electrical connectors to the hazard switch and to the traction control switch, if equipped.
3. Press the IP cluster trim plate into the I/P trim pad until the retainers are fully seated.

4. Install the I/P cluster trim plate screws.

Tighten the screws to 2 N.M (18 lb in).

5. Install the I/P fuse block access hole covers.

6. Align the bezel retainers to the tabs on the ignition switch cylinder.

7. Install the bezel to the ignition switch cylinder pressing into place until fully seated.

8. Install the steering column filler panel.
9. Return the steering wheel to the original position.
10. If the vehicle is equipped with a column shift, position the transaxle shift control indicator to Park and remove the key from the ignition switch cylinder.
11. Release the parking brake.

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