Ford Ecosport: Instrument Panel and Console / Removal and Installation - Instrument Panel

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Removal

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

NOTE: During the removal or installation of components, cap, tape or otherwise appropriately protect all openings and tubes/fittings to prevent the ingress of dirt or other contamination. Remove caps, tape and other protective materials prior to installation.

All vehicles

1. Evacuate the A/C system.
   Refer to: Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging - Vehicles With: R134A Refrigerant (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1.5L/2.0L

1. Remove the engine appearance cover.
   

1.5L

1. Remove the engine appearance cover.
   

All vehicles

1. Remove the cowl panel grille.
   Refer to: Cowl Panel Grille (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
   

1. 
   Remove the cowl panel bolts, position aside the vacuum line and remove the cowl panel.
   
   • Remove the bolts.
     Torque: 27 lb.in (3 Nm)
   • Remove the bolts.
     Torque: 44 lb.in (5 Nm)

1. 
   Remove the thermostatic expansion valve nut and flange, and position aside the lines.
   
   • Make sure to cover any open ports to prevent debris from entering the system.
     Torque: 133 lb.in (15 Nm)

   • NOTICE: Only use the specified material to lubricate the seals.

     Install and lubricat new O-rings seals
     
   • Lubricate the refrigernat system with the correct amount of clean PAG oil. Refer to the appropriate Refrigerant Oil Adding procedure in Group 412.
     

1. 1. Pinch off the heater hoses.
      Use the General Equipment: Locking Pliers
   2. Disconnect the heater hoses.
      
   3. Remove the HVAC nut.
      Torque: 9 lb.in (1 Nm)
   • Make sure to cover any open ports to prevent coolant from spilling into the interior while removing the instrument panel from the vehicle.
     

1. Remove the cowl to in-vehicle cross beam bolt.
   Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

1. Remove the floor console.
   Refer to: Floor Console (501-12 Instrument Panel and Console, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the A-pillar trim panels.
   Refer to: A-Pillar Trim Panel (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Position aside the weather strip, release the clips and remove the LH instrument panel side trim panel.
   

1. Release the retainers and remove the LH scuff plate.
   

1. Release the retainers and remove the LH lower cowl trim panel.
   

1. Disconnect the electrical connector.
   

1. Remove the hood release handle.
   Refer to: Hood Latch Release Handle (501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Position aside the weather strip, release the clips and remove the RH instrument panel side trim panel.
   

1. 
   Remove the bolts and the RH hush panel.
   
   • Disconnect the electrical connector.
     

1. Release the retainers and remove the RH scuff plate.
   

1. Release the retainers and remove the RH lower cowl trim panel.
   

1. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
   

1. Remove the driver side front door only.
   Refer to: Front Door (501-03 Body Closures, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTE: Driver side door opening, upper cowl.

   Remove the bolt cover and the LH upper cowl on in-vehicle cross beam bolt.
   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

1. NOTE: Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring may result.

   Secure the steering column.
   

1.   WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

   NOTICE:

   Remove and discard the lower steering column shaft coupler bolt and separate the steering column shaft coupler from the steering shaft.
   Torque: 25 lb.ft (34 Nm)

1. Disconnect the electrical connector, release the harness retainers and position aisde the harness.
   

Vehicles with automatic transmission

1. 1. Remove the selector lever cable end from the selector lever mechanism.
      
   2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
      
   3. Remove the selector lever cable retaining clip bolt and remove the clip from the selector lever cable.
   4. Remove the nuts and the selector lever assembly.
      Torque: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)

All vehicles

1. Remove the glove compartment.
   Refer to: Glove Compartment (501-12 Instrument Panel and Console, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the glove compartment tray.
   

1. Disconnect the electrical connector.
   

1. Remove the bolts and the RH side instrument panel center support brace.
   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

1. Remove the bolts and the LH side instrument panel center support brace.
   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

1. NOTE: If equipped.

   Remove the LH HVAC duct.
   

1. NOTE: If equipped.

   Remove the RH HVAC duct.
   

1. Remove the RH instrument panel bolts.
   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

1. Remove the LH instrument panel bolts.
   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

1. NOTE: To avoid damaging the instrument panel, an assistant is required when carrying out this step.

   NOTE: Make sure not to damage the instrument panel when removing the instrument panel from the vehicle.

   NOTE: Make sure that all electrical connectors and wiring are not hindered before removing the instrument panel or damage to the components may occur.

   Remove the instrument panel through the drivers side door opening.
   

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. Fill and bleed the cooling system. Refer to the correct filling and bleeding without a vacuum cooling system filler procedure in group 303-03.