Q: How do you remove the instrument panel on Ford Escape?
A: To remove the instrument panel, disconnect the negative battery cable. Lower the tilt steering column and remove the steering wheel. Remove the passenger's side airbag, audio unit, and heater/air conditioner control assembly. Remove pin-type retainers, disconnect harness connectors, and remove the hood latch bolts. Take off the Steering Column Covers and disconnect the shift cable. Disconnect the steering column intermediate shaft U-joint and harness connectors. Disconnect the climate control vacuum harness and remove the instrument panel center brace. Disconnect the temperature control cable, press the glove box tabs, and disconnect electrical connectors. Remove the A-pillar passenger assist handle, windshield side garnish moldings, and a small cover. Unscrew the bolt, remove the instrument cluster, and remove the instrument panel bolt. Remove finish panels, instrument panel mounting bolts, center floor console, and lower trim panel. Detach the bolts securing the steering column and lower it. Lift the instrument panel and pull it away from the windshield, taking it out through the driver's door opening with an assistant. For installation, reverse the removal steps, ensuring proper wire routing and connections. Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting the removal process, and the same applies to the reinstallation steps.
Q: How to remove and install the instrument cluster on Ford Escape?
A: This procedure is intended for removing the instrument cluster for access to other components only. If the instrument cluster requires replacement, the job will have to be performed at a dealer service department or other qualified repair shop equipped with the special scan tool that is required to upload the module configuration data and download this data into the new cluster. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal. Tilt the steering wheel to its lowest position and move the transaxle shift lever out of the way. On 2007 and earlier models, remove the cluster bezel screws and remove the cluster bezel. On 2008 and later models, use a plastic trim tool or a screwdriver wrapped with tape to carefully pry off the bezel. Remove the instrument cluster retaining screws, then pull out the cluster and disconnect the electrical connectors from the back side. Installation is the reverse of removal. After you've reconnected the battery, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and performance.