How To Repair A Cracked Dash Board 2007 Chevy Suburban

Many 2007 to 2022 Chevy Tahoe owners take complained about a croaky or swell dashboards, commonly above the passenger airbag and on the steering column cowling. While this issue is mostly cosmetic, in that location'southward a possibility that the cracked dash could exist a safety effect in an accident. Therefore, it's a good idea to repair the cracked nuance at your offset opportunity.

What Causes a Dashboard to Scissure?

Most people attribute the dashboard cracks found in the Tahoe to a manufacturer's defect. A few think that over-tightening of the bolts is the culprit, and others think information technology's just because GM used cheap plastic. There was actually a class action lawsuit confronting GM, but nothing came out of information technology except a rumor that some GM dealerships are offering to cover half of the dashboard repair costs.

If you're a Tahoe owner experiencing this trouble, you lot might be better off merely fixing this by yourself. It's an easy job that will take an hr or ii. In a nutshell, y'all have to remove the dashboard and then make surface repairs by sealing the crevice close.

This solution only works on small cracks, though. For bigger cracks, you're ameliorate off replacing the entire dashboard.

We're going to show you how to remove the dashboard from your Tahoe and set up it in 5 steps:

i. Remove the Dashboard

A dashboard fissure on the driver's side in a 2007 Tahoe, via Chevrolet Forum member bamafutbal

This step requires disconnecting a lot of wires and unscrewing a lot of bolts. It's much easier with the right tools, similar a plastic automobile interior trim tool kit that allows you to remove all of the trim without breaking or scratching annihilation.

This comprehensive YouTube tutorial offers great instructions on removing the dashboard in a Tahoe. Here's a quick list of steps:

1. Remove the panel from the driver'south finish of the dashboard.
2. Unscrew the 2 bolts at the meridian.
3. Go under the dashboard on the commuter'due south side and unscrew the three bolts there, too.
4. Remove the bottom part of the dashboard, underneath the steering wheel. At this point, ensure that the car is turned off.
5. Unscrew the two bolts on each side of the steering wheel.
6. Remove the pocket-sized plastic panel on the frame above the commuter's seat. Unscrew the bolt underneath.
7. Remove the entire panel over the frame and unplug the wiring at the bottom.
8. Unscrew the two bolts at the meridian of the odometer command panel.
9. Remove the upper middle part of the dashboard (higher up the controls in the center console). Unscrew all the bolts and unplug the wires underneath.
10. Remove the odometer control console and all of the control panels in the center console.
11. Remove the panels around the glove compartment and unscrew the bolts underneath.
12. Remove the panel over the rider airbag and unscrew the bolts underneath.
13. Remove the small plastic panels on the frame above the passenger's seat. Unscrew the bolts underneath.
14. Remove the entire panel over the frame and unplug the wiring at the bottom.
15. Remove the panel right side by side to the windshield and unplug all of the wires underneath. Unscrew all of the bolts, too.
16. Finally, remove the entire dashboard.

Yous may want to consider replacing a few parts under the dashboard while you have it off. A few suggestions:

• Auto lamp sensor, Part No. 15837063
• HVAC control panel, Part No. 22879021
• Rider air pocketbook, Part No. 22744317

2. Close the Cracks With a Hot Plastic Staple Gun

Get-go, ensure that the hot staple gun yous have can exist used on plastic. Turn the dashboard over and use the hot staple gun to melt the staples beyond the scissure. The staples should be positioned about half an inch autonomously. The point of this step is to shut upward the crack. However, this is not enough to keep the crack airtight, and then you lot'll need to actually seal information technology upwards.

three. Lay a Few Pieces of Metallic Wire Across the Crevice

You want to grab some galvanized steel wire or something similar, as long as it'south strong enough to hold the crevice together. Cutting the wire into 5" pieces and lay them perpendicularly across the scissure. You want them to be nigh half an inch apart. Don't lay any of them directly above the staples.

iv. Cover the Metal Wire With Epoxy Agglutinative

Grab some epoxy adhesive and generously embrace the crack, the staples, and the wires with it. Ensure that you get as much of it every bit possible on the dashboard itself.

five. Let it Dry and Then Put the Dashboard Dorsum On

Give the epoxy 24 to 48 hours to dry. At this indicate, the crack should be barely visible and that surface area should be sturdier than always.

Bonus Footstep: Report This Outcome to NHTSA

But because the class action lawsuit didn't work out doesn't hateful that this is a lost crusade. The more NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Condom Administration) hears nigh this, the more likely they'll intervene. Head over to Safercar.gov and file a complaint. They take all complaints seriously, so it's well worth your time.

Source: https://www.gmpartscenter.net/blog/fix-cracked-tahoe-dashboard

Posted by: hansonnotne1961.blogspot.com

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