The 2003 Lincoln Navigator has several components to its dashboard. These components and panels are attached by various screws. Once the screws are removed, the components can easily be removed one by one. Removing the dashboard is a time-consuming process, but it is fairly straightforward. The removal of the Navigator's dashboard is a necessary procedure for several maintenance tasks, such as replacing the dash lights and checking the vehicle's heater core.
Turn off the Navigator's engine and open the hood. Use a socket wrench to remove the negative cable from the battery to prevent the airbags from activating while you are removing the dashboard.
Remove the four fasteners from the center faceplate, one at each corner. If you are having difficulty removing the clips by hand, use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry them out so you don't break them. Remove the faceplate. This will reveal four screws at each corner. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
Pull the center dashboard console forward to reveal the electrical connectors to the radio, the AC unit and the cigarette lighter. Detach all three connectors by pulling them off their respective devices. Pull the radio and the AC unit out, followed by the center dashboard console.
Remove the glove compartment by opening it and squeezing the tabs on the sides. Pull it out to remove it. Remove the kick panels on the passenger's and driver's side by detaching their two securing screws and pulling the panels off.
Remove the four screws around the instrument cluster and lower the steering wheel. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry out all the air conditioning vents, the fuse panel to the far left of the instrument cluster, the headlamp switch cover, the two panels on each side of the steering wheel and the panel above the glove compartment. Remove the eight screws along the windshield at the top of the dashboard trim. Pull the dashboard out of the Navigator.
