The instrument panel in a Ford F-150 truck might need to be removed for a number of reasons, including servicing any parts installed behind the panel like the heater core. But removing the panel itself is not an easy task, as several small parts and components will need to be disconnected from the vehicle. This should only be attempted by someone with an expert knowledge of the truck and its instrument panel.
Disconnect the Ford's negative battery cable. Turn the truck's front wheels straight ahead and then lock the steering column. Remove the A-pillars' trim by removing the screw covers and then unscrewing the mounting fasteners.
Remove the center console if equipped by unfastening the nearby trim panels, prying off the shifter trim panel, disconnecting the shifter cable and unfastening the console. Remove the steering wheel, then unfasten and remove the steering column covers, starting with the lower cover.
Remove the instrument cluster. Unscrew and pry off the knee bolster with the aid of a flat-blade tool, then unscrew and remove the instrument cluster bezel in a similar way. Disconnect the electrical connectors, remove the cluster's mounting bolts and remove the cluster--you'll need to disconnect the gear position indicator on an automatic transmission.
Remove the glove box by opening the door, pressing on the sides of the compartment bin together, pulling the door down and removing the fasteners at the bottom. Remove the center brace cover, center bezel and upper finish panel by removing their fasteners or prying them off their clips.
Detach the end caps to the panel with a trim stick or flat-bladed tool, then detach the hood release by removing its screw. Pry off the scuff plates and kick panels from the door frame. Pry up the defrost grilles with the same flat tool.
Disconnect the steering column shaft. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the column's harness, detach the shift cable and transmission indicator cable if you have automatic transmission, remove the pinch bolt from the intermediate shaft coupler and separate the intermediate shaft from the steering shaft.
Disconnect all remaining electrical connectors to the panel and unbolt all fasteners for the panel around the top, left and right sides and the ends along with the brackets at the center. Lift and pull the panel away from the windshield with an assistant's help, disconnect all remaining connectors and carry the panel out the driver's door.
