Lincoln/Mercury Repair: 99 Mystique Dashboard, defroster duct, dashcover

Question
My 99 Mystique dashboard has warpped and the plastic vent for the defroster has poped out and will not go back. Is this a common problem and do you know any way to repair this without replacing the dashboard.
Thanks, Steve

Answer
HI Steve,

I see this from time to time with cars that are maticulous. The owner sometimes will use Armour-All on the dash which will cause the dashcover to actually come apart from the foam insulation. It also becomes disfigured. If you are a DIYer you can replace it yourself with a new one from the dealer or one from your local auto grave yard. The book calls for 3.4 hours, a good 12 pack for sure! If you are a little hesitant about undertaking this huge task, I suggest a trusty body shop. Here is a TSB on this but it is more just the instrament cluster. Thank you and good luck. No Amour-All on the dash! ":)


Article No.
03-4-6

03/03/03

TRIM - INSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE REPAIR

FORD:
1999-2000 CONTOUR

MERCURY:
1999-2000 MYSTIQUE

Some vehicles may exhibit warpage of the instrument panel cover at the front edge of the instrument panel cover near the windshield, above the instrument cluster and around the glove c9m p8rtment. The warpage is accelerated in warmer climates. The warpage does not prevent normal function, but results in objectionable appearance.

ACTION

Repair the instrument panel cover and install a new defroster grille and defroster cover onto the instrument panel. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

OVERVIEW

This document details an improved procedure for repairing warpage of the instrument panel (I/P) cover. Obtain Instrument Panel repair kit 1S2Z-5404282-DA.

NOTE FOAM VOIDS AND BUBBLES WHICH MAY BE PRESENT AND NOTICEABLE ARE NOT RELATED TO I/P DELAMINATION.

The repairs will include:

^ Installing U-clips around the defroster duct opening if necessary

^ Installing an edge trim molding at the front of the I/P near the windshield

^ Installing a new defroster grille with retaining clips

^ Installing a defroster cover onto the I/P, over the new defroster grille

^ Installing rivets around the instrument cluster and glove box openings

CAUTION COMPONENTS OF THE REPAIR KIT MUST BE INSTALLED AS INSTRUCTED AND IN THE ORDER PRESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN UNSATISFACTORY REPAIR.

CAUTION THE VEHICLE INTERIOR MUST BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS REPAIR PROCEDURE OR INTERIOR TRIM PANEL BREAKAGE AND POOR FIT OF THE KIT COMPONENTS WILL MOST LIKELY OCCUR.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION       DESCRIPTION                     TIME

030406A         Install Instrument Panel        1.9 Hrs.
               Repair Kit

DEALER CODING
                                  CONDITION
BASIC PART NO.                       CODE
5404320                               34

OASIS CODES: 107000