Removing the dash from a 2001 Aztek doesn't require a lot of mechanical skill, though it will take some time. The dash itself is anchored under several other interior components and trim pieces that need to be removed to gain access to the retaining screws. Removing the dash is sometimes necessary if you want access to the parts under the dash, such as the radio or the gauges. The plastic on the dash of the 2001 Pontiac Aztek can be brittle, so care needs to be taken when removing the dash.
Park the Pontiac Aztek somewhere with a lot of room to work. The dash is made of large plastic pieces that need to be placed out of the way so an errant step won't break them. Shift the Pontiac Aztek into Park and pull the emergency brake up to keep the car steady while you work on it.
Pry the rubber bottoms in the two center cup holders out with a flat head screwdriver. This exposes the Phillips screws on the bottom of each. Unscrew them with a Phillips head screwdriver and place them to the side. Open up the center arm rest and remove the rubber bottoms in there as well. Unscrew the two screws on the bottom and place them to the side. Pull the center armrest up and place it to the side.
Remove the four screws at the sides of the center dash that are now exposed. Then open the glove box and remove the two screws that hold the hinges on either side. Pull the glove box door out, then remove the four screws along the bottom that hold the bottom of the passenger-side dash. Pull the bottom of the passenger-side dash off by hand, by pulling up and then out.
Go to the driver's door and locate the eight screws that go along the side of the driver-side dash. Remove the screws and keep them somewhere safe. Go to the passenger side and remove the eight screws that hold the dash in on that side. Go to the center console and wedge a flat head screwdriver into the seam between the center console and the dash. Work around the seam and gently wedge the center console bezel off until it's loose. Remove the center console by hand and place it out of harm's way.
Pull the top dash off by hand and carefully slide it out of the car. If it is stuck, do not force it -- you've probably missed a screw. Go back and check for any screws that you missed.
