Full Dash Removal, Grand Cherokee. Opinions?

[flogger]

Just wondering if anyone has tackled something like this, youtube has some good videos and it doesn't look too hard, just tedious. I have a limber helper for the tough stuff.

The problem is a broken blender door in the heater duct work and a small leak in the heater core. They say to replace some AC component while you're in there. Dump the AC charge (shop), remove trim, console, radio, instrument panel and entire dashboard, drop and remove steering column and they said its easier if you pull the front seats too! Nice engineering job Jeep (and other guys). Videos point out important things like disarming airbags and I'm thinking about watching the things several times and tearing into it.

$1,300.00 - $1,600.00 job at a shop. They said a 13-hr. job and I don't doubt it.

[SideShow Bob]

I think Chick Norris has had some experience with a Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep heater core……

[ray1970]

Back in the day when I worked on vehicles I pulled plenty of dashes for evaporator cores, heater cores, etc.

The 13 hours they quoted you is flat rate. Even if you go slow I bet you could get it done in a day.

I am not familiar with your particular vehicle but the dash on most vehicles pretty much comes out as an assembly so it sounds more tedious than it actually is.

Take your time and try not to break anything.

[ChickNorris]

If I recall, it took about 6 or so hours to do in my 99 Ram. I wasn't lead on the project but just did as instructed by someone who knew how. Would have been really, really difficult with just one person. I also wasn't real concerned with pretty because everything in my truck was fairly old & brittle & sure enough, even with a lot of care, dash cover cracked in several places. Did manage to get the heater core fittings through the pita firewall without having to splice though. Was a very satisfying project & I was super thankful for the help & direction.

[thedave1164]

If I recall, it took about 6 or so hours to do in my 99 Ram. I wasn't lead on the project but just did as instructed by someone who knew how. Would have been really, really difficult with just one person. I also wasn't real concerned with pretty because everything in my truck was fairly old & brittle & sure enough, even with a lot of care, dash cover cracked in several places. Did manage to get the heater core fittings through the pita firewall without having to splice though. Was a very satisfying project & I was super thankful for the help & direction.

It was a long day, but was glad we got it done with few setbacks

[UncleDave]

As a former professional tech myself, I HATE pulling dashes. My issue is not how hard it is, (I hope you have someone with skinny arms to help you). It’s that even when you put new felt on all of the bracket you will have new squeaks and rattles that are almost impossible to eliminate. In doing the job for yourself you might not care. But, invariably you pull a dash the customer will complain later. If the Jeep is more than 10 years old, things will break. Look on the tube of yous to see if there is a way to pull your heater core and replace the blend door without pulling the dash if you can. Also, always pull the seats first you will be thankful for the extra room.

[flogger]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'll probably record some of the steps for reassembly and go through a few band-aids before its done.

I hadn't even thought of that 'new felt' application. Great idea!

[3beansalad]

In 2016 or so I removed the dash in my 00 Durango to replace a leaky heater core. Me and a friend, neither professional wrench turners. Took the evening to get it out and next afternoon to reinstall. Wish someone had suggested removing the seats, the extra room would have been welcome though we sat in them for most of the work. It's a tedious job but very manageable. No hints or tips, just take your time and keep track of all fasteners.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[thedave1164]

What year, eng on the GC?

[flogger]

It's a 1999 4.7 V-8. I have seen videos of replacing the blender doors buy cutting out the plastic duct box without removing the dash but the heater core seems to be a little more involved.