help with dash removal :-(

[wiggman2030]

Hi everyone,

Basically Im trying to change the heater matrix... Yeah I know, a brave move lol.

Anyway I\'ve got all the plastics off:

Steering wheel surrounds, Centre console, Heater controls, dash ends, Instrument cluster and glove box.

I\'m left with what seems like just the main dash part itself. After wondering what was holding it in I realised that there a screw\'s facing the opposite way all around the back of the dash. How on earth do you get these out?? It looks like world war two in the car and now I\'ve come to a standstill. The heater matrix is still nowhere to be seen. It looks impossible from here on.

Any advice?

[TRIND-FD]

1 bolt centre or dash under square insert between dash vents
2 bolts either end of dash

2 or 1 at either side of the transmission tunnel

Once undone. Pull slightly forward. Dissconnect  big blue plugs either end and loom to drivers side footwell fuse box.

If you google it , you should find pictures etc to help

Tbh it\'s easy.    There are not screws. You take the dash out attached to the steel frame

[wiggman2030]

Ah nice one, I had a feeling that the frame would come out with it but it looked like it was too solid to pull. I\'ll have a go at that though. Thanks for the help :-)

[TRIND-FD]

Drop the two bolts on the colum , that helps.  Remove pillar trim
Watch you don\'t damage the door cards.  Have both doors open .
And take steering wheel off .

[wiggman2030]

I take it the steering wheel needs to come off too then?. I take it there isn\'t much left to do after the dash is out.. Although this is Mazda we are talking about lol.

Thanks again.

[Speedline Imports]

As Keith mentioned, above, also you will need to disconnect the bonnet release.  Take the gear shift out too as it makes life a lot easier.  You can leave the steering wheel in place as once you undo the 2 bolts holding the column the wheel will drop down out the way.  The frame comes out complete with the dashboard.

[wiggman2030]

Ok thanks, it\'s so nice to have some help :-) I do appreciate it. Looking forward to having heat in the car this winter lol