How to remove dash trim?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 0
From: Wyo
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Hey all, I'm kinda stuck here.
As I was getting ready to pull the dash trim to secure the stereo the PO just set in the slot with the wires coming out the front (
), I noticed that the steering column on my 96 was in the way. I read a post or two about how it had to be pulled, so I thought nothing of it until I couldn't figure out how to remove it. There is one torx screw readily accessible and what looks to be two others deep in the column housing that are plugged. How in the world do I get this off to pull the dash trim? Argh. I wanted this dealt with today. s
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 0
From: Wyo
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Thanks for the replies Crash & Anthony. I guess maybe I wasn't clear. I have the trim free from the dash, it is just that it is hung up on the steering wheel column and I can't free it without busting it, I think
.
But, it seems like you're telling me that the trim will flex and not break on me. I'll give it a shot and be careful. Hopefully that is all I need. We'll see.
s
. But, it seems like you're telling me that the trim will flex and not break on me. I'll give it a shot and be careful. Hopefully that is all I need. We'll see.
s
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 0
From: Wyo
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
s
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Norton, Virginia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I've had my dash trim out 3 times. Just be careful when pulling, you can tell where to pull from and it should pop right out. You might think it will break, but it won't.
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Maryland - Bel Air
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
theres a cover? do u see the access holes for them? or is that where they r covered? mine are wide open and i just stick my torx screw driver up there
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 0
From: Wyo
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
. I can get the torx bit up the deep access holes, but the screw seems to have some cover over each. It is like a cap to cover the torx so a bit won't be able to back it out. It looks factory too. I was wondering whether it was some kind of anti-hotwire crap, but that makes no sense since the shroud is plastic anyways. Argh. Son of a...s
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Maryland - Bel Air
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Yeah, it is pissin me off too
. I can get the torx bit up the deep access holes, but the screw seems to have some cover over each. It is like a cap to cover the torx so a bit won't be able to back it out. It looks factory too. I was wondering whether it was some kind of anti-hotwire crap, but that makes no sense since the shroud is plastic anyways. Argh. Son of a...
s
. I can get the torx bit up the deep access holes, but the screw seems to have some cover over each. It is like a cap to cover the torx so a bit won't be able to back it out. It looks factory too. I was wondering whether it was some kind of anti-hotwire crap, but that makes no sense since the shroud is plastic anyways. Argh. Son of a...s
are u sure?? did u look up there with a flashlight? maybe u have the wrong size torx?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 0
From: Wyo
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee

Yes I am sure and yes I did look up with a flashlight and there is no way to get a torx to back out the screws. I can tell by your post that this is odd and I definitely agree. I don't know if this is a safety issue (lame anti-theft for hotwiring, or maybe it is a method to ensure people don't just start banging away on their steering column without shutting off their airbag. I don't know. All I know is that I've got to rethink this.
::CF Administrator::
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 16
From: Okc area
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Well on my 91 there were 4 screws 2 at the top behind the steering wheel, 2 down on the bottom by the light switch and another switch to the right. THen I just slid it out and finessed it abit till it came out. There was also a small oval piece below I had to remove as well. Also had to till the steering wheel all the way down. Anyways that's what I did and had no issues.
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Maryland - Bel Air
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Thank you, but I'm not the type of guy who calls tech support becaue my computer won't work only to be told to turn my computer on, if you know what I mean. 
Yes I am sure and yes I did look up with a flashlight and there is no way to get a torx to back out the screws. I can tell by your post that this is odd and I definitely agree. I don't know if this is a safety issue (lame anti-theft for hotwiring, or maybe it is a method to ensure people don't just start banging away on their steering column without shutting off their airbag. I don't know. All I know is that I've got to rethink this.

Yes I am sure and yes I did look up with a flashlight and there is no way to get a torx to back out the screws. I can tell by your post that this is odd and I definitely agree. I don't know if this is a safety issue (lame anti-theft for hotwiring, or maybe it is a method to ensure people don't just start banging away on their steering column without shutting off their airbag. I don't know. All I know is that I've got to rethink this.
lol.. yes i know what u mean!.. that is def odd. I guess you will just have pull it out like the other guys said. I would worry about it breaking, but they say it wont so i dunno.


