How to Remove a 2002 Buick Lesabre Dash

Like the early generations of Camros the 2002 Buick Lesabre has a dash pad of sorts on the top of the dashboard. Normally this wouldnt matter at all except most GM dash pads are known for drying out and buckling or cracking from UV rays after years of outdoor parking. It is common thought that most dashboard are all one console and need to be replaced as a whole, but truth be told there are only a few fasteners and a couple hidden clips that secure the top of your dash to the rest of the console. Working the interior of your Lesabre requires care and precision, as plastic trim pieces are easy to break.

Instructions

Lift the hood and support it. Disconnect the negative battery cable followed by the positive cable with a socket and ratchet. Wait at least five minutes for the airbag system to discharge, so that you can safely work around the airbags. Remove the left and right windshield pillar trim pieces with the trim removal tool.

Pry upward on the defroster grille to the back of the dash with the trim removal tool, or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped with a shop rag. Be careful not to damage the grille or the dash pad, if its not being replaced. Pry outward on the left and right wood grain trim panels by prying outward from the edges with the trim removal tool. Check the left and right sides of the dash to ensure there arent screws holding the trim pieces to the dash frame; some models were equipped with screws.

Locate the four screws that secure the dash back to the rear dash frame, there were concealed by the defroster grille. Remove the two screws holding the dash pad to the front of the dash board frame; they are located above the glove box and were concealed by the wood grain trim panels. Lift the pad upwards, you may need to lightly pry with a flat-head screwdriver or trim removal tool to help release the locking retainers. Disconnect the wiring harness for the sunload sensor and pull the pad away from the dash board.

Set the dash pad into place on the dash board frame. Lift the pad upward and connect the sunload sensor harness. Tap on the dash pad in the area of each dash pad retaining clip to mount the pad to the dashboard frame.

Install the front mounting screws and tighten them with a screwdriver; repeat for the four rear mounting screws. Any bolts should be tightened to 18 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Set the left and right wood grain trim pieces into place and tap them to engage the retainers. Install the screws on each end of the dash board, if equipped.

Set the left and right windshield trim panels into place and tap them to engage the retainers. Set the defroster grille into place and push it down into the dash pad.

Connect the positive battery cable first, followed by the negative battery cable. Shut the hood and enter the vehicle. Turn the ignition key to the on position. The SRS light should turn on and/or blink for six seconds and then turn off. If the SRS light now remains on, diagnose the air bag system before driving the vehicle.