How To Repair Cracked Dash On Tahoe

Many 2007 to 2022 Chevy Tahoe owners accept complained most a croaky or great dashboards, usually above the passenger airbag and on the steering cavalcade cowling. While this consequence is mostly cosmetic, at that place's a possibility that the cracked dash could be a safety consequence in an accident. Therefore, information technology's a skilful idea to repair the cracked dash at your first opportunity.

What Causes a Dashboard to Crack?

Well-nigh people aspect the dashboard cracks found in the Tahoe to a manufacturer's defect. A few call back that over-tightening of the bolts is the culprit, and others think it's just because GM used inexpensive plastic. There was really a grade action lawsuit against GM, merely nothing came out of it except a rumor that some GM dealerships are offering to cover half of the dashboard repair costs.

If you're a Tahoe owner experiencing this trouble, you lot might be better off just fixing this by yourself. It'due south an easy task that will take an hour or 2. In a nutshell, you accept to remove the dashboard and then make surface repairs by sealing the crack shut.

This solution only works on pocket-size cracks, though. For bigger cracks, you're better off replacing the entire dashboard.

Nosotros're going to show you how to remove the dashboard from your Tahoe and ready it in v steps:

ane. Remove the Dashboard

Cracked dash
A dashboard crevice on the driver's side in a 2007 Tahoe, via Chevrolet Forum fellow member bamafutbal

This step requires disconnecting a lot of wires and unscrewing a lot of bolts. Information technology'due south much easier with the right tools, similar a plastic auto interior trim tool kit that allows yous to remove all of the trim without breaking or scratching annihilation.

This comprehensive YouTube tutorial offers great instructions on removing the dashboard in a Tahoe. Here'due south a quick list of steps:

Remove the panel from the driver'due south end of the dashboard.
Unscrew the two bolts at the top.
Go under the dashboard on the driver's side and unscrew the three bolts there, too.
Remove the lesser part of the dashboard, underneath the steering wheel. At this betoken, ensure that the car is turned off.
Unscrew the two bolts on each side of the steering wheel.
Remove the small plastic panel on the frame above the driver's seat. Unscrew the bolt underneath.
Remove the entire panel over the frame and unplug the wiring at the bottom.
Unscrew the two bolts at the top of the odometer command panel.
Remove the upper center part of the dashboard (in a higher place the controls in the center panel). Unscrew all the bolts and unplug the wires underneath.
Remove the odometer control panel and all of the control panels in the center console.
Remove the panels around the glove compartment and unscrew the bolts underneath.
Remove the console over the passenger airbag and unscrew the bolts underneath.
Remove the small plastic panels on the frame to a higher place the rider's seat. Unscrew the bolts underneath.
Remove the entire console over the frame and unplug the wiring at the lesser.
Remove the panel correct next to the windshield and unplug all of the wires underneath. Unscrew all of the bolts, too.
Finally, remove the entire dashboard.

Yous may want to consider replacing a few parts under the dashboard while you lot have information technology off. A few suggestions:

Car lamp sensor, Role No. 15837063
HVAC control panel, Part No. 22879021
Passenger air bag, Part No. 22744317

ii. Close the Cracks With a Hot Plastic Staple Gun

Beginning, ensure that the hot staple gun you take tin exist used on plastic. Plough the dashboard over and use the hot staple gun to melt the staples across the crack. The staples should be positioned well-nigh half an inch apart. The signal of this step is to close up the cleft. Withal, this is not enough to keep the crevice closed, then you'll need to really seal it upwards.

iii. Lay a Few Pieces of Metal Wire Across the Crack

You desire to grab some galvanized steel wire or something similar, as long as it's strong enough to hold the crack together. Cut the wire into 5" pieces and lay them perpendicularly across the crack. You want them to be about one-half an inch autonomously. Don't lay any of them straight in a higher place the staples.

4. Comprehend the Metal Wire With Epoxy Adhesive

Catch some epoxy adhesive and generously cover the crack, the staples, and the wires with information technology. Ensure that you lot get equally much of information technology as possible on the dashboard itself.

five. Permit it Dry and Then Put the Dashboard Back On

Requite the epoxy 24 to 48 hours to dry. At this betoken, the fissure should be barely visible and that area should be sturdier than ever.

Bonus Footstep: Report This Issue to NHTSA

Just because the class action lawsuit didn't work out doesn't mean that this is a lost cause. The more than NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) hears about this, the more likely they'll intervene. Caput over to Safercar.gov and file a complaint. They take all complaints seriously, and then it'southward well worth your time.