Removing and installing dash panel: Audi A6 C6

🧭 Before you start

Set the column and seats for access, disconnect the battery and remove the driver airbag and steering wheel. Strip the column trims and switch module, vents, light switch, cluster trim with MMI display, Climatronic unit, glove box and both centre consoles. Remove A-pillar trims and the side and centre dash bolts, then lift the dash out with a helper. Refit in reverse, checking clip buffers, and carry out the post-battery reconnection measures.

Fits: Audi A6 C6 (4F, 2004–2011)

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: locking pin, feeler gauge
• Also covered elsewhere: Electronic parts catalogue

Don't miss

• Disconnect the battery with the ignition on when removing the airbag, as specified for this job.
• Mark the steering wheel position on the column before removal; refit only with wheels straight ahead.
• Discharge static by touching the door striker before unplugging airbag connectors.
• Cap the fibre-optic connector with VAS 6223/9 when the CD changer is unplugged.
• Re-attach all cable ties at their original positions; a second mechanic is needed for the dash itself.
• Check the dash panel and airbag combination is correct before final assembly.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

📋 Procedure

1. Position steering wheel as far down and towards the rear as possible, making use of the full range of the steering column adjuster.
2. Move front seats to rearmost position and set backrests to 45° position.
3. On vehicles with automatic gearbox move selector lever to position "“S”".
4. Release glove box lid.
5. ⚠ Observe safety regulations for working on airbags .For correct combination of dash panel and airbag unit refer to Electronic parts catalogue. — Switch on ignition. [Note: Contrary to the description in "“Disconnecting and connecting the battery”" (Electrical system27) the battery must, when removing the airbag, be disconnected with the ignition switched on.]

6. Remove luggage compartment floor trim.
7. Disconnect earth wire (arrow) at battery.
8. Prise off caps (1) (left and right) on reverse side of steering wheel (arrow).
9. Turn steering wheel out of centre position approx. 80° towards the right. [Note: The bolt for securing the airbag unit (3) must be opposite the opening (bottom) in the steering column trim (1).]
10. Remove bolt (2).
11. Turn steering wheel approx. 160° towards left and remove left bolt for airbag unit.
12. Turn steering wheel to centre position (wheels in straight-ahead position).
13. ⚠ The mechanic must discharge static electricity before unplugging connectors; to do so, briefly touch door striker plate, or similar. — Move airbag unit (driver side) slightly away from steering wheel.
14. Pull connector locking element (4) as far as the stop (arrow). This will release the electrical connector (2) which can then be unplugged.
15. Detach airbag unit (1) from steering wheel.
16. If fitted, unplug electrical connector (3).
17. Set down airbag unit with impact cushion facing upwards. [Note: Only remove and install the steering wheel in centre position (wheels in straight-ahead position).]
18. Remove bolt (1).
19. Mark relative position of steering wheel to steering column with a felt-tip pen.
20. Detach steering wheel (2) from steering column.
21. Use screwdriver to prise off dash panel end trim on driver side (arrow).
22. Unscrew bolts for dash panel trim (bottom) on driver side (arrows).
23. Take hold of upper edge of dash panel trim (bottom, driver side) and pull off towards rear.
24. Unclip diagnostic connectors T16.
25. Unplug electrical connectors.
26. Unclip trim cover (1) from trim (top) (2) for steering column switch first on side (arrow A) and then at top (arrow B). To do so, use removal wedge3409.
27. If you still have the old special screwdriver T8T40056, sand it down to taper form at the locations marked with (arrows).
28. Unscrew bolts (3) and (4) using special screwdriver T8T40056 A.
29. If fitted, fold down handle (5) for mechanical steering column adjustment.
30. Unscrew bolts (6).
31. Detach trim (top) (2) for steering column switch from trim (bottom) (1) for steering column switch and remove both trim sections.
32. If fitted, unplug electrical connectors at switch for electric steering column adjustment.
33. Unscrew bolt (2) by a few turns.
34. Unplug electrical connectors (1), (3) and (4).
35. Carefully detach steering column switch with steering column electronics control unit J527.
36. Remove dash panel vent (driver side) .
37. Remove dash panel vent (centre) .
38. Turn light switch (3) to position "“0”".
39. Remove spreader pin (2) at air duct (1) and remove air duct.
40. Reach into the opening above the dash panel vent (side) and press the light switch out of the instrument cluster (arrow).
41. Unplug electrical connector.
42. Push trim cover (1) on switch panel for instrument cluster in direction of (arrow).
43. Grasp hold of trim cover and detach from switch.
44. Position hook3438 in opening (arrow) on switch panel.
45. Carefully pull switch panel (1) out of instrument cluster trim.
46. Unplug electrical connector.
47. Push trim cover (1) on switch for glove box release in direction of (arrow).
48. Grasp hold of trim cover and detach from switch.
49. Position hook3438 in opening (arrow) on switch panel.
50. Carefully pull switch panel (1) out of instrument cluster trim.
51. Unplug electrical connector.
52. Remove bolts (arrows).
53. Remove bolts (arrows).
54. Pull instrument cluster trim slightly out of dash panel.
55. Unplug electrical connector at instrument cluster. To do so, press catch (1), turn retaining bracket in direction of (arrow) and detach connector.
56. Release connector locking element (1) at MMI display (arrow) and swivel upwards.
57. Unplug electrical connector (2) at MMI display.
58. Detach instrument cluster trim with instrument cluster and MMI display.
59. Remove Climatronic control unit J255Air conditioner87.
60. Remove bolts (arrows).

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