removing dash
 

I have a 2003 f150 and I'm having a problem removing the portion of the dash that surrounds the gauges and headlight knob and dimmer switch. I've taken off the panel that wraps around the steering wheel and on the panel I'm referring to, I've taken out all visible bolts and can pull the panel out to a certain extent, seeing the clips detach themselves from the inside, but I cannot get it completely removed for some reason. It seems to be giving the most resistence in the dimmer switch/headlight knob area....and I'm pretty sure I'm using enough force to where any other clips would have been pulled already....so I don't want to yank any harder on the panel. Thanks.

This is from a haynes manual for a 97-02, not sure if 03 is the same but hope it helps. There is a screw behind the headlight switch. See photo below. :coffee:

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...126-128818.jpg

[QUOTE=nfld150]This is from a haynes manual for a 97-02, not sure if 03 is the same but hope it helps. There is a screw behind the headlight switch. See photo below. :coffee:

the figure...25.4b shows the small panel for the headlight knob/dimmer already off....do you know how that small panel comes off? i tried just trying to pry it off assuming there were clips holding it in, but it's giving a bit of resistence. thanks again.

Disconnect the negative battery cable, then turn the headlight switch to the on position and pull the knob outward to the fog light on position. Using a small screwdriver pry the knob off the headlight switch. :thumbsup:

already disconnected the cables...
well my headlight knob already comes off no problem...still not understanding how the panel actually comes off. so once the headlight is on the "on" position the panel will somehow be able to come off? still not getting the part where the actual small panel comes off. thanks again.

its a used truck...the knob came off easy from the time i got the truck. im not sure if the piece the knob actually moves is supposed to come out in order to access that screw you are talking about. i already tried using a needle nose pliers to see if that was the case and pull on that piece after the knob was off...and it wasn't coming off...so i'm not sure if that is that case or not.

if you could shoot an email to me id greatly appreciate it. ideally id like to get the issue resolved while i already have all the screws off before i have to use my truck to get to work in the morning.

i greatly appreciate your help. thanks.

I just sent you a email with the details. It looks like some sort of combination to unlock the panel using the knob. Let me know how you make out.

could you copy and paste the details here as well? i haven't received an email yet, so the email might not have gone through....gettin antsy over here :smoke:

Try this. Let me know how you make out. :coffee:

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...006-128922.jpg

well the last directions didn't make much sense to me...didnt understand why the knob would need to be taken off only to turn it to the off position then turn again.....but i did finally get it after turning the knob everywhich way and pulling on the panel...the thing that always makes me nervous is pulling too hard on something and breaking the clips, i'm much more a fan of bolts lol. i hope i dont have to do that again for a long time.

thanks again for all your help

On my 2000 F150 without Foglights all I have to do is insert a small screwdriver into the little slot on the bottom of the Headlight box and gently pry it out. It's held in place by two clips. No need to mess with the knobs.

Fritz