QUESTION: Replacing Cracked Dash Trim

[MANIACura]

Getting ready to replace my windshield. I have been wanting to replace the cracked plastic trim on the front of the dash by the windshield (the one with the light sensor in it.)

My question is this....will removing the windshield give me access to change this piece or is removing the entire dash the only way to gain access to the mounts?

Any one tried this? First one to say "try search" without helping gets punched in the eye next time I see them in person.:smile:

 

[synergy004]

I had mine replaced and the windshield stayed in place but the dash was removed.

Hope that helps

 

[Honcho]

You've gotta take the dash out. Plus, I've heard that this (rather expensive) piece will only crack again in short order. Mine is cracked too and I'm thinking about a cosmetic fix rather than replacement.

 

[LooseNut]

Did you try search?









Sorry, I have no self control when it comes to some things.:biggrin:

I'll be expecting that punch as promised.

 

[NSXclear]

Search....:biggrin:

Someone made a metal replacement one that sits on top of the existing one. It was painted or power coated black to match the dash.

I don't remember if the dash had to come out to install this.

 

[pgilliam1]

Mines cracked, and my son's Integra cracked in the same spot. I put a piece of black plastic cut to fit over it. Nobody notices it - but I know it's there. Looks like Acura didn't do that piece right on a few of their models.

 

[4AU4LIFE]

Dash has to come out.
Someone was peddling an aluminum one recently.
The sensor doesn't have anything with light but rather temperature which in turn relays that info to the ATC module(control head).

 

[latzke]

The sensor doesn't have anything with light but rather temperature which in turn relays that info to the ATC module(control head).

That statement is misleading. This sensor doesn't measure temperature (temp is measured by other sensors, like the one next to the e-brake for the in-car ambient temp...and likely ones in the vents and an external ambient if like other Honda/Acura systems). While it is technically correct to say it doesn't measure light, it does need to maintain an unobstructed view of the sky/sun to function properly.

The sensor measures heat transfer - specifically that of solar radiation (sensor is named "solar radiation sensor" in newer hondas, not sure about NSX - don't have service manual handy). In simple terms it is used to gauge how sunny it is...how much heat the car is going to gain from the sun. This is something the climate control needs to compensate for when trying to maintain a desired temperature.

Troubleshooting guide in my MDX's service manual indicates the unit of measurement is "Kcal/m2-h" and lists these example values (you can make the climate control display its reading in troubleshooting mode):
Dark = 00
Flashlight = 04
Cloudy = 10
Sunny = 65

 

[nsxtasy]

Someone made a metal replacement one that sits on top of the existing one. It was painted or power coated black to match the dash.

I don't remember if the dash had to come out to install this.

I have one. The dash does not need to come out to install it. It just pops into place.

 

[pgilliam1]

I have one. The dash does not need to come out to install it. It just pops into place.

Ok Fine. Where did you get it, how much was it and what's it made of? Do you have a picture? Please :tongue:.