Is there a how to guide for removing the dash top of a 1993 xj40?
I have searched the interweb for a how to guide for removing the dash top to access the demister flap with no luck.
When I look in the Jaguar service manual it says to remove the glove box and steering wheel.
I have airbags on both sides and don't want to set them off.
Help please!

Martin

 

There is no need to remove the steering wheel. The steering column/wheel can be lowered on the late models like yours to get clearance and the dash withdrawn from the passenger side. However, you'll have to remove the passenger side airbag.

Read up on how to disarm and remove the passenger bag before attempting job.

 

Thank you - I have found a document on how to disable the airbags.
Is there anything on how to remove the dash top?

 

You "only" have to remove the instrument panel, the center vents and the passenger airbag. I also took off the top vent covers on the dash. I used JBWeld to reattach the flaps to their pivot points. It has held up well so far.

I used my inspection camera to try to see what was in there.

Viewing into the center vents, the diagonal piece is the driver side defrost flap. It fell into the heater box and stopped the roller flap from working.

 

Hi Martin,

The instructions in Chapter 11 of the Haynes manual will get you very close to removing the dash. You can download a mostly-complete digital copy here:

Haynes Jaguar XJ40 Repair Manual

Once the instrument cluster, glove box and center console are out, there are only a handful of fasteners left to remove the dash.

BTW, our 1993 Vanden Plas did not have a passenger side airbag. I trhink I recall that in North America the passenger side airbags were introduced with the 1994 models like Larry's.

Cheers,

Don

 

Dash top successfully removed, I deactivated the airbags for safety but didn't have to remove.
I discovered why the demister vents weren't working, the actuators have been removed and the flaps have a screw holding them closed.
I'm now searching for actuators or replacement duct assemblies.