Just a quick question, how do you remove the dash panel on a 2000 SL2 in
order to replace the orginal audio system?

thx

I'm thinking that the 2000SL2 is the same as the 1998SL2 ... if so:

There is a cowl which goes over the top and down the sides behind the
center cluster. On the each side of the cowl there is a fastener - use
a small blunt object (I usually use the end of a clickity ink pen) to
press on the center of the fastener until it clicks once. You should
then be able to reach behind the cowl and pull it out gentley - just
enough that you can pull the fasteners out.

Attached to the top of the cowl is the defrost/foglamp switch. On the
underside of the cowl there are two tabs which need to be pressed in
(kind of at the same time) to detach the switch from the cowl. Set the
cowl aside, and look under the two center vents for the bolts which hold
the frame for the factory stereo in. I believe they are 5/32". (or
9/32, I can't remember offhand). Careful not to lose those bolts. On
each side of the steel frame are two metal tabs which need to be pressed
in to slide the frame and the stereo toward you. Slide gently, and when
you get it out far enough, you can disconnect the antenna. There is a
tab holding together the two blocks for the wiring harness.

Most aftermarket stereos will not use the steel frame your factory
stereo is in, so you can keep it all in one piece.

To put the fasteners back in, make sure the holes in the cowl are lined
up. Remove the center piece (the pin) of the fastener first (I find it
is easier to back the pin out of the outer ring than to push it
through.) then put the outer piece back in its proper hole. Once you
have the outer piece in place, push the pin of the fastener until it
clicks (twice maybe?) and is flush with the outer piece.

If you break the fasteners, it isn't the end of the world - they're only
a couple of bucks at the dealership, but the rattling gets annoying fast.

HTH
-rj
98SL2

AN0NYM0US wrote:

You got that right......I lost one once......rattling is very annoying....

richard hornsby <rhornsby (AT) osuedc (DOT) org> wrote in
news:c893q2$ehl$1 (AT) charm (DOT) magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu:

SL2...

I did found a web page showing how to remove the dash for Saturn SL2, but
it looks different than mine.

http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/Saturn/PDF/728005.pdf

So I guess afterall Yr 2000 model is different than 98 model..

Thx anyways.

The PDF shows exactly what my 98 looks like. I checked my Haynes after
posting (was going from memory, swapped out my factory stereo (for about
the 6th time, stupid BestBuy) this past weekend) and it seemed to
indicate that the instructions were good for 95-01 models. Strange.

-rj
98SL2

richard hornsby <rhornsby (AT) osuedc (DOT) org> wrote in news:c8alrp$jeq$1
@charm.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu:


Glad you found the PDF useful for you.. but sure that doesn't applies to Yr
2000 SL2.. it looks completely different than the 99 model...



Can you check your Haynes manual and see if there is a different
instructions? (or you mean the Haynes show the SAME instructions for 95-01?
If that's the case, I am glad I didn't buy a copy of the Haynes manual the
other day...)

Hrm, I have the manual in my lap and I'm more confused than before. I
missed the sentence (d'oh) before that says "...or on 2000 and later
models remove the instrument cluster bezel (see chapter 11)." But
chapter 11 is as confusing to me as chapter 12 from whence I came.

Here is what it says in chapter 11 about removing the instrument cluster
bezel:
--------------------
1995 and later models
- Disconnect the battery
- Remove knee protector (see sect 27)
- On later models, remove the two bolts and pull off the left instrument
panel end cap
- Remove the steering column covers (see sect 26)
- On early models (!) remove the steering column mounting bolts ...
(skip the rest of this one, you don't have an early model)
- Remove the screws at the top of the bezel and pull the bezel rearward
to disengage the retaining clips. Disconnect the electrical connectors
and remove the bezel. later models are retained only by clips
- Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure
--------------------

You might see if you can leaf through a copy of the Haynes manual at
your local auto shop. I have book #87010, and the quoted section is 24
on page 11-10.

HTH,
-rj
98SL2

richard hornsby <rhornsby-junk (AT) osuedc (DOT) org> wrote in
news:c8hi9a$b44$1 (AT) charm (DOT) magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu:


Was thinking of skipping this step, but seems like a good idea espically
now this is my second or third time seeing this recommaded step..

I think up to this point I still have a clue what is it about. In fact
someone told me similiar things, by removing 2 scres on the far left
(facing the door)

Hummmm.... any more details on this one?

I assume this means after all the panels are removed and start working on
the radio?

Humm.. ok then.. maybe I will get myself a copy of the Haynes manual... I
can only found one at one Canadian Tire store (none in Chapers stores,
darn!) and it was warpped... Can't just open it and take a peek...

Thanks anyways, maybe tomorrow, if I have time I will start taking the
dash apart... (wish me luck! haha)