DIY : Innova Aircon Duct Cleaning / Dashboard Removal

**Ginnova** · June 28th, 2010 12:59 AM

DIY : Innova Aircon Duct Cleaning / Dashboard Removal

Dust and dirt accumulate inside the air ducts. Moisture from the a/c
operation makes it an excellent medium for bacteria and fungus growth.
Regular cleaning at least once a year will minimize growth of disease
carrying organisms. But you can clean the air ducts , you need to remove the dashboard.

To my fellow Innova owners, below is the step by step procedure in removing the dashboard of our beloved Innova.
WARNING : This is procedure is very tedious and timeconsuming.It can cause some injuries if not done carefully.

DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

1. Remove the aircon switches on the center console. Remove screw on the middle switch. Pull-out the center console/panel. You need not remove the stereo and MID. Remove 2 screws holding the dash. Screws are encircled in the photos.

2. Open the upper glove compartment. Remove the cover as shown. 2 screws that holds the dash need to be removed.

3. This is a step bit tricky and challenging. Tilt the steering wheel
downward. Remove the screw on the optitron meter cover panel. Slightly pull-out the panel. You cannot remove the panel completely but you should be ableto remove the 3 screws that hold the meter.There's another screw behind the meter. You need to tilt the meter inside to be able to remove that screw. You may need to remove the steering column plastic cover ( DO NOT REMOVE the steering wheel , Be careful not to engage the air bag as this might cause injuries ).

4. Remove the side panels as shown.

5. All the screws that hold the dash should have been removed by now. Dashboard now only being held by clips. Pull-up the dash starting from the center console then on both sides. You may now pull-out the dash.Pls. have someone assist you in bringing out the dash.

6. The 2 center console vents needs to be removed. These 2 air vents are held only by clips.just pull it out carefully. Remove the clips on the vents as shown.

There you go.Time to clean. I'll leave it to you the cleaning method. Vacuum cleaner will be needed as well as a lot of rags/towels. BTW , I permanently closed the air in-let/vent coming from outside. I do not use it anyway.This will also prevent dust from entering the cabin.

Another big task is returning the dash back.
Hope this procedure helps.

**Mile2** · June 28th, 2010 09:49 AM

Many thanks to you Ginnova, it would be a tremendous job but like you mentioned it is worth the effort.

Just like to add that it would be safe to remove first the battery terminal before dismantling the dashboard.

**Ginnova** · July 3rd, 2011 08:07 PM

up ko lang ito para sa mga nagtatanong about dash removal

**MrQ5** · July 4th, 2011 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Ginnova

up ko lang ito para sa mga nagtatanong about dash
removal

salamat nga pala sir muntik ko ng makalimutan reply dito

**Jkewlz** · July 28th, 2011 01:11 AM

Sir ask ko lang kung may air filter ang innova E 2006 model? I removed the upper/lower glove compartment pero wala ako nakitang filter cover parang naka fix tas kinapa ko sa taas wala ako nakapang filter.. Thanks!

**joey roo** · July 28th, 2011 01:06 PM

Mine is 2011 model but I think pareho lang location ng filter for aircon. After removing lower compartment, may makikita kang rectangular na cover at the left side. Naka clip lang un. Look for the clip which locks the cover in place. Push the clip and pull the cover. You can see the filter inside.

**Jkewlz** · July 28th, 2011 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by joey roo

Mine is 2011 model but I think pareho lang location ng filter for aircon. After removing lower compartment, may makikita kang rectangular na cover at the left side. Naka clip lang un. Look for the clip which locks the cover in place. Push the clip and pull the cover. You can see the filter inside.

Thanks for the reply sir pero mukhang wala talaga ang innova E 2006 model ....

**Ginnova** · July 29th, 2011 07:35 AM

wala nga yatang cabin filter yung early models ng Innova pero pwede butasan para malagyan

**oj88** · July 29th, 2011 08:46 AM

Note on sealing the air inlet.

By design, the inlet allows a little bit of outside air into the cabin (even if set to recirculate) for health reasons. It basically allows air from the outside to displace the CO2 build up (which passengers exhale) in the cabin. The bad air typically exits from vents at the rear of the vehicle, usually hidden under the bumper on both rear fenders..

In time, wear and tear on the recirculation flap seals may allow more air to come in than usual. However, going so far as sealing it airtight may not be the best for vehicles that normally carry multiple adults on long trips. The lack of oxygen may contribute to nausea and discomfort in the long haul. A work around is to "air" the cabin every now and then by cracking open the windows for a few seconds during the trip.

**joey roo** · July 28th, 2011 01:16 PM

Ginnova, how can I access the air inlet, the easiest way? Kahit kasi na close yung vent , may pumapasok pa din na amoy from outside. I test it using an air freshner and spray it outside a little below the rightside wiper. Umamoy!. Kaya pala tuwing daraan kami sa tabi ng basura, may pumapasok na amoy.