2008 Tahoe Upper dash repair/replace

[Stage2Tahoe]

Have any of you removed the top of your dash? If so is it very difficult? I assume it will take some time but it is something I am going to have to do. The previous owner or someone that serviced the vehicle used clear silicone/calk to (I’m guessing) re install the top of the dash because they didn’t know how, or was trying to rush a repair.

 

[Doubeleive]

Have any of you removed the top of your dash? If so is it very difficult? I assume it will take some time but it is something I am going to have to do. The previous owner or someone that serviced the vehicle used clear silicone/calk to (I’m guessing) re install the top of the dash because they didn’t know how, or was trying to rush a repair.

what year???? the 07-14 do not have a "top" you might be looking at a aftermarket cap that was put on and/or removed
pictures might help

 

[Stage2Tahoe]

what year???? the 07-14 do not have a "top" you might be looking at a aftermarket cap that was put on and/or removed
pictures might help

It is a 2008. It looks like it could be a possible cap. However whoever did the so called repair/cap removed the sensor for the automatic headlights that sticks through the dash at the base of the windshield and left it in the glove box. That is one of the reasons for the post. I will work on getting a picture to share.

 

[Doubeleive]

It is a 2008. It looks like it could be a possible cap. However whoever did the so called repair/cap removed the sensor for the automatic headlights that sticks through the dash at the base of the windshield and left it in the glove box. That is one of the reasons for the post. I will work on getting a picture to share.

the caps are typically glued on to cover the the original dash which develop cracks. not sure that you have to remove it to replace the sensor you should be able reach the harness from behind the radio, the sensor should "twist" on or into the dash.
I would pull the radio and look in there with a flashlight, the harness is probably dangling loose

 

[Stage2Tahoe]

I tried to share a video but it wouldn’t let me attach it.

 

[mikez71]

From what I remember, it's not really reachable from behind radio. The wiring goes to the left, and even with the top off only comes up a few inches.

Is that the only reason to replace the light sensor?

Stupid cracked dashboards!

 

[iamdub]

I tried to share a video but it wouldn’t let me attach it.

That is definitely a cap to cover the cracked original dash. The ambient light sensor is in a forward panel of the dash near the windshield that is separate from the main dash. The problem is most of the caps are one piece, joining the top of the dash and that separate piece as one big panel. I don't know how you'd go about reaching the hole in this situation. If not through the radio hole, maybe remove the passenger airbag and go through the front left corner? I wanna say I've reached near that area through the cavity with the radio removed when I was installing a factory navigation antenna. I'd definitely try that before messing with the airbag. You might even have to enlist the help of a skinny-armed kid.

 

[Stage2Tahoe]

If it’s a cap then the original dash must be really bad. In the video I tried to share… I can literally move the dash (with my hand and very little effort) at the gauge cluster because there are no screws or tabs securing it to the structure that holds the electronics gauges/radio/climate control, etc….

 

[mikez71]

Probably all cracked away, which would explain the heavy use of silicone on the edges..

I dream about making a metal dashboard (about a .01% chance), because I don't want to pay GM several hundred dollars for another dash that will crack again.. It's like encouraging bad behavior.

 

[Fless]

I tried to share a video but it wouldn’t let me attach it.

TYF can't host videos. Put yours on YouTube or another host site and put a link to it in your message.

 

[petethepug]

There are write ups now on the procedure to remove the dash and replace it with a new one. Like you said, it'll just happen again. GM wrapped dashes on the 07-14 Esky's. They don't crack because there's UV protection in the leather and it protects the OEM black dash underneath.

I was one step away from having a shop wrap a 2nd hand dash from a wrecker. They were going to sand down any existing blems, refinish the entire surface and cover it in high UV protected leather that's sewn at the seams like the Esky.

The windshield was going to be pulled for replacement at the same time. That greatly assisted in the installation process of the donor leather covered dash on the 08 YXL Denali. I was all ready to go and ended up selling the truck to get a year later Esky with a leather covered dash.

@Doubeleive nailed it in his post below. Someone covered a Yuke dashboard with French seams at the appropriate points. The leather used is similar to what Porsche used to use and looks like dried up scr... after a few years. The leather Caddy used still looks new after a decade.

resurrecting again, saw pictures of one at a somewhat local wrecking yard
can't tell if it is a cap or not, but might be. it's a 2012 denali
View attachment 407031View attachment 407032View attachment 407033

 

[91RS]

I’ve never seen the replacement upper panel crack again.

 

[mikez71]

I’ve never seen the replacement upper panel crack again.

Do you mean dashcap or replacement factory dash? (or just the front defroster panel?)

Because my 2012 has the newer design reinforced dash, still cracked in the same spots. Unless they have an even newer design.
Another reason maybe if it took 10 years to crack, you might have to wait another 10 on the replacement to know...

 

[iamdub]

Because my 2012 has the newer design reinforced dash, still cracked in the same spots. Unless they have an even newer design.

Do you have the part number for your replacement dash? I have a new dash in the box and was considering reinforcing it before installing it. Your post seals the deal. It's getting epoxy and aluminum bars.

 

[91RS]

Do you mean dashcap or replacement factory dash? (or just the front defroster panel?)

Because my 2012 has the newer design reinforced dash, still cracked in the same spots. Unless they have an even newer design.
Another reason maybe if it took 10 years to crack, you might have to wait another 10 on the replacement to know...

I haven't seen the replacement I/P upper trim panel or extension crack again after replacement. Yours would be a first. My dad's 2012 Sierra Denali replacement is about 10 years old; it was replaced when the truck was still under 3/36. He does need the extension replaced now but that wasn't replaced then according to the warranty record. Most of the extensions didn't break under warranty.

 

[91RS]

@Doubeleive nailed it in his post below. Someone covered a Yuke dashboard with French seams at the appropriate points. The leather used is similar to what Porsche used to use and looks like dried up scr... after a few years. The leather Caddy used still looks new after a decade.

The leather wrapped dashes aren't perfect either. The leather shrinks and most of the Platinums are pulling up a little around the little defrost vent or center speaker. I've never seen our body style bubble up but the C6 and C7 Corvette leather dash is very bad about it and I've seen numerous K2 Escalade dashes bubbling and peeling.

 

[petethepug]

Any Platinum owners have this occurring? I’d love to have something to address preventatively. Pics?

 

[mikez71]

I haven't seen the replacement I/P upper trim panel or extension crack again after replacement. Yours would be a first.

Front Dash Crack

Lawyer for GM cracked Dash case... everyone affected needs sign up Facebook page... "GM Yukon and Tahoe cracked dash" has an attorney who has hired an expert in the case they are trying to build against GMC.. not sure if it will go anywhere or not, but it is worth a shot. Once you get on the...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

"08 Yukon 84k with cracked dash @ passenger air bag."
"27 months and 21,000+ miles later, the replaced dash has now cracked......"


"My 2010 Tahoe LTZ with black dashboard just had its second dashboard crack in the same area around the airbag on Passenger side. First cracked dash was at 53,095 miles on 9/06/2013. "

Nope, mine 'would' be the third, at least.

Dash threads make me