Small Dashboard Repair Question

[rdxland]

We just purchased a used 2021 Bronco Sport (9600 mi) and did not notice a small, but somewhat irritating flaw. The Passenger Airbag indiator light (lower center) on the dash is pushed into the dash. It's like someone thought it was a button and pushed on it and popped it into the dash. It is working just fine, it's just loose, and moves around about 1/4-1/2 inch inside the dash.

Any suggestions on how to get this snapped back in place? I am a pretty accomplished "back yard mechanic", but do not see a way to get in behind this to get it moved. We do have a full bumper to bumper warranty, but going to the dealer seems a bit trivial and a hassle. (The dealer we purchased it from is 200+ miles away and the closest dealer is 30+ miles away. )

Just askin' for thoughts and suggestions.

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[Dude]

We just purchased a used 2021 Bronco Sport (9600 mi) and did not notice a small, but somewhat irritating flaw. The Passenger Airbag indiator light (lower center) on the dash is pushed into the dash. It's like someone thought it was a button and pushed on it and popped it into the dash. It is working just fine, it's just loose, and moves around about 1/4-1/2 inch inside the dash.

Any suggestions on how to get this snapped back in place? I am a pretty accomplished "back yard mechanic", but do not see a way to get in behind this to get it moved. We do have a full bumper to bumper warranty, but going to the dealer seems a bit trivial and a hassle. (The dealer we purchased it from is 200+ miles away and the closest dealer is 30+ miles away. )

Just askin' for thoughts and suggestions.

Probably others have pushed it in but I recall a guy stating he accidentally pushed it in and was asking how to fix it. Perhaps you have his vehicle now. Unfortunately I don’t recall if he found a solution. If I find the post again I’ll let you know

 

[Dude]

We just purchased a used 2021 Bronco Sport (9600 mi) and did not notice a small, but somewhat irritating flaw. The Passenger Airbag indiator light (lower center) on the dash is pushed into the dash. It's like someone thought it was a button and pushed on it and popped it into the dash. It is working just fine, it's just loose, and moves around about 1/4-1/2 inch inside the dash.

Any suggestions on how to get this snapped back in place? I am a pretty accomplished "back yard mechanic", but do not see a way to get in behind this to get it moved. We do have a full bumper to bumper warranty, but going to the dealer seems a bit trivial and a hassle. (The dealer we purchased it from is 200+ miles away and the closest dealer is 30+ miles away. )

Just askin' for thoughts and suggestions.

Here is the post.. it’s a Facebook bronco sport group. So is this your car now?

edit: when I posted the link, the bronco sport forum shows the FB group is no longer available but it is. Just join that FB group and do a search for “passenger airbag”.

 

[rdxland]

Well, it could be the same vehicle, no way to know.....but it is the issue, that is for sure. Thanks for adding the picture!

 

[Dude]

Well, it could be the same vehicle, no way to know.....but it is the issue, that is for sure. Thanks for adding the picture!

See my edit I made to the post… there is some suggestions on how to fix (with loop of dental floss), let me know if you find the post or I can post pics of the comments

 

[Meanderthal]

There is a thread here that details how to replace the climate control module with one from a ‘21 because it had temp readouts on the dials. Once that is out, which I think was relatively easy, you should be able to get a hand in there to snap that back in place.

 

[rdxland]

There is a thread here that details how to replace the climate control module with one from a ‘21 because it had temp readouts on the dials. Once that is out, which I think was relatively easy, you should be able to get a hand in there to snap that back in place.

Is there a link? Thanks!

 

[rdxland]

See my edit I made to the post… there is some suggestions on how to fix (with loop of dental floss), let me know if you find the post or I can post pics of the comments

Found it and the dental floss idea sound like it could work. Failing that, I will likely bite the bullet and go to a dealer. We have a warranty since it is a Ford Certified used vehicle, so that should cover it, one hopes. Trivial, but irritating.

 

[Mark S.]

This video details everything you ever wanted to know about taking the dashboard apart.

 

[rdxland]

Thank you. I will speed through this to find the relevant disassembly - but like a lot of things it may require a lot of pieces to come off in sequence to get there!

 

[Mark S.]

Thank you. I will speed through this to find the relevant disassembly - but like a lot of things it may require a lot of pieces to come off in sequence to get there!

Just for grins, I removed my glovebox just to see what I could see. Unless you have tentacles you are not getting to the backside of that panel without disassembling the dashboard...

 

[rdxland]

Just for grins, I removed my glovebox just to see what I could see. Unless you have tentacles you are not getting to the backside of that panel without disassembling the dashboard...

Good to know....and not surprising. There is a lot in the dashboard to be sure. I am going with the dental floss solution in this thread first....then likely going to bite the bullet and waste a day at the dealership.

 

[rdxland]

Mark S. -
Did you include an exploded view of the dash? Thought I saw one, but when I came back to this thread, it was not there. No biggie, just askin'

 

[Mark S.]

Mark S. -
Did you include an exploded view of the dash? Thought I saw one, but when I came back to this thread, it was not there. No biggie, just askin'

No, I don't have one. If you watch that video, however, you'll find that taking it apart isn't difficult, just time consuming. All you need is a trim tool and patience.

 

[rdxland]

Mark S. - I have skipped around the video a bit and you're right, does not seem to be difficult. But certainly a ton of steps - but then again, the video is aimed at putting in a Nav system. I am thinking that maybe that bottom panel will come off and provide enough access. I will locate a trim tool first (I've used screw drivers on other cars and left some scars. However, since this could take hours, I am thinking my warranty looks good - maybe some hours in the dealer's waiting room playing solitare is more appealing.

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