Saturn Sky Dashboard & Center Console Teardown

[@SpReeDateD]

Just a big "thank you"! - My trunk release button was broken and I had no clue how to replace it. Thank to this video I was able to quickly remove the glove box and get the button out. I didn't replaced it tho, but I was able to fix it by disassembling the button component itself and cleaned all the contacts with isopropyl alcohol. Now everything's fine, I can open the trunk from the inside again.

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

You are so welcome, and thank you so much! Glad to hear you got everything fixed and working as it should be! Once again, thank you!

[@martinets2]

I just bought an '09 Sky Redline and there are some things I need to do under/around the dash-- this video is perfect!! Thank you so much!!

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

Congrats on the new ride, and I'm happy to hear this video is exactly what you needed! If you need any additional diagrams for your Sky, such as modules or accessories underneath the dashboard, let me know, and I'll get them to you as soon as possible. Enjoy the ride!

[@Igor-xl4wz]

Nice breakdown. Saving this one for later. Thanks!

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

Anytime, and that's pretty much what these are for, insurance for later! Thanks for checking it out!

[@22_floW]

Awesome video! Couldn't ask for better videos for this car. I own a 2008 Sky Redline 2.0 Carbon Flash, so it's nice seeing someone knowledgeable about these cars posting videos like this. I hope you keep it up. How's your convertible top holding up? Mine has some small fraying where it creases on the outside, so someday I hope to find someone who can ship me a replacement.

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

Thank you so much! I'm happy to hear these videos are doing some good. Carbon Flash? That's not common, nice catch. The Top has seen better days. Some stitching is fraying on the flaps where they crease like yours does. The Passenger Side window is missing some of the top as the window itself has rubbed it away. I need to adjust it. I hope to find a salvaged sky to swap tops and maybe do a video of the replacement one day.

[@22_floW]

​@@Kaswells_Kappa, get back in touch with me once you're ready to purchase one because I know a guy in Indiana if you're willing and able to go there to pick one up (he doesn't ship, unfortunately).

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

Absolutely, sounds like a good deal. It may be a while before I get to it, but I'll definitely keep it in mind. Thanks!

[@guyjemus2706]

thank you for the info !

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

Absolutely! It's always my pleasure to help!

[@barrykearney3162]

I want to just take out the silver part that goes around the gearshift to get it painted. Do I really have to take the dash apart to get the silver part of the console out? I have already got it loose, but something is holding it in. Thanks. Great video!

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

Unfortunately, there is a bit of work to do before removing the silver piece, also known as the front "Console Front Cover." I'll provide a link down below to a folder that will have step by step pages according to the Service Manual. I did include removing the shift Lever just in case but, if you have a manual, you should just be able to lift the boot trim and slide it through the hole. That should be everything, though. If you need help or if I've forgotten anything, just let me know. Good luck! Link: drive.google.com/drive/folders/16biQlBvWA3IDP96aSDYMe3S2eQlS4J4X

[@barrykearney3162]

@@Kaswells_Kappa Yep, mine's a manual and already have the boot, knob and airbag warning panel removed. Entire cover is loose enough to run fingers all around it. thx

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

Awesome, I'm glad to hear you got those taken care of. You're very welcome!

[@jamesmccarn7775]

Can I remove the top piece over the instrument cluster and have access to the cluster for removal and replacement without a complete dashboard removal?

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

No, unfortunately, and it's a huge drag. The cluster shroud can be removed as its only held in by clips. The Instrument Cluster Bezel however is bolted down from underneath the Upper Dash Trim, so that piece can not be removed unless the trim is removed first. The Instrument Cluster Guages itself is also shaped so as not to allow you to slip it in between the Bezel and the Upper Trim. The clear plastic of the Cluster Guages sticks out an angle and is much wider than the top. The back of the Instrument Cluster Guages also sits underneath the remaining Dash Panel a tad, so it must be moved forward a hair before being raised up. At 28:41 in the video, you can see how much of a difference there is and why it wouldn't allow it. Even though the top bolts can be reached at the top, there's just no clearance to slide it through. Hope this helps!

[@kennethwise7108]

Hi, have you ever known of anyone who's been successful in adding a late model head unit in a Saturn Sky? I'd prefer to add a genuine GM product and have my factory buttons work on my steering wheel and also have Bluetooth & GPS functionality. Thanks!

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

Not to my knowledge, no. What most of the Kappa community has done, including myself, is purchase an aftermarket unit along with the necessary accessories to replace the radio. Crutchfield can give you everything you need, including harnesses and mounts, to ease the replacement. Most of the newer GM vehicles also use different software to communicate with its systems. Examples of this include GD2S, which was implemented sometime 2010-2013 depending on the vehicle. And have switched once again to a software called Ultifi. Granted, you could buy a harness to transfer said data between the new radio and the vehicle like most aftermarket radios. The only issue would be to find or craft this harness to do so. The easiest and simplest way everyone has found is to just buy what is already available. Most aftermarket radios have many functionalities nowadays and can tack all minds of data if set up right. This includes Bluetooth, GPS, Phone Connectionality between IPhone and Android, and much more. I prefer Pioneer but others have also used Kenwood, Sony, Alpine, and JVC. I hope this helps!

[@kennethwise7108]

@@Kaswells_Kappa Thank you so much.I really appreciate it

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

Absolutely! You're very welcome!

[@kennethwise7108]

@@Kaswells_Kappa I just uploaded a video of the one we picked up yesterday. It's really clean!

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

You aren't kidding! That's a clean ride! Makes me want to scrub my engine bay down, looking at it! I also see that original wind restrictor! Those are hard to come by! Good find indeed. Congrats!

[@06colkurtz]

The airbag will NOT detonate. Period.

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

A statement from the Service Manual: Caution: When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components. Serious injury can occur. Failure to observe the correct procedure could also result in unnecessary SIR system repairs. Saying, "The airbag will NOT detonate. Period," is simply not true and can get someone injured. Under certain circumstances, such as the mishandling of the airbag or incorrectly disabling the SIR system, may cause a deployment. Precautions are exactly that, a precaution, but that doesn't mean they should be taken lightly whatsoever. The risk of serious injury is still present regardless, and that is why the Service Manual states it MUST be disabled. A failure on my part when instructing how to remove certain components can and may cause harm to either a person or the vehicle they are trying to repair. Whether or not they listen is completely on them.

[@sniggitty]

where is the airbag module? thanks

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

The Airbag Module is attached to the Airbag. They are one assembly. Hope this helps!

[@sniggitty]

@@Kaswells_Kappa airbag24 is a company which sells the modules when the passenger seat presence mat breaks. Their module turns on the air bag at all times and there are no MIL lights on the dash. They said the module is under the radio. Was hoping you found it at that location

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

So, the module Airbag24 shows is the Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM), or Part Number 25865978, which technically is for the Saturn Vue. Regardless, the SDM for the Skys and Sols is located behind the 'Rear Window Panel Trim', or the panel that is behind the Driver & Passenger Seats with the Dual Cupholder connected to it. Once removed, the SDM can be seen in-between the seats and underneath the Communications Interface Module (CMI). The CIM and SDM are stacked on top of one another, and the CMI as well as its bracket must be removed to access the SDM. As far as the module Airbag24 says is underneath the radio, I believe they are speaking of the Indicator Module next to the Traction Control Button which shows whether the airbag is "ON or OFF". To my knowledge, that module is solely an indicator. Remember, when removing any part of the SIR System, always disconnect the battery beforehand to reduce the risk of an airbag accidentally deploying. Apologies for taking so long to reply, and I hope this information clears some things. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask and I'll do what I can.

[@sniggitty]

@@Kaswells_Kappa Awesome info! I found some more info : This part requires programming and/or special setup procedures GM Service Information describes the procedures and special tools needed to ensure proper operation in the vehicle Manages your vehicle's airbag deployment in the event of a collision Stores collision data I don't have the problem so far, but I am concerned that it will occur and want to be ready so I can get rolling on the part. Not clear on whether i need to ship them my SDM or they send one that is already programmed. (Saturn Sky - airbag control unit 25865978 - code repair seat occupancy mat) . removal of the trim should not be too hard. Seems many people went to airbag360 for their module but it did not fix the problem. thank you for an indepth and clear description!

[@Kaswells_Kappa]

Absolutely! So Airbag 24 does what they call a 'repair' service where you ship in your SDM, and they will program the module with a code to appear as if the sensor is always activated. The SDM does have to be programmed if the module is ever replaced. If you ever need the info regarding the program process, I'd be happy to help as the manual states how. If you also need steps and torque specs involving the removal of the SDM, I will be happy to create a folder for you!