2010-2019 Taurus & Police Interceptor Dashboard: Cracks, Warping, and Replacement Guide

Civilian vs. Police: A Critical Difference

Before buying a replacement dashboard, it's essential to understand that the dash panels for the standard Ford Taurus and the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan are often not interchangeable. While they are based on the same platform, the interiors have significant differences.

• Shifter Location: Many Police Interceptors have a column-mounted gear shifter to free up space for police equipment, while the civilian Taurus has a floor-mounted shifter in the center console. 🎬 Watch: How to remove the center console panel This results in a completely different center stack and console design, making the dash panels incompatible.
• Equipment Mounts: The Police Interceptor dash is designed for durability and function. It may have pre-drilled holes, reinforced mounting points, or different contours to accommodate police laptops, radios, and controls.
• Features & Trim: Civilian Taurus models were available with features like the MyFord Touch infotainment system, wood grain, and other premium finishes that were not offered on the more spartan police models. A dash from a high-trim Taurus will not have the correct openings or wiring provisions for a base model, and vice-versa.

Symptoms of a Failing Dashboard Panel

Failure of a dashboard panel is typically physical and visual, rather than electronic. Electronic issues like flickering gauges or dead screens are usually caused by the instrument cluster itself, not the panel. Look for these common signs of a damaged dash panel:

• Cracking or Brittleness: Years of sun exposure, especially in hot climates, can cause the plastic and vinyl to become brittle and develop cracks. This is often most noticeable around the defroster vents and speaker grilles.
• Warping and Lifting: The area of the dash closest to the windshield is prone to warping from heat. You may see the panel lifting or separating, creating a gap near the defroster vents. This can sometimes be a precursor to cracking.
• Peeling or Delamination: The top layer of vinyl or soft-touch material can begin to peel away from the underlying plastic structure, creating bubbles or loose flaps. This is common around the passenger airbag outline.
• Rattles and Squeaks: As the panel ages and endures vibration, mounting tabs can break, or the panel itself can crack. This can cause persistent rattling noises, especially when driving on rough roads.
🎬 See this quick fix for a dashboard rattle
• Damage from Airbag Deployment: If the passenger airbag has deployed, it will destroy the dashboard panel. The panel is designed to tear open in a specific way, and it cannot be repaired; it must be replaced.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

There are no major recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Ford specifically for the main dashboard panel cracking or warping on the 2010-2019 Taurus or Police Interceptor Sedan. However, other related issues are important to know:

• Instrument Cluster TSB 13-6-27: This bulletin applies to some 2013 Taurus models where the instrument cluster could be blank at startup. The fix was a software reprogram. While not a panel issue, it's a known dashboard-area problem.
• Exterior Trim Recall: A recall was issued for 2016-2019 Taurus models because the exterior B-pillar applique trim could detach while driving. This is an exterior part and is not related to the interior dashboard panel.
• Takata Airbag Recalls: While not a dash panel defect, the massive Takata airbag recalls affected millions of vehicles. The replacement procedure often requires significant disassembly of the dashboard, which, if done improperly, could lead to rattles or damage to the panel.

Buying a Used Dashboard Panel: A Buyer's Checklist

Due to the high cost of a new OEM dashboard, a used panel is the most practical option for most people. However, careful inspection is critical. Use this checklist to ensure you get a good part.

1. Verify Compatibility Above All Else

• Match the Part Number: This is the most reliable method. Find the part number on your original dash (it's usually on a sticker on the underside) and match it exactly.
• Confirm the Interior Trim Code: Color matching is crucial. Find the Federal Certification Sticker on your driver's side door or door pillar. Look for the letters "INT TR" and note the two-character code below it. This code specifies your interior color (e.g., Stone, Charcoal Black). Ensure the donor dash has the same code.

2. Perform a Thorough Physical Inspection

• Check for Sun Damage: Look for chalky, faded areas or a brittle texture. Press gently on the top surface; if it feels hard and inflexible instead of slightly pliable, it has significant sun damage and is prone to cracking.
• Inspect Defroster Vents: This is a high-stress area. Check for any hairline cracks starting at the corners of the vent openings.
• Examine the Passenger Airbag Area: Look at the seam for the passenger airbag. It should be perfectly flush. Any lifting, tearing, or discoloration is a major red flag that the airbag may have deployed or the dash is severely warped.
• Flip it Over: Inspect the underside. Look for broken mounting tabs, especially around the instrument cluster and center stack openings. Check for any signs of previous repairs, like epoxy, glue, or non-original brackets.

3. Investigate the Donor Vehicle

• Ask About Airbag Deployment: Always ask the seller if the donor vehicle's airbags were deployed. A dash from a car with a deployed passenger airbag is useless.
• Consider Mileage and Climate: A dashboard from a low-mileage vehicle that was garage-kept in a mild climate will be in much better condition than one from a high-mileage car from a hot, sunny region like Arizona or Florida.

Replacement Difficulty and Labor Costs

Difficulty: 5 out of 5 (Expert Level)

Replacing the entire dashboard panel is one of the most labor-intensive jobs on any vehicle. It is not recommended for the average DIY mechanic. The process involves removing nearly the entire interior of the car forward of the front seats.

A partial list of components that must be removed includes:

• Center console
• A-pillar trim panels
• Steering wheel and steering column switches
• Instrument cluster
🎬 Watch: How to remove the instrument cluster gauge
• Radio and climate controls
• Glove box
• All lower dash panels and trim
• Numerous electrical connectors and harnesses

This job requires patience, organization, and a deep understanding of vehicle systems to avoid damaging electrical components or trim pieces. A professional technician will typically take 8 to 12 hours to complete the job, leading to significant labor costs.

Cost Comparison

OEM Part Numbers

This is a partial list of known OEM part numbers. These often change based on color, model year, and specific options. Always verify with the seller or a dealer using your VIN.

• AG1Z-5404320-AA, AG1Z5404320AA, AG1Z-5404320-AB (Typically 2010-2012, Stone)
• BG1Z-5404320-AA, BG1Z5404320AA (Typically 2010-2012, Charcoal Black)
• DG1Z-5404320-AA, DG1Z5404320AA (Typically 2013-2019)
• DG1Z-5404320-BA, DG1Z5404320BA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)