I have always disliked the constant drone of that little fan behind the dash. Today I decided to finally disable it. Other Mudders have posted that the fan sits below the digital clock in the top center of the dash. I would say it's more like directly behind the clock, and easier to get to by removing the center top dash vent and clock unit itself (rather than through radio removal). I also couldn't find the fan or figure out how to disable it by going through the radio access.
To pull out the center top dash vent/clock piece, work a plastic trim remover around the edges and just pull gently. There are two friction clips on either end of the piece (right and left sides), so try to pull on those sides rather than in the center of the piece. As it starts to come out, you'll see that there are some sharp ridges on top of the piece that is coming out. Try to finesse/softly push up with your fingertips the soft dash where it meets that top of the plastic piece you are removing, so as not to damage the dash. Disconnect the clock wire by pushing down on the top center of the wiring plug as you remove the assembly from the dash, it's an easy connector.
Once you have the center vent/clock assembly out, you'll see the fan sits horizontally right behind the clock. Just disconnect the little white electrical connection to the left of the fan. It's useful to have the keys in the ignition while you do this, to help you see/hear the fan to identify it, and to confirm that you have disconnected the fan.
It's a little unnerving to pull apart dash friction fittings, at least for me. Just try to take your time and pull the vent/clock out gently and straight. It should come out with a little gentle persuasion. It's also a good time to use a paintbrush and a wet detail cloth to clean up the trail dust in all the nooks and crannies.
I was installing the JDM red hazard switch (84332-26080, I realize the triangle is in the wrong orientation, I'm okay with that), and taking out the inoperable CB which was below my radio. So, I tried both the radio access and removal of center vent/clock assembly. If you are just looking to disable the fan, I suggest trying the vent/clock assembly first. You might be able to get it done in 15 minutes. The radio removal is more involved. YMMV.
To pull out the center top dash vent/clock piece, work a plastic trim remover around the edges and just pull gently. There are two friction clips on either end of the piece (right and left sides), so try to pull on those sides rather than in the center of the piece. As it starts to come out, you'll see that there are some sharp ridges on top of the piece that is coming out. Try to finesse/softly push up with your fingertips the soft dash where it meets that top of the plastic piece you are removing, so as not to damage the dash. Disconnect the clock wire by pushing down on the top center of the wiring plug as you remove the assembly from the dash, it's an easy connector.
Once you have the center vent/clock assembly out, you'll see the fan sits horizontally right behind the clock. Just disconnect the little white electrical connection to the left of the fan. It's useful to have the keys in the ignition while you do this, to help you see/hear the fan to identify it, and to confirm that you have disconnected the fan.
It's a little unnerving to pull apart dash friction fittings, at least for me. Just try to take your time and pull the vent/clock out gently and straight. It should come out with a little gentle persuasion. It's also a good time to use a paintbrush and a wet detail cloth to clean up the trail dust in all the nooks and crannies.
I was installing the JDM red hazard switch (84332-26080, I realize the triangle is in the wrong orientation, I'm okay with that), and taking out the inoperable CB which was below my radio. So, I tried both the radio access and removal of center vent/clock assembly. If you are just looking to disable the fan, I suggest trying the vent/clock assembly first. You might be able to get it done in 15 minutes. The radio removal is more involved. YMMV.
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