[Rdfish1]

I am going to finish the project i started last weekend which got interrupted by a few obstacles including the need to buy a better switch and mount it properly vs the cheap toggle that i had. So, to clarify, i need to pop the top dash cover which is attached with push pins, then i can pull off the face plate for the switches so i can cut a new hole for the new switch?

I am assuming i will need to disconnect the existing switches to remove so i can cut with a straight edge razor knife. What about the two bolts on the dash that are used to secure the bottom of my windshield, do they need to be removed to get the top dash off?

Very happy to have been told about the power block under the hood. That will make powering up the light a breeze and since it is a small light, it will work great

 

[Ranger Ed]

On my 2010 Ranger 800 I did not have to do anyting with the windshield. The entire dash moved out far enought so unhooking the switches was not needed. I cut the dash with a utility knife while it was fully attached, this provided a stable hold for cutting. The 2010 panel holding the switches can be removed without thaking the whole dash out. On my 2015 900 the top of the dash comes off making access easier and a knock out is provided for the extra switch.

 

[Full draw ohio]

Yes you will need to remove the 2 bolts for the windshield. They replaced 2 push pins in the center. There will also be 2 small screws holding that piece of your dash in. It is nice to remove it to be able to cut in flat surface. There is a extra spot for a switch with a blank in it. I used that blank when cutting out for new switches. Easier to get in and out for test fit

 

[Cajunrangerxp]

If all you are doing is adding switches (2015 XP900 Style Dash) then the dash switch panel will come out without taking off the top dash. If you remove the two torx head screws on the bottom of the panel then pull out on the bottom it will pop out if you use a little force. There is enough slack in the wires to remove the panel then disconnect the wires. When you put it back in just put the tabs on the top of the panel back under the edge of the top dash and push up on the bottom compartment of the dash panel to sort of spring it upward to get it to go into the opening.
If you do decide that you want to take your top dash out then the only thing that holds it in are the 4 push pins across the top. Pull the 4 push pins and then pick up on the front side where the push pins are and kind of pick up on one end and pull backwards. The back side of the top dash panel has some tabs that sort of hook into the dash all the way across. Here is a pic of my top dash panel removed.

 

[Cajunrangerxp]

Oops. I don't have a windshield so I didn't realize whether or not the two windshield screws hold in the dash also.

 

[Full draw ohio]

Yes they replace the 2 push tabs in the center of the dash

 

[Mrmojorisan]

If all you are doing is adding switches (2015 XP900 Style Dash) then the dash switch panel will come out without taking off the top dash. If you remove the two torx head screws on the bottom of the panel then pull out on the bottom it will pop out if you use a little force. There is enough slack in the wires to remove the panel then disconnect the wires. When you put it back in just put the tabs on the top of the panel back under the edge of the top dash and push up on the bottom compartment of the dash panel to sort of spring it upward to get it to go into the opening.
If you do decide that you want to take your top dash out then the only thing that holds it in are the 4 push pins across the top. Pull the 4 push pins and then pick up on the front side where the push pins are and kind of pick up on one end and pull backwards. The back side of the top dash panel has some tabs that sort of hook into the dash all the way across. Here is a pic of my top dash panel removed.

View attachment 10314

X2 what this guy said. Just for adding switches all you need to remove is the two screws holding the center switch panel on. There is plenty of room to get in there to run wiring etc. Should take you all of 30 seconds to remove... a minute or more if you have to find your torx driver. lol

 

[Rdfish1]

If all you are doing is adding switches (2015 XP900 Style Dash) then the dash switch panel will come out without taking off the top dash. If you remove the two torx head screws on the bottom of the panel then pull out on the bottom it will pop out if you use a little force. There is enough slack in the wires to remove the panel then disconnect the wires. When you put it back in just put the tabs on the top of the panel back under the edge of the top dash and push up on the bottom compartment of the dash panel to sort of spring it upward to get it to go into the opening.
If you do decide that you want to take your top dash out then the only thing that holds it in are the 4 push pins across the top. Pull the 4 push pins and then pick up on the front side where the push pins are and kind of pick up on one end and pull backwards. The back side of the top dash panel has some tabs that sort of hook into the dash all the way across. Here is a pic of my top dash panel removed.

View attachment 10314

Thank you cajun, this made the job very easy. All done. Also, the knock out for the switch was inexpected but was nice. Just pushed it out and the new switch fit perfectly in place.