Heater control panel

Hi, 
I've bought a replacement heater control panel for our 09 piaggio porter (hijet) dash. The levers in the old one have become detached inside somewhere and there's no "off" position, or anything but hot! 
Do I have to completely remove the dash to get this out/I can't see any other way? Is the replacement something I could do on my own  (the only experience I have is a willingness to try and a toolbox?!)
YouTube isn't offering any relevant instructions,  but ive read the previous thread on removal of dash,and it seems manageable.
Thanks
Claire

If the existing one is stuck on Hot, it's no bad thing. You can set the vent control to the middle vents, which always blow cold air, if you need cold air.
HighlyJetted suggested that the design of the HiJet cooling system benefits from the heater matrix being in the circuit all the time, there's a thread here somewhere about it.