Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

Fig. 81 Upper Trim Panel Removal:

Fig. 82 I/P Cluster Removal:

1. Disable airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.
2. Remove instrument panel upper trim panel as follows:
a. Pry defroster grill upward using a small flat bladed tool, then remove, Fig. 81.
b. Disconnect sunload and auto control sensors from defroster grill.
c. Remove screws retaining upper trim panel through defroster grill opening.
d. Remove heat and A/C vents from front of instrument panel by gently prying on both sides and pulling out.
e. Remove screws retaining upper trim panel through vent openings, then the upper trim panel.
3. Remove instrument panel cluster as follows:
a. Remove fuses A5 and B5 from rear compartment fuse panel and fuse A3 from engine compartment fuse panel.
b. Disconnect two electrical connectors on top of instrument panel.
c. Remove screws retaining cluster to instrument panel, Fig. 82.
d. On models with digital cluster, raise cluster and remove two screws retaining PRNDL mechanism.
e. On all models, remove cluster.
4. Remove right and left A/C vent trim panels.
5. Remove glove compartment as follows:
a. Open glove compartment door and remove screws retaining glove compartment assembly to instrument panel.
b. Pull glove compartment out slightly, then disconnect electrical connectors from glove compartment switches.
c. Remove glove compartment.

Fig. 83 Sound Insulators Removal:

Fig. 84 Steering Column Opening Bracket & Filler Trim Removal:

6. Remove right and left sound insulators, Fig. 83.
7. Remove steering column opening filler trim and bracket, Fig. 84.
8. If equipped with full console, remove as follows:
a. Remove storage compartment by pulling up and out.
b. Remove shift handle retaining clip and handle, then the console upper trim plate.
c. Disconnect cigar lighter electrical connector, then remove radio.
d. Remove gear selector trim plate and PRNDL illumination lamp socket.
e. Remove shifter plate upper mounting bolts, then the nuts retaining shifter assembly to floor.
f. Remove nuts retaining console to floor through storage compartment opening.
g. Disconnect console blower air supply duct, then slide console up and disconnect electrical connectors.
h. Slide console back to clear shifter, then remove from vehicle.
9. Remove headlamp switch module from instrument panel by pulling outward on switch knob. Disconnect electrical connector.
10. Remove two bolts and hood latch release, then place drivers seat in full rearward position.
11. Remove steering column as described in ``Steering Columns'' section.
12. Remove screws retaining instrument panel, then disconnect electrical connectors.

Fig. 85 I/P Removal:

13. Remove instrument panel from vehicle, Fig. 85.
14. Reverse procedure to install.
15. Reactivate airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.