Instrument Panel Lower Reinforcement Replacement

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIRBAGS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. Refer to Steering Column Opening Cover in the Removal and Installation for the procedures.
3. Remove the two screws that secure the inside hood latch release handle to the instrument panel lower reinforcement and lower the release handle to the floor.
4. Depress the latch tabs that secure the 16-way data link wire harness connector to the instrument panel lower reinforcement, and push the connector out of its mounting hole.

Instrument Panel Lower Reinforcement Remove/Install:

5. Remove the four screws that secure the lower reinforcement to the instrument panel.
6. Remove the lower reinforcement from the instrument panel.

INSTALLATION
1. Position the lower reinforcement onto the instrument panel.
2. Install and tighten the four screws that secure the lower reinforcement to the instrument panel. Tighten the screws to 2.2 Nm (20 in. lbs.).
3. Install the 16-way data link wire harness connector into the mounting hole on the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
4. Position the inside hood latch release handle to the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
5. Install and tighten the two screws that secure the inside hood latch release handle to the instrument panel lower reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 2.8 Nm (25 in. lbs.).
6. Install the steering column opening cover onto the instrument panel. Refer to Steering Column Opening Cover in the Removal and Installation for the procedures.
7. Reconnect the battery negative cable.