Instrument Panel Top Cover

TOP COVER

REMOVAL

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the end caps from each end of the instrument panel.
3. Remove the steering column opening cover.
4. Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument panel.
5. Remove the glove box assembly.
6. Remove the passenger airbag from the instrument panel.
7. Remove the defroster grille from the instrument panel

Fig. 17:

8. Remove the six screws that secure the forward edge (nearest the windshield) of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support (Fig. 17).

NOTE: Dakota shown, Durango similar.

9. Remove the screw that secures each outboard end of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support beneath the end caps.
10. Remove the six screws that secure the rearward edge (nearest the passenger compartment) of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support.
11. Remove the top cover from the top of the instrument panel structural support.

INSTALLATION

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Position the top cover onto the top of the instrument panel structural support (Fig. 17).
2. Install and tighten the six screws that secure the rearward edge (nearest the passenger compartment) of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
3. Install and tighten the screw that secures each outboard end of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support beneath the end caps. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
4. Install and tighten the six screws that secure the forward edge (nearest the windshield) of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
5. Reinstall the defroster grille onto the instrument panel.
6. Reinstall the passenger airbag into the instrument panel.
7. Install the glove box assembly.
8. Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument panel.
9. Install the steering column opening cover.
10. Reinstall the end caps onto each end of the instrument panel.
11. Reconnect the battery negative cable.