Instrument Panel System
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMDESCRIPTION
The instrument panel is located at the front of the passenger compartment. This instrument panel is molded from a blend of various plastics that are mechanically attached to the vehicle. Colors are molded into the plastic components to minimize appearance degradation from scratches or abrasions. The panel components are internally ribbed and riveted to steel reinforcements for additional structural integrity and dimensional stability. The instrument panel surface components are designed to deform upon impact without breaking. This type of construction provides improved energy absorption which, in conjunction with the dual airbags and seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection.
The top of the instrument panel is secured to the top of the dash panel near the base of the windshield using screws. An end bracket integral to each end of the instrument panel structure is secured to each cowl side inner panel with a screw. A stamped metal bracket supports the center of the instrument panel by securing it to the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel below the instrument panel with screws. The instrument cluster, radio, heater-air conditioner control, passenger airbag, glove box, electrical junction block, Central Timer Module (CTM), accessory switches, ash receiver, cigar lighter, accessory power outlet, park brake release handle, inside hood release handle, as well as numerous other components are secured to and supported by this unit.
The instrument panel for this vehicle includes the following major features:
- Cluster Bezel - This molded plastic bezel is secured with snap clips to the instrument panel supporting structure. It trims out the edges of the headlamp switch, instrument cluster, radio, heater-air conditioner controls, passenger airbag on-off switch, and the heated seat switches on vehicles so equipped. On vehicles without the heated seat option, a small storage cubby bin is provided in the cluster bezel. This bezel also incorporates three completely adjustable panel outlets for the climate control system, and fills the opening between the instrument cluster and the top of the steering column where it passes through the instrument panel.
- Cup Holder/Storage Bin - Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission feature a latching fold-down, adjustable cup holder located on the lower instrument panel between the glove box and the ash receiver. Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission have a lighted storage bin on the instrument panel in place of the cup holder.
- Glove Box - The hinged bin-type glove box in the passenger side of the instrument panel features a recessed paddle-operated latch handle. Three molded hook formations on the lower edge of the glove box door are engaged with and pivot on three hinge pins integral to the lower edge of the instrument panel support structure. The glove box door also serves as the passenger side knee blocker. A honeycomb structure between the inner and outer glove box door panels helps to absorb the impact load and distribute it to the instrument panel structure.
- Steering Column Opening Cover - The steering column opening cover serves as the driver side knee blocker. This molded plastic cover has an integral ribbed plastic liner concealed behind it, for increased strength and integrity. The steering column opening cover transfers impact loads to the instrument panel structural support.
- Top Cover - The instrument panel top cover or base trim is the molded, grained, and color impregnated plastic outer skin of the instrument panel structural support.
Hard wired circuitry connects the electrical components on the instrument panel to each other through the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by many different methods. These circuits may be connected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system and to the instrument panel components through the use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block connectors and many different types of wire harness terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes complete circuit diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, further details on wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin- out and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices, and grounds.
OPERATION
The instrument panel serves as the command center of the vehicle, which necessarily makes it a very complex unit. The instrument panel is designed to house the controls and monitors for standard and optional powertrains, climate control systems, audio systems, safety systems, and many other comfort or convenience items. When the components of the instrument panel structural support are properly assembled and secured in the vehicle they provide superior instrument panel stiffness and integrity to help reduce buzzes, squeaks, and rattles. This type of construction also provides improved energy absorption which, in conjunction with the dual airbags and seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection.
The instrument panel is also designed so that all of the various controls can be safely reached and the monitors can be easily viewed by the vehicle operator when driving, while still allowing relative ease of access to each of these items for service. Modular instrument panel construction allows all of the gauges and controls to be serviced from the front of the panel. In addition, most of the instrument panel electrical components can be accessed without complete instrument panel removal. However, if necessary, the instrument panel can be removed from the vehicle as an assembly.
The steering column opening cover with its integral knee blocker located on the driver side of the instrument panel works in conjunction with the airbag system in a frontal vehicle impact to keep the driver properly positioned for an airbag deployment. In addition, removal of this component provides access to the steering column mounts, the steering column wiring, the Junction Block (JB) (removal of a snap-fit fuse access panel on the left end of the instrument panel allows access to the fuses and circuit breakers), the Central Timer Module (CTM), the Infinity speaker filter choke and relay unit, much of the instrument panel wiring, and the gear selector indicator cable (automatic transmission).
In a frontal collision, the glove box door on the passenger side of the instrument panel provides the same function for the front seat passenger as the knee blocker does for the driver. The glove box door also incorporates a recessed latch handle. Removal of the glove box provides access to the passenger airbag, the glove box lamp and switch, the radio antenna coaxial cable, the heating and air conditioning vacuum harness connector, and additional instrument panel wiring.
Removal of the instrument panel cluster bezel allows access to the headlamp switch, instrument cluster, radio, passenger airbag on-off switch, heated seat switches (if equipped), and the heating and air conditioning control. Removal of the instrument cluster allows access to the cluster illumination and indicator bulbs, and more of the instrument panel wiring. Complete instrument panel removal is required for service of most components internal to the heating and air conditioning system housing, including the heater core and the evaporator.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of all of the components and systems mounted on or in the instrument panel.