Instrument Panel - Removal

REMOVAL





WARNING: Disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, 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 an accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury or death.


NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

1. Before proceeding with the following repair procedure, review all warnings and cautions.

2. Loosen the battery terminal nut and use a battery terminal removal tool (2) to disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery (1).





3. Remove the right and left A-pillar trim moldings using a small pry tool or equivalent, lift the A-pillar trim molding (3) from the A-pillar slots (2) releasing the clips on the molding.





4. Remove the fasteners and close out panels from the lower I/P.





5. Remove the floor console.





6. Remove the nuts and the instrument panel support bracket.





7. Reach into the steering column opening at the top of the knee blocker and pull the top rearward to disengage upper knee blocker clips.

8. Gently swing the knee blocker open.

9. Slide the knee blocker upward towards the steering column to disengage the tabs on the knee blocker from the instrument panel.





10. Remove the right and left cowl side panels.





11. Remove bolts (1) and the nuts (2) from the lower instrument panel mounts.

12.
NOTE: Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the position of the steering wheel.

Remove the steering column from the vehicle.






CAUTION: Carefully disengage the retaining clips on the defroster grille. Make sure the tool does not scratch the instrument panel assembly while removing.

13. Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, release the clips attaching the defroster grille to the instrument panel.

14. Remove the defroster grille from the instrument panel.





15. Remove the bolts (2) attaching the instrument panel (1) to the body (3).





16. Disconnect the electrical connector at the inner side of the pedal support bracket.

17. Remove the two bolts at the front of the pedal support bracket.

18. Remove the two bolts from the bottom side of the pedal support bracket.





19. Remove the instrument panel center bezel.

20. Disconnect the following electrical connections:
- Control Head
- Lighter
- Switch Bank

21. Remove the fasteners from the center instrument panel attachment.





22. Remove the glove box.

23. Remove the fastener from the upper instrument panel attachment.





24. Remove the fastener from the lower instrument panel attachment.





25. Disconnect the two 40 way electrical connectors (1) and the Nag1 connector for the transmission if equipped.

26. Remove the electrical connections on the instrument panel harness.

27. Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle compartment.