Lower Instrument Panel Replacement

WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURES, DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THIS WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

When removing a passenger airbag module. Refer to Restraint Systems/ Air bag Systems. Air Bag Systems

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.






2. Open both vehicle doors and remove both instrument panel end covers.

3. Remove floor console shifter bezel and cowl side trim panels if equipped. If not, remove instrument panel lower center cover and ash receiver assembly.

4. Remove screw at radio ground strap at left side of center support bracket. Proper Routing Of Radio Ground Strap Is Essential For Radio Service.

5. Open glove box door, flex sides of glove box inboard to swing glove box door down to floor. Remove four screws at top of the glove box opening.

6. Remove two nuts from center support bracket at ash receiver area.

7. Remove two screws from center outlet bezel opening and two screws from right bezel opening. The New Yorker has only one screw from outlet bezel opening.

8. Remove screw from each end cover area of instrument panel.

9. Remove screws at each end of instrument panel at cowl sides, then detach lower instrument panel from upper instrument panel, with column in tilt-up position.

10. Disconnect the following electrical connectors:

- Trunk Release Switch

- Glove box Light Switch

- Radio/Antenna Connectors

- Heater-A/C Connectors

- Ash Receiver Light

11. Remove lower instrument panel assembly.

12. Remove left silencer/duct under instrument panel.

13. For installation, reverse above procedures.

a. When installing the lower instrument panel to the upper instrument panel install the center two screws first and work from center out. Tighten screws to 3 Nm (25 in. lbs.) torque.

b. Open glove box to gain access to the screws attaching lower instrument panel to module bracket. Tighten screws to 3 Nm (25 in. lbs.) torque.

c. DO NOT CONNECT battery negative cable. Refer to Restraint Systems/ Air bag Systems. Air Bag Systems