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 negative battery (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 may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.

WARNING: Review safety precautions and warnings before performing this procedure. Failure to follow the warnings and cautions may result in serious or fatal injury.

NOTE: Take the proper precautions to protect the front face of the instrument panel from cosmetic damage during this service procedure.




1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system.
3. Drain the engine cooling system.
4. Remove the air cleaner housing from the engine compartment.
5. Remove the nut (3) and disconnect the A/C liquid line (1) and the A/C suction line (2) from the A/C expansion valve and remove and discard the O-ring seals.
6. Loosen the clamps and disconnect the heater hoses (4) from the heater core.
7. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and the expansion valve and heater core ports.




8. Remove the instrument panel from the passenger compartment.
9. Remove the two covers from the top of the instrument panel.
10. Remove the screws (1) that secure the defroster duct and outer instrument panel duct (2) to the instrument panel.
11. Disconnect the defroster and instrument panel ducts from the HVAC and remove the ducts. Tilt and rotate the ducts as necessary.