Instrument Panel

Fig.1 Instrument Panel:

DESCRIPTION
The instrument panel is located at the front of the passenger compartment (Fig. 1). This instrument panel is covered with numerous trim components that are molded from a blend of various plastics and are internally ribbed, then mechanically attached to a welded steel structural support or armature for structural integrity and dimensional stability. Colors are molded into the plastic components to minimize appearance degradation from scratches or abrasions. 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 air- bags and seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection.

The top of the instrument panel structural support is secured to four weld studs near the top of the dash panel at the base of the windshield using nuts. An end bracket integral to each end of the instrument panel structural support is secured to each cowl side inner panel near the front of the door opening with three screws. The instrument cluster, radio, speakers, heater-air conditioner control, passenger airbag, glove box, accessory switches, ash receiver, cigar lighter/accessory power outlet, 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:

- Base Trim - The instrument panel base trim is the molded, grained, and color impregnated plastic outer skin secured with screws to the welded steel instrument panel structural support.

- Center Bezel - This molded plastic bezel is secured at the top with two screws and at the bottom with a screw concealed in the back of the integral ash receiver housing to the instrument panel structural support. Four snap clips also secure the sides of this unit to the instrument panel base trim. This bezel trims and defines the center stack components of the instrument panel including: the radio, the heater and air conditioner controls, the accessory switch bezel, the ash receiver, and the two center panel climate control outlets. The center bezel also has a small, rubber lined storage tray molded into its upper horizontal surface.

- Cluster Bezel - This molded plastic hood-like bezel is secured at the top and bottom with screws to the instrument panel structural support. It defines and trims the instrument cluster and the top of the opening where the steering column passes through the instrument panel.

- Glove Box - The hinged, bin-type glove box in the passenger side of the instrument panel features a recessed paddle-operated latch handle. A narrow, woven check strap located on the outboard side of the glove box door secures the glove box in the open position. 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 base trim. 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 structural support.

- Grab Handle and Bezel - A large grab handle is located on the instrument panel just above the glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle. Each end of the handle has a threaded stud that is secured to the back side of the upper glove box opening of the instrument panel structural support with a nut. A molded plastic bezel trims out the upper glove box opening beneath the grab handle.

- Steering Column Opening Cover - The steering column opening cover is secured with two snap clips at the top and three molded hook formations at the bottom to the instrument panel base trim. Two screws, one on each side, anchor the unit to the instrument panel structural support. This molded plastic cover also serves as the driver side knee blocker and has an integral plastic liner with a honeycomb structure concealed behind it, for increased strength and integrity. The steering column opening cover transfers impact loads to the instrument panel structural support. In markets where a headlamp leveling feature is required, the steering column opening cover also provides a mounting location for the headlamp leveling switch.

- Top Cover - The top cover is primarily a trim piece to conceal the upper instrument panel mounts. It is secured with snap clips to the top of the instrument panel base trim and structural support at the base of the windshield. The top cover includes an integral windshield defroster outlet grille near its center.

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 electrical 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 air- bag system in a frontal vehicle impact to keep the driver properly positioned for an airbag deployment. In markets where vehicles are required to have a headlamp leveling system, the headlamp leveling switch is mounted in an additional opening near the upper edge of the steering column opening cover. In addition, removal of this component from the instrument panel provides access to the steering column mounts, the steering column switches, and much of the instrument panel and cross body wiring.

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 from the instrument panel provides access to the fuse block, the passenger airbag, the radio antenna coaxial cable, the Compact Disc (CD)/radio support bracket, the heating and air conditioning vacuum harness connector, the heating and air conditioning housing electrical connections, and additional instrument panel and cross body wiring.

Removal of the cluster bezel from the instrument panel allows access to the instrument cluster. Removal of the center bezel provides access to the radio, the accessory switches, and the heating and air conditioning control. Removal of the instrument cluster allows access to the cluster illumination 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.