Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

Fig 33, Instrument Panel Outer Support And Steering Column Lower Support:

Fig 34, Instrument Panel Center Support Bracket:

If the entire instrument panel lower trim pad must be removed and replaced, refer to Views A, B, C and E in Figs. 33 and 34. Do not remove four bolts securing instrument panel outer supports to the body side frame.

The instrument panel lower trim pad bears the load of the entire instrument panel assembly. It is supported by the lower steering column support, a center support bracket and two outer support brackets attached to the lefthand and righthand body side hinge (A) pillars.

To remove and replace the instrument panel lower trim pad assembly, several of the instrument panel electrical harness, crosscar and engine harness connectors must be disconnected.
1. Remove trim pad as follows:
a. Disconnect battery ground cable, then remove headlamp switch pod screw and carefully pull pod away from instrument panel. Disconnect electrical connector.
b. Pull windshield wiper switch pod from instrument panel, then disconnect electrical connector.
c. Remove cluster trim plate screws, then the plate.
d. Remove window defogger outlet grilles from trim pad, then the trim pad screws from outlet grille holes.
e. Open instrument panel compartment door, then remove two trim pad screws.
f. Remove trim pad from seated position.
g. Remove Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) sensor from trim pad, then the trim pad from vehicle.
2. Remove defogger vent grilles from upper trim panel.
3. Remove righthand front radio speaker, then loosen upper edge of lower trim panel by removing two hex screws.
4. Remove five upper trim panel screws, then the panel from vehicle.
5. Remove dash panel upper insulator push-in retainers, then the insulator from vehicle.
6. Remove front passenger seat.
7. Disconnect hood latch cable from hood release handle, then remove handle.
8. Remove lefthand and righthand lower cowl side panels.
9. Disconnect instrument panel harness to crosscar harness (J-block) connectors, then the instrument panel harness from body harness (J-block) connectors.
10. Lower steering column and rest on driver seat to allow clearance when removing and replacing instrument panel lower trim pad assembly.
11. Disconnect instrument panel harness from engine and forward lamp harnesses (J-block connector near lefthand shock tower in engine compartment).
12. Disconnect instrument panel harness connectors from both wiper solvent pumps, brake (low hydraulic fluid) warning, blower motor, blower motor resistor, blower motor high-speed relay and windshield wiper motor.
13. Disconnect instrument panel harness ground connector to vehicle space frame (behind lefthand lower cowl side panel).
14. Disconnect instrument panel harness connections to steering column electrical components (hazard switch, ignition switch, turn signals, SIR components, etc.).
15. Temporarily provide support for instrument panel lower trim pad while load bearing support braces are disconnected.
16. Remove instrument panel center support bracket, then the steering column lower support.
17. Push engine compartment side of instrument panel wiring harness through lefthand dash panel grommet access hole into passenger compartment.
18. With help of assistant, lift lower trim pad from vehicle, then place lower trim pad in flat and secure location.
19. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Torque windshield wiper and headlamp switch pod screw to 6 lb ft