Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

1. Disarm airbag, refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts/Air Bags (Supplemental Restraint Systems)/Service and Repair.

Fig. 35 Instrument Panel Silencers:

2. Remove upper right and left instrument panel silencers.
3. Remove right and left cowl side and scuff plate trim mouldings by removing five attaching screws per side.
4. Remove right and left A-pillar trim mouldings by removing two push-pin fasteners per side and disengaging from clip on B-pillar trim.

Fig. 36 Instrument Panel, Top Cover & Steering Column Cover:

5. Remove instrument panel top cover by pushing forward and prying up, using a straightedge to aid in removal.
6. Disconnect bulkhead connector from brace under left side of instrument panel.

Fig. 30 Hood & Parking Brake Release Module:

7. Remove hood and parking brake release module as follows:
a. Disconnect parking brake release cable from parking brake mechanism.
b. Disconnect hood release cable from hood latch.
c. Pull parking brake release handle, then remove two module attaching screws.
d. Pull hood release handle, then remove two remaining module attaching screws.
e. Pull module and cable assembly rearward to remove.
8. Remove lower steering column cover by pulling straight out, then lower steering column by removing five attaching nuts (six on models equipped with cruise control).
9. Disconnect wiring from steering column, stop lamp switch, parking brake switch, ignition switch and cruise control switch, if equipped.
10. Remove two steering column upper studs, then loosen side cowl tie-down bolts.
11. Remove one nut attaching A/C heater unit to panel, then remove five screws attaching instrument panel to cowl panel.
12. Loosen instrument panel pivot bolts, roll instrument panel down, attach a hook to hold panel in position, then remove four screws to remove defroster duct.
13. Disconnect body wiring from right and left 25-way connectors.
14. Disconnect wiring for resister block and blower motor, then the right demister hose.
15. Disconnect A/C heater unit control cable, wiring connectors and vacuum harness.
16. Disconnect radio wiring, ground strap and antenna lead.
17. Remove right side instrument panel ground wire, then disconnect body computer wiring.
18. Disconnect remaining electrical and cable connections.
19. Remove instrument panel pivot bolts, then the instrument panel.
20. Reverse procedure to install.
21. Refer to MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG ARMING/DISARMING reactivate airbag.