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. 21 Instrument Panel, Top Cover & Lower Steering Column Cover:

2. Remove instrument panel top cover as follows:
a. Lift up rear edge of instrument panel top cover.
b. Pull panel rearward to remove.

Fig. 22 Instrument Panel Silencers Less Passive Restraints:

3. On LeBaron coupe models equipped with automatic transaxle, remove left instrument panel silencer.
4. On LeBaron coupe models less passive restraints, remove upper right instrument panel silencer.
5. On all models, remove both side sill trim and cowl side trim covers as follows:
a. Remove four front scuff plate attaching screws, then the front scuff plates.
b. Remove cowl side trim panel attaching screws.
c. Pull panel out from bottom, then remove from vehicle.
6. Remove both side A-pillar trim covers as follows:
a. Remove three A-pillar trim cover attaching screws, then the trim covers.
7. Remove parking brake and hood release handles.

Fig. 23 Instrument Panel Components W/Passive Restraints:

8. Remove lower steering column cover(s).
9. Remove steering column wiring harness from clip on lower column bracket.
10. Remove steering column-to-bracket attaching nuts, then lower steering column.

Fig. 24 Exploded View Of Forward Console Assembly:

Fig. 25 Rear Console Attaching Screws & Bolts:

Fig. 26 Shift Indicator Cable:

Fig. 27 Rear Console Wiring:

11. Remove forward and rear consoles as follows:
a. Remove two screws from lower rear surface of forward console bezel.
b. Pull bezel rearward, disengaging upper clips to remove.
c. Set parking brake, then place shift lever in N position.
d. Remove both side carpet panels from rear console by grasping each carpet panel along lower edge with pliers and firmly pulling straight down.
e. Remove two screws attaching rear console to front console.
f. Remove shift knob as follows: (1) On models equipped with automatic transaxle, remove one 5 mm setscrew, then pull up and remove shifter knob; (2) Loosen hex head screw on right side of shifter mechanism base, then disconnect nylon shift indicator cable from shifter bracket; (3) On models equipped with manual transaxle, unscrew shift knob from shift lever. Do not attempt to remove lift ring. Shift boot must be stretched over lift ring when console is removed.
g. On all models, remove two bolts, one from each side of rear console, then remove two screws from inside of armrest stowage area.
h. Disconnect all wiring to rear console, then remove rear console.
i. Remove forward console trim panels.
j. Remove two nuts attaching lower portion of forward console to mounting bracket.
k. Remove four screws attaching forward console to base panel.
l. Reach behind forward console, then disconnect antenna, wiring and ground strap from radio.
m. Pull forward console rearward to remove.
12. On models equipped with passive restraints, remove glove box module as follows:
a. Remove glove box light by pulling out of module, then disconnect wiring.
b. Remove glove box seven retaining screws, then remove glove box module.
13. On models equipped with passive restraints, remove lower right reinforcement, then the center instrument panel-to-floor console reinforcement.
14. On all models, loosen instrument panel pivot bolts.
15. Remove screws attaching instrument panel to cowl panel.
16. Allow instrument panel to roll down slightly, then disconnect remaining electrical, vacuum and control cable connections.
17. With the aid of a helper, remove panel pivot bolts, then the instrument panel from vehicle.
18. Reverse procedure to install, adjusting shift indicator cable in P position.
19. Refer to MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG ARMING/DISARMING to reactivate airbag.