Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

Fig. 8 Exploded View Of Instrument Panel:

Refer to Fig. 8 when replacing instrument panel.

1. On models equipped with radio coded theft protection system, refer to Vehicle Damage Warnings for system disarming and arming procedures. On models equipped with airbag system, refer to Technician Safety Information for system disarming and arming procedures.
2. Remove front seat track end covers.
3. Remove front seat mounting bolts, then the front seats.
4. Remove four center lower cover mounting bolts, then the center lower cover from under instrument panel.
5. Remove knee bolster bolts, then the knee bolster.
6. Remove instrument panel lower cover from under steering column.
7. Remove glove compartment mounting bolts, then the glove compartment.
8. Remove steering column mounting bolts, then lower steering column. Wrap column in shop cloth for protection.
9. Remove access panels.
10. Disconnect electrical connectors and clips.
11. Remove righthand side air bag as follows:
a. Remove absorber plate bolts.
b. On models less air conditioning, remove absorber plate.
c. Remove lower mounting bolts, then the passenger air bag brackets.
d. Carefully remove air bag.
12. Remove access panels on both sides of instrument panel.
13. Remove six instrument panel mounting bolts, then lift and remove.
14. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Ensure instrument panel fits onto body correctly.
b. Before tightening instrument panel mounting bolts, ensure wires are not pinched and instrument panel does not interfere with heater control, air mix control or function cables.
c. If there is space between passenger side air bag assembly lid and instrument panel after tightening mounting nuts, loosen nuts and lightly press down on air bag assembly. Retighten mounting nuts.
15. On models equipped with radio coded theft protection system, refer to Vehicle Damage Warnings for system disarming and arming procedures. On models equipped with airbag system, refer to Technician Safety Information for system disarming and arming procedures.