Instrument Panel Assembly Replacement

WARNING: DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE GROUND CABLE BEFORE BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM.

FAILURE TO DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE FOR 2 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING ANY AIRBAG COMPONENTS.

REMOVAL
When removing a passenger airbag module, refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts/Air Bags/Air Bag Control Module/Passenger Air Bag Module Removal.
1. Open hood.
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
3. Remove cowl trim cover.
4. Remove windshield washer reservoir. Refer to Windshield Wipers and Washers for Removal and Installation procedures.
5. Remove the resister block for the heater blower motor and disconnect wire connector.

Instrument Panel Breakdown:

6. Open both vehicle front doors. Remove both left and right endcaps by pulling outboard.
7. Remove floor center console.
a. Remove shifter handle.
b. Remove the PRNDL assembly.
c. Remove five mounting screws in the console.
d. Remove console.
8. Disconnect Airbag Control Module ACM.wire connector.
9. Using a trim stick special tool (#C-4755), gently remove instrument panel top cover.
10. Using a trim stick, remove center bezel.

HVAC Control Head Removal:

11. Remove two screws attaching the HVAC control, and turn control sideways place it in the opening.
12. Remove the tilt steering column lever.
13. Remove tachometer.

Steering Column Opening Cover:

14. Remove the steering column opening cover.

Steering Column Shroud Removal:

15. Remove both upper and lower shrouds from the steering column.
16. Remove three toe plate nuts.
17. Remove the two steering column attaching nuts from the lower instrument panel.
18. Remove two screws to the shift interlock cable from steering column.
19. Disconnect the column wiring.
20. Remove the steering column pinch bolt and pull the steering column rearward off the intermediate shaft.

CAUTION: BE CAREFUL NOT TO LET THE STEERING WHEEL TURN ONCE REMOVED. CLOCKSPRING DAMAGE COULD RESULT.

Center Instrument Panel Support Brackets:

21. Remove the instrument panel center support nuts on the right and left side of the floor tunnel.
22. Disconnect rear view mirror wire connector located just to the right of the headlamp switch.
23. Disconnect the left side wiring:
- Brake switch
- BCM connectors (3)
- Body harness connectors (3)
- Door harness connector
24. Remove right upper hood side panel to access the right door wiring connector.
25. Disconnect the right side wiring:
- Door harness connector
- Body harness connector (2)
- CD changer DIN cable.

26. Disconnect the ground strap behind the defogger duct.
27. Disconnect the HVAC wiring connectors.
28. Disconnect the windshield antenna wire from the antenna amplifier.
29. Remove instrument panel side mounting screws from each side in the end cover openings.
30. Remove the instrument panel upper four mounting screws.
31. Remove two screws from the top of the instrument panel to the steering column brake support bracket.
32. Start pulling the instrument panel rearward to clear the bulkhead.
33. Lift up instrument panel and remove.

INSTALLATION
- For installation, reverse the above procedures. DO NOT CONNECT battery negative remote cable.