Lower Instrument Panel Replacement

WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING ANY AIR BAG SYSTEM REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURES, DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THIS WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

When removing a Passenger Airbag Module, refer to Passenger Airbag Module Removal procedures. Refer to Restraint Systems/ Air bag Systems/ Service and Repair. Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Instrument Panel Components:

2. Open both vehicle doors and remove both instrument panel end covers. Instrument Panel End Covers - Left and Right Replacement
3. Remove the floor console shifter bezel and cowl side trim panels if equipped. Refer to Body and Frame/ Interior Trim/ Console/ Service and Repair. Service and Repair If not, remove the instrument panel lower center cover and ash receiver assembly. Instrument Panel Lower Center Cover Removal For Ash Receiver R&R, refer to Body and Frame/ Interior Trim/ Ash Tray/ Service and Repair. Service and Repair
4. Remove the screw at radio ground strap at left side of the center support bracket. Proper Routing Of Radio Ground Strap Is Essential For Radio Service.
5. Open the glove box door, flex sides of the glove box inboard to the swing glove box door down to floor. Remove the four screws at top of the glove box opening. The LHS has six screws.
6. Remove the two nuts from center support bracket at the ash receiver area.
7. Remove the two screws from center outlet bezel opening and the two screws from right bezel opening. The LHS has only one screw from outlet bezel opening.
8. Remove the screw from each end cover area of instrument panel. The LHS has no screws.
9. Remove the screws at each end of the instrument panel at the cowl sides, then detach the lower instrument panel from upper instrument panel, with column in tilt-up position.
10. Disconnect the following electrical connectors:
- Trunk Release Switch
- Glove box Light Switch
- Radio/Antenna Connectors
- Heater - A/C Connectors
- Ash Receiver Light
11. Remove the lower instrument panel assembly.
12. Remove the left silencer/duct under instrument panel. Left Under Silencer/ Duct Replacement

INSTALLATION
- For installation, reverse the above procedures.

1. When installing the lower instrument panel to the upper instrument panel install the center two screws first and work from center out. Tighten screws to 3 NM (25 in lbs) torque.

2. Open glove box to gain access to the screws attaching lower instrument panel to module bracket. Tighten screws to 3 Nm (25 in lbs) torque.

3. DO NOT CONNECT battery negative cable. Refer to Restraint Systems/ Air bag Systems. Air Bag Systems