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Home >> Chrysler >> 2000 >> Neon (CANADA) L4-2.0L >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators >> Dashboard / Instrument Panel >> Service and Repair >> Instrument Panel Assembly

Instrument Panel Assembly

INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the dash gauges and indicator lamps is to keep the driver informed about the operating condition of the vehicle. If an abnormal condition occurs, the driver is informed by indicator lamp. The driver can seek service before damage occurs.

Indicator lamps use ON/OFF switch functions for operation, while gauges use a sending unit or sensor.

Fig. 3:




The Instrument Panel (Fig. 3) can be removed as an assembly after a few part are removed to allow access to the retaining bolts. There is one self-aligning bulkhead connector on the left underside of the instrument panel replacing most of the main harness connectors. Once removed, the instrument panel can be serviced for replacement. Most of the parts of the instrument panel can be replaced individually without removing the complete instrument panel assembly.

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Push seats back to their full back position.
3. Using a trim stick (special tool #C-4755) or equivalent, gently pry out on left and right A-pillar trim moldings and remove.
4. Remove the instrument panel top cover.
5. Gently pull up on cluster bezel and remove from vehicle.
6. Remove two screws. Then gently pull rearward on left lower instrument panel cover and remove from vehicle.

CAUTION: Lock the steering wheel in the straight ahead position. This will prevent clock spring damage when the steering wheel rotates freely.

7. Remove steering column.
8. Remove left and right instrument panel end covers.
9. Remove left and right cowl side panels.
10. Remove center console.
11. Depress the sides of the Data Link Connector (DLC) and remove from instrument panel reinforcement.
12. Remove two center support mounting bolts.
13. Remove left and right A-pillar mounting bolts, two on each side.
14. Disconnect right side antenna connector.

Fig. 4:




15. Remove left and right A-pillar door harness connectors (Fig. 4).

Fig. 5:




16. Disconnect two harness connectors to HVAC at right top instrument panel (Fig. 5).
17. Disconnect one left side harness connector at top left of instrument panel for vanity and rear view mirrors.
18. Pull off the HVAC control head knobs.
19. Remove both A/C outlet barrels.
20. Remove two screws retaining the top front of the center bezel.
21. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry out on the instrument panel center bezel and remove.
22. Remove the two retaining screws to the HVAC control head.
23. Disconnect the one instrument panel wire harness connector.
24. Disconnect the one vacuum harness connector.

Fig. 6:




25. Pull HVAC control head out of instrument panel, twist 90 degrees and push back through the opening (Fig. 6). Do not disconnect the control cables.
26. Disconnect the center console wiring:
- Airbag Control Module (ACM)
- Parking Brake Warning Lamp Switch
- Transmission Range Indicator Lamp
- Shift Interlock Cable (ATX)

27. With help from an assistant, remove two bolts on top of the brake pedal support bracket. Pull rearward on instrument panel assembly and remove from vehicle.

Fig. 7:




Fig. 17:




28. Remove center A/C duct from the instrument panel (Fig. 17).
If replacing instrument panel, transfer parts (Fig. 7) as necessary.

REMOVAL - RHD

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS, WARNINGS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION. THIS WILL PREVENT CLOCKSPRING DAMAGE WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN IS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE.

Fig. 8:




1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the floor console.

Fig. 9:




3. Remove the right and left side instrument panel end covers (Fig. 9). Using the finger grip feature, pull straight away from the instrument panel to disengage the (3) retaining clips.
4. Remove the right and left side A-pillar trims.

Fig. 10:




5. Loosen the (2) screws retaining the instrument panel top cover. Located in the defroster grille (Fig. 10).
6. Using the heel of both hands, lift up to unclip and remove the instrument panel top cover.
7. Unclip and remove the instrument cluster bezel.
8. Remove the (2) screws retaining the lower steering column cover and remove the cover from the vehicle.
9. Remove the (2) screws retaining the steering column shroud and remove the shroud from the vehicle.
10. Disconnect the clockspring, wiper/washer, multi-function, ignition and if equipped, the two SKIM module connections and the shift interlock cable on automatic transaxle equipped vehicles.
11. Remove the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt retaining pin.

CAUTION: The steering wheel must be in the locked position before removing the coupler pinch bolt or clockspring damage can occur.

Fig. 11:




12. Remove the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt and separate the shafts by pulling them straight apart (Fig. 11).
13. Remove the (4) steering column retaining nuts and remove the column from the vehicle.
14. Pull back the weather-stripping and remove the right and left side lower kick panels.
15. Rotate the A/C outlet registers to the full down position. Grip each outlet at its outboard end and gently over rotate to release from its pivot point. Swing outlet straight out and remove by hand.
16. Remove the (4) HVAC control knobs by pulling them straight off the switch shaft by hand.

Fig. 12:




17. Remove the (2) screws from the center instrument bezel (Fig. 12).
18. Remove the center instrument panel bezel. Gently pull it straight out to unsnap the (4) retaining clips.
19. Remove the (2) HVAC control head retaining screws. Pull the control away from the instrument panel and rotate the control horizontally to position the assembly through the hole in the instrument panel. This will eliminate the need to disconnect the control cables.
20. Unclip the Data Link Connector (DLC) from the right side of the instrument panel reinforcement.
21. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness from behind the right kick panel. To disconnect the harness remove the (2) screws retaining the instrument panel connector to the steering column casting. Remove the plastic clips from the connector retainer. Unclip the bottom retainer and slide the mated instrument panel and headlamp connectors out of the holder. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector.
22. Disconnect the (3) wire harnesses from the top of the instrument panel.
23. Unclip the wire harness along the center console and disconnect the airbag control module, parking brake and transmission range indicator lamp if equipped.
24. Gently pry the right front door wire harness boot away from the A-pillar to access and disconnect the right door wire harness connector.
25. Gently pry the left front door wire harness boot away from the A-pillar to access and disconnect the left door wire harness connector.
26. Disconnect the radio antenna located below the glove compartment.
27. Remove the (4) instrument panel retaining fasteners from the top of the instrument panel.

Fig. 13:




28. Remove the (2) instrument panel retaining bolts which attach the instrument panel to the body at the tunnel bracket (Fig. 13).

Fig. 14:




Fig. 15:




29. Remove the (4) instrument panel retaining bolts from the right and left side body side cowls (Fig. 13) and (Fig. 15).
30. With the assistance from another person, guide the HVAC control head through the instrument panel opening while removing the instrument panel.
31. If replacing the instrument panel, transfer all parts to new instrument panel.

INSTALLATION

If replacing instrument panel, transfer parts from old instrument panel as necessary.
1. With help on an assistant, place instrument panel assembly into vehicle and onto the roll down bolts.
2. Feed the HVAC control into its opening in the back of the panel. Align the 75-way electrical connector and carefully guide the panel into position on the dash.

NOTE: The use of two drift pins or 1/2 inch diameter bolts through the B-pillar pilot holes will assure proper vertical position of the panel. Otherwise, visual align these holes before tightening the first bolt on each side.

3. Connect the center console wiring:
- Airbag Control Module (ACM)
- Parking Brake Warning Lamp Switch
- Transmission Range Indicator Lamp
- Brake Interlock Cable (ATX)

4. Pull HVAC control head out of instrument panel, twist 90 degree and position in place (Fig. 6).
5. Connect the one vacuum harness connector.
6. Connect the one instrument panel wire harness connector.
7. Install the two retaining screws to the HVAC control head.
8. Install the center A/C duct through the opening in the instrument panel, making sure it snaps down over the mating duct on the A/C unit. Tabs on each side will guide into slots in instrument panel.
9. Position the center bezel and firmly snap into place.
10. Install the two screws retaining the top front of the center bezel.
11. Snap in the A/C outlet barrels.
12. Firmly push on the HVAC control head knobs.
13. Connect one left side harness connector at top left of instrument panel for vanity and rear view mirrors.
14. Connect two harness connectors to HVAC at right top instrument panel (Fig. 5).
15. Install the left and right A-pillar door harness connectors (Fig. 4).
16. Connect the right side antenna connector.
17. Install the left and right A-pillar mounting bolts. First the lower bolt, then the upper bolt on each side.
18. Install the two center support mounting bolts.
19. Install two bolts on top of the brake pedal support bracket.
20. Install the two cowl top instrument panel retaining nuts (right side).
21. Position the Data Link Connector (DLC) into mounting slot and firmly snap into place in instrument panel reinforcement.
22. Install the center console.
23. Install the left and right cowl side panels.
24. Install the left and right instrument panel end covers.
25. Install the steering column.
26. Position the left lower instrument panel cover over mounting slots and firmly snap into place. Install the two screws on lower edge.
27. Position the cluster bezel over mounting slots and firmly snap into place.
28. Install the instrument panel top cover.
29. Position the left and right A-pillar trim moldings over mounting slots and firmly snap into place.
30. Install the door seal.
31. Connect the battery negative cable.

INSTALLATION - RHD

Fig. 16:




1. Before installing the instrument panel, be certain the (2) instrument panel wire harness connector retaining screws have been removed. The wire bundle should hang between the two connector mounting tabs on the instrument panel (Fig. 16).
2. If replacing the instrument panel, transfer all parts to new instrument panel.
3. With the assistance from another person, install the instrument panel into the vehicle. Guide the HVAC control head through the instrument panel opening while installing the assembly.
4. Install the (4) instrument panel retaining bolts to the right and left side body side cowls.
5. Install the (2) instrument panel retaining bolts which attach the instrument panel to the body at the tunnel bracket.
6. Install the (4) instrument panel retaining fasteners to the top of the instrument panel.
7. Connect the radio antenna located below the glove compartment.
8. Connect the left door wire harness connector.
9. Connect the right door wire harness connector.
10. Connect the ACM, parking brake, and transmission range indicator lamp wiring connectors if equipped.
11. Connect the (3) wire harnesses to the top of the instrument panel.
12. Connect the instrument panel wire harness connector. Install the plastic clips to the connector retainer. To connect the harness install the (2) screws retaining the instrument panel connector to the steering column casting. Connect the instrument panel wire harness to the right kick panel.
13. Clip the Data Link Connector (DLC) to the right side of the instrument panel reinforcement.
14. Pull the control through the instrument panel and rotate the control horizontally to position the assembly through the hole in the instrument panel. Install the (2) HVAC control head retaining screws.
15. Install the center instrument panel bezel. Gently pull it straight out to unsnap the (4) retaining clips.
16. Install the (2) screws to the center instrument bezel.
17. Install the (4) HVAC control knobs by pushing them straight on the switch shaft by hand.
18. Position the A/C outlets over the outlet housing and firmly snap into place. Verify that they pivot properly.
19. Install the right and left side lower kick panels and replace the weather-stripping if removed.
20. Install the steering column into the vehicle. Install the (4) steering column retaining nuts.
21. Connect the upper and lower steering column shafts. Install the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt.
22. Install the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt retaining pin.
23. Connect the clockspring, wiper/washer, multifunction, ignition and if equipped, the two SKIM module connections and the shift interlock cable on automatic transaxle equipped vehicles.
24. Install the (2) screws retaining the steering column shroud and install the shroud on the steering column.
25. Install the (2) screws retaining the lower steering column cover.
26. Install the instrument cluster bezel.
27. Install the instrument panel top cover.
28. Install the (2) screws retaining the instrument panel top cover. Located in the defroster grille.
29. Install the right and left side A-pillar trims.
30. Install the right and left side instrument panel end cover.
31. Install the floor console.
32. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
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