Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

1. Remove windshield wiper arms. Open hood and remove cowl top plastic cover.
2. Remove windshield washer reservoir.
3. Pull connector loose from A/C resistor block, then push wiring and grommet through bulkhead into passenger compartment.
4. Remove console assemblies as follows:
a. Position front seats fully forward.
b. On models equipped with automatic transaxle, remove gear selector knob and shift plate. Remove illumination lamp socket. Position socket aside.

Fig. 35 Front & Center Console Assembly:

c. On models equipped with manual transaxle, lift gear shift boot adapter from console, then push adapter through opening in console.
d. On all models, unsnap power mirror/window switch bezel, if equipped, then disconnect switch wiring.
e. Remove bolts holding arm rest riser to floor bracket, then separate rear console from floor and remove from vehicle.
f. Open armrest lid and remove three screws attaching armrest to console retractor bracket.
g. Remove armrest and center console section as a unit by lifting and unsnapping from front console section.
h. Position front seats fully rearward.
i. Remove center module bezel.
j. Remove front console and side walls as a unit by removing six screws attaching side wall to instrument panel and console bracket.
k. Slide front console assembly rearward, then lift to remove.

5. Disconnect passive restraint seat belt logic control module wiring connector.
6. Remove six attaching nuts securing instrument panel to console support brace.
7. Remove instrument to console support brace with passive restraint seat belt logic control module attached.
8. Remove right and left cowl side and scuff plate trim moldings as follows:
a. Remove three scuff plate trim molding attaching screws.
b. Remove cowl side trim attaching screw and lower most push pin from A pillar trim moldings.
c. Remove side cowl and scuff plate trim moldings.

9. Remove right and left A pillar trim moldings by removing remaining push pins.
10. Remove instrument panel top cover as follows:
a. Insert suitable trim stick tool in groove between instrument panel top cover and instrument panel pad surface.

Fig. 36 Instrument Panel & Top Cover:

b. Pry cover up and forward until cover is released from instrument panel pad.
c. Lift top cover up and rearward to remove.

11. Remove lower steering column cover as follows:
a. Remove two screws attaching hood release handle, then the handle.
b. Remove fuse access door, then remove lower steering column cover attaching screw located directly above fuse block.

Fig. 37 Lower Instrument Panel Components:

c. Remove six attaching screws around outside of steering column cover, then the cover.

12. Disconnect steering column wiring from 25-way connector.
13. Disconnect parking brake, stop lamp and cruise control wiring, if equipped.
14. Remove five steering column support nuts, lower steering column, then remove two column attaching studs.
15. Disconnect engine wiring harness from 18-way and 16-way connectors located on left side panel support bracket.
16. Remove glove compartment, then loosen instrument panel pivot bolts.

Fig. 36 Instrument Panel & Top Cover:

17. Remove defroster duct adapter from defroster duct, then the screws attaching instrument panel to cowl panel.
18. Roll instrument panel down, attach heavy wire to hold in position, then remove defroster duct retaining screws.
19. Disconnect body wiring from right side 18-way connector and left side 25-way connector.
20. Disconnect temperature mode cable at inline connector, then the resistor block and blower motor wiring connections.
21. Disconnect antenna cable.
22. Disconnect left and right demister hoses from demister outlets on panel.
23. Remove instrument panel pivot bolts, then the instrument panel.
24. Reverse procedure to install.