Instrument Panel Top Cover - Not Properly Seated
NUMBER: 23-51-99GROUP: Body
EFFECTIVE DATE: Nov. 26, 1999
SUBJECT:
Instrument Panel Top Cover Not Properly Seated at Outboard Edges
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing a retainer and screw at each end of the instrument panel top cover as needed.
MODELS:
2000 (PL) Neon
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JULY 1, 1999 (MDH 0701XX). SOME VEHICLES BUILT FROM APRIL 1, 1999 (MDH 0401XX) TO JUNE 30, 1999 (MDH 0630XX) MAY HAVE A RETAINER AND SCREW INSTALLED ON ONE SIDE. THE BULLETIN SHOULD BE PERFORMED FOR THE REMAINING SIDE.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Outboard edges of the top cover do not stay seated, this may cause a rattle. If the instrument panel top cover is only partially popped up, the customer may state the top cover appears warped or crooked.
DIAGNOSIS:
Open the doors and inspect the top cover, some vehicles may have the outboard attachment screw already installed at one end or the other. If the top cover is not properly seated, rattles or appears crooked, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
1 05017770AA Instrument Panel Top Cover Repair Package
Package Contents
2 Screws
2 Retainers
1 Instruction Sheet With Driver and Passenger Templates
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
THIS REPAIR IS COMPATIBLE WITH DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S MOBILE SERVICE PROGRAM AND DOES NOT REQUIRE HOISTS OR OTHER FULL SERVICE FACILITY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT.
1. Pull back the weather seal and use a trim stick (special tool # C-4755) to remove the A-pillar moldings.
2. There are two screws securing the top center of the instrument panel top cover at the edges of the defroster duct opening. Back the two screws part way out until the top cover can be removed. Remove the instrument panel top cover using the trim stick.
3. If a retainer clip is not already present, insert the retainer clip into the square hole in the instrument panel substrate on each end. Ensure that the clip is properly orientated with the small flanges horizontal (Figure 1).
4. Cut out the templates supplied with the instruction sheet. The templates are labeled driver or passenger, ensure that the proper template is used or the hole will not be in the proper position. Tape the templates to the top cover (Figures 2 and 3).
5. With a pen or awl mark the center of the x of each template into the instrument panel top cover.
6. Remove the template and drill a 0.125 inch hole at the mark made in step 5.
7. Install the top cover and ensure that all clips are firmly seated. Install and torque the screws at the defroster vent to 20 in lbs.
8. Install the screws into the holes drilled in step 6 and torque to 20 in lbs. Figure 4 shows the passenger side screw properly installed.
9. Install the A-pillar moldings. Seat the weather seal around the A-pillar moldings.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 23-11-14-92 0.3 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part