Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

Fig. 69 Removing Finish Panels, 1988-89 Tempo & Topaz.:

Fig. 70 I/P Panel Removal, 1988-89, Tempo & Topaz.:

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove two retaining screw at bottom of steering column opening and snap cover out, Fig. 69.
3. Remove steering column trim shrouds, then disconnect all electrical connections from steering column switches.
4. Remove snap-in lower cluster finish panels to expose two screws and two bolts.
5. Remove five cluster opening finish panel retaining screws and pull panel rearward.
6. Remove two retaining bolts on each side of steering column to remove column opening reinforcement.
7. Disconnect speedometer cable at transaxle.
8. Remove four screws retaining cluster and carefully pull rearward enough to disengage speedometer cable. Loosely install two screws to retain cluster during instrument panel removal.
9. Remove one bolt and nut at lock collar U-joint and four screws at steering column bracket to remove steering column.
10. Open glove compartment and depress sides of bin, allowing stops to move beyond instrument panel walls.
11. Using steering column, cluster and glove compartment openings, and by reaching under instrument panel, disconnect all electrical connections, vacuum hoses, heater-A/C control cables and radio antenna.
12. Disconnect all underhood electrical connectors of main wire loom. Disengage rubber grommet from dash panel and feed wire and connectors into instrument panel area.
13. Remove one instrument panel to steering column support bracket retaining nut, accessible through steering column opening.
14. Remove two lower instrument panel to cowl side retaining screws, Fig. 70.
15. Remove two instrument panel vertical brace retaining screws.
16. Remove four instrument panel cowl top retaining screws.
17. Remove instrument panel from the vehicle.
18. Reverse procedure to install.