Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

Fig. 63 Removing Steering Column Opening Cover. 1989 Sable:

1. Disarm airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.
2. Disconnect battery ground cable.
3. Remove four screws retaining steering column opening cover and remove cover, Fig. 63.
4. Remove sound insulator located under glove compartment by removing two pushnuts securing insulator to studs on climate control case.
5. Remove steering column trim shrouds, then disconnect all electrical connections from steering column switches.
6. Remove one bolt and nut at lock collar U-joint and four screws at steering column bracket to remove steering column.

Fig. 64 Removing I/P Finish Panels. 1989 Sable:

Fig. 65 Removing Cluster Opening Finish Panel. 1989 Sable:

7. Remove lower left side and radio finish panels by snapping out, Fig. 64.
8. Remove five cluster opening finish panel retaining screws, Fig. 65. Remove finish panel by disengaging five snap fasteners located along upper edge, and rocking upper edge outward.
9. Disconnect speedometer cable by reaching up under instrument panel and pressing on flat surface of plastic connector.
10. Release glove compartment assembly by depressing side of glove compartment bin and swinging door/bin down.
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 brace retaining screw located under radio.

Fig. 66 Removing I/P Retaining Screws. 1989 Sable & Taurus:

Fig. 67 Removing Defroster & Speaker Grilles. Sable & Taurus:

14. Remove two lower instrument panel to cowl retaining screws, Fig. 66.
15. Remove right and left side speaker covers, then defroster grille, Fig. 67.
16. Remove three upper instrument panel retaining screws.
17. Remove instrument panel from vehicle.
18. Reverse procedure to install.
19. Reactivate airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.