Instrument Panel/Steering Column Gap Hider - Missing

Article No.
98-26-4

01/04/99

INTERIOR - BROKEN OR MISSING INSTRUMENT
PANEL STEERING COLUMN GAP HIDER - VEHICLES
BUILT THROUGH 6/15/1998

FORD:
1996-98 CONTOUR

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1996-98 MYSTIQUE

ISSUE
The instrument panel/steering column shroud (gap hider) may be missing or become broken.

ACTION
Install new gap hider. The revised gap hider is more robust and will reduce the possibility of breakage. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Lock steering column in lowest position.

2. Remove any remaining pieces of the broken gap hider. The gap hider mounts on two (2) transverse ribs on the underside of the instrument cluster bezel. A typical gap hider failure will be due to cracking or breaking of one of these ribs. Inspect the ribs (either by feeling or with a mirror) to ensure they are free of any fragments.

NOTE
THE ORIGINAL GAP HIDER IS SECURED BY TWO (2) BLACK CLIPS. IF THE OLD CLIPS ARE STILL INTACT, USE A SCREWDRIVER TO PUSH OFF THE CLIPS BEING CAREFUL NOT TO DROP THE SMALL SPRINGS AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN SHROUD. A SMALL CLOTH LAID ON THE STEERING COLUMN SHROUD MAY CATCH ANY LOOSE PIECES. IF A SPRING OR ANY OTHER PIECE GETS LODGED AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN SHROUD, REMOVE IT WITH AN APPROPRIATE TOOL (I.E., MAGNET, TWEEZERS).

3. Hold new assembly by compressing the springs so that the gap hider is flat against the plastic mounting plate. Mounting plate is to be uppermost and the two (2) tabs must be pointing forward in vehicle. Place the gap hider in position to establish the correct alignment.

4. Remove the protective backing from the two (2) self-adhesive foam pads.

5. Insert the assembly into the gap between the instrument cluster bezel and the steering column shroud, aligning the center of the mounting plate with the center of the cluster. As the assembly is inserted into the gap, loosen grip allowing the springs to open up.

6. Push the assembly forward in vehicle until resistance is felt. The two tabs should now be located into features in the bezel.

7. Raise the rearward edge of the mounting plate to bring the self-adhesive pads into contact with the underside of the bezel and press up firmly.

8. To assure adhesion of the pads to the bezel, insert a rolled-up soft cloth between the underside of the bezel and the steering column shroud. Raise the steering column (ensure that the cloth is thick enough to put pressure on the adhesive tabs). Leave for 5 minutes.

9. Lower steering column and remove cloth.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

F8RZ-10A894-CA Shroud (Contour)
F8RZ-10A894-DA Shroud (Mystique)

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

982604A Replace Gap Hider 0.4 Hr.

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
10A894 01

OASIS CODES: 107000