Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

Dashboard

Component Removal/Installation

CAUTION: When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape, and apply protective tape around the related parts, to prevent damage.

NOTE: Take care not to scratch the dashboard and related parts.

Instrument panel:

1. Remove the center air vent.
2. Remove the climate control unit and audio unit as an assembly ('96 - 98 models, '99 - 04 models).

NOTE: Do not disconnect the connectors.

3. Remove the dashboard lower cover and driver's switch trim.
4. Remove the screws, detach the clips, then carefully pull out the instrument panel in the numbered sequence. Disconnect the connector, then remove it.






NOTE: Release the adhesive at the left side of the skirt carefully.

5. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

NOTE: Make sure the connections are connected properly.

Dashboard lower cover:




Detach the clips, then remove the dashboard lower cover.

Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

Driver's switch trim:

1. Remove the dashboard lower cover.




2. Remove the screw, detach the clips, then pull out the driver's switch trim. Disconnect the connectors, then remove it.
3. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

NOTE: Make sure the connectors are connected properly.

Climate control unit and audio unit ('96 - 98 models):

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations, precautions, and procedures before performing repairs or service.

1. Remove the console panel.
2. Remove the center air vent.






NOTE: Insert a flat metal plate under the B clips, then detach the B clips by prying up. Pull the center air vent backward while prying the clips.

3. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.




4. Remove the bolts, then pull out the climate control unit and audio unit as an assembly. Disconnect the connectors and antenna leads, then remove it.
5. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

NOTE:
- Make sure the connectors and antenna lead are connected properly.
- Enter the anti-theft code for the radio, then enter the customer's radio station presets.

Climate control unit, audio unit and center air vent ('99 - 04 models):

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations, precautions, and procedures before performing repairs or service.

1. Remove:
- Console panel
- Console lower carpet, both sides

2. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.




3. Remove the bolts. Pull out the bottom of the climate control unit, audio unit, and center air vent as an assembly, and carefully detach the clip at the center air vent. Disconnect the connectors and antenna leads, then remove it.

4. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

NOTE:
- Make sure the connectors and antenna lead are connected properly.
- Enter the anti-theft code for the radio, then enter the customer's radio station presets.

Glove Box:




1. Remove the dashboard lower cover.




2. Remove the glove box stop from each side.
3. Detach the damper clip while holding the glove box, and disconnect the connector.
4. Remove the bolts, then remove the glove box.




5. Remove the glove box back cover.
6. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

Passenger's dashboard panel:

1. Remove the side air vent.




2. Carefully detach the clips, then pull out the passenger's dashboard panel.
3. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

Side air vent (passenger's):




Insert a flat metal plate under the clips, then detach the clips by prying up. Pull the side air vent backward while prying the clips.

Side defogger trim:




Carefully pry the side defogger trim at the rear edge, then remove it.

Removal

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations, precautions, and procedures before preforming repairs or service.

NOTE:
- An assistant is helpful when removing and installing the dashboard.
- Take care not to scratch the dashboard, body, and related parts.

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
3. Remove:
- Console panel and rear console, '96 - 98 models
- Console panel and rear console, '99 - 04 models
- Center air vent, '96 - 98 models
- Climate control unit and audio unit, '96 - 98 models
- Climate control unit, audio unit, and center air vent, '99 - 04 models
- Dashboard lower cover (passenger's), glove box and glove box back cover
- Console lower carpet
- Dashboard lower cover (driver's)
- Kick panel

4. Lower the steering column.

WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible injury, always disconnect the driver's airbag connector before lowering the steering column.

NOTE: To prevent damage to the steering column, wrap it with a shop towel.

5. Remove the front passenger's airbag.

WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible injury, always disconnect the front passenger's airbag connector when the SRS main harness is disconnected.

6. Disconnect the dashboard wire harness connectors, the clip and the air hose. Remove the bolts and the self-tapping screw, then lift and remove the dashboard.






CAUTION: Use protective plates on the bottom of the front pillar trim.

7. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

NOTE:
- Make sure the dashboard fits onto the guide pins correctly.
- Before tightening the bolts, make sure the dashboard wire harnesses are not pinched.
- Make sure the connectors and air hose are connected properly.
- Enter the anti-theft code for the radio, then enter the customer's radio station presets.