Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

Fig. 2 Instrument Panel Replacement (Buick):

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove ashtray, cigar lighter and glove compartment door.
3. Remove windshield defroster nozzle grille.
4. Remove instrument panel trim plate.
5. Remove instrument panel upper trim pad and righthand trim plate, then the steering column opening filler.
6. Remove driver knee bolster, deflector and stop lamp switch.

CAUTION: To prevent damage, stop lamp switch must be removed before steering column is lowered.

7. Remove instrument panel sound insulator panel, then remove radio as described in Accessories and Optional Equipment. Refer to Radio,Stereo, and Compact Disc Player. Radio/Stereo
8. Disengage clip retaining shift indicator cable to steering column, then remove instrument panel cluster mounting screws and gently pull cluster away from instrument panel to disengage from connectors.
9. Remove accessory switch panels, then the headlamp, instrument panel lamp and accessory switch panel and compartment.
10. Remove instrument panel lamp dimmer and luggage compartment release switch.
11. Remove luggage compartment release enable switch.
12. Remove engine oil change reset switch, then remove passenger's side air bag inflator module. Refer To Air Bag Disarming & Arming Procedures. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belt/Air Bags(SRS)/Service and Repair. Service and Repair
13. Remove interior temperature sensor and separate parking brake release lever from instrument panel, then lower steering column completely.
14. Disconnect 56-way, 10-way and 8-way harness connectors at right of steering column.
15. Disconnect temperature valve electric actuator and vacuum solenoid valve electrical connectors.
16. Disconnect instrument panel harness and antenna cable connectors at righthand door hinge pillar, then remove bolts and nut securing instrument panel lower brace to carrier and cowl, Fig. 2.
17. Remove instrument panel lower brace and carrier, noting the following:
a. Remove bolts and screws securing carrier to air distributor.
18. Note instrument panel wiring harness routing for installation reference, then remove harness from instrument panel.
19. Reverse procedure to install.

NOTE: If a new instrument panel carrier is installed, do not remove steering column opening support until carrier is secured to hinge pillar tie bar or air distributor. Support is necessary for stability and locator pin alignment.