Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Description and Operation

11. Magnesium Instrument Panel Support




This component is a one-piece, die-cast magnesium instrument panel support. It functions as a structural cross-vehicle beam, air-bag support, instrument panel carrier, steering column mounting bracket, and consolidates as many as thirty different steel and plastic components (figure 11-1).








The magnesium beam is designed to deform and absorb energy generated by a severe impact. Under no circumstance is the magnesium beam to be repaired in any way. If any of the following conditions are present after a collision, the magnesium beam must be replaced:
- If gaps between the dash trim panels are greater than the build objectives (figure 11-2)
- If both air bags are deployed; 10 and 20 series
- If the steering column is collapsed, or the steering wheel requires replacement; 30 series
- If there is damage to the lower instrument panel, the knee bolster, or the knee bolster brackets.