Instrument Panel Lower Reinforcement Replacement

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the steering column opening cover and knee blocker from the instrument panel. Steering Column Opening Cover and Knee Blocker Replacement
3. Remove the two screws that secure the inside hood latch release handle to the instrument panel lower reinforcement and lower the release handle to the floor.
4. Depress the latch tabs that secure the 16-way data link wire harness connector in the mounting tab on the instrument panel lower reinforcement, and push the connector out of its mounting hole.

Instrument Panel Lower Reinforcement Remove/Install:

5. Remove the four screws that secure the lower reinforcement to the instrument panel.
6. Remove the lower reinforcement from the instrument panel.
7. Reverse the removal procedures to install. Tighten the lower reinforcement mounting screws to 2.2 N.m (20 in. lbs.). Tighten the inside hood latch release handle screws to 2.8 Nm (25 in. lbs.).