Instrument Panel System

INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
The instrument panel serves as the command center of the vehicle, which necessarily makes it a very complex unit. The instrument panel is designed to house the controls and monitors for standard and optional powertrains, climate control systems, audio systems, lighting systems, safety systems and many other comfort or convenience items. The instrument panel is also designed so that all of the various controls can be safely reached and the monitors can be easily viewed by the vehicle operator when driving, while still allowing relative ease of access to each of these items for service. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of all of the instrument panel components and systems.

This is responsible for covering service information for the vehicle instrument panel systems. However, complete service information coverage for all of the systems and components housed in the instrument panel in a single of the service would not be practical. Therefore, the service information for any component will be designated to cover the vehicle system that the component belongs to, even though the component is mounted on or in the instrument panel. If you cannot locate a listing for the component or system you are servicing in the table of contents, or if you are uncertain as to which vehicle system a component belongs to, it is suggested that you refer to the alphabetical Component and System Index found at the back of this service.

INSTRUMENT PANEL
This instrument panel uses a full-width structural plastic foundation as its primary support. When the three primary molded plastic components of this structure are vibration welded together they provide superior instrument panel stiffness and integrity to help reduce buzzes, squeaks, and rattles even on the bumpiest roads.

This type of construction also provides improved energy absorption which, in conjunction with the dual airbag modules and seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection. This foundation structure also serves as the ducting for the heating and air conditioning system panel and defroster outlets, which greatly reduces the number of components used over conventional instrument panel construction.

Modular instrument panel construction allows all of the gauges and controls to be serviced from the front of the panel. In addition, most of the instrument panel electrical components can be accessed without complete instrument panel removal. If necessary, the instrument panel can be removed from the vehicle as an assembly.

Removal of the steering column opening cover provides access to the steering column mounts, the steering column wiring, the gearshift interlock mechanism, the junction block, the relay and fuse block and much of the instrument panel wiring. Removal of the glove box provides access to the Central Timer Module (CTM), the radio antenna coaxial cable, and additional instrument panel wiring.

Removal of the instrument cluster bezel allows access to the cluster assembly, the radio, the exterior lighting system switches, and the heating and air conditioning controls. Removal of the cluster assembly allows access to the cluster illumination and indicator lamp bulbs, and more of the instrument panel wiring. The instrument panel lower bezel contains an ash receiver and has provisions for a cigar lighter and an accessory power outlet. Depending upon the body style, the lower bezel may also contain a passenger airbag on/off switch (except quad cab) or an optional rear window defogger switch (quad cab only).

Removal of the complete instrument panel is required for service of the passenger side airbag module and most passenger compartment components of the heating and air conditioning systems.