Instrument Panel Lower Reinforcement Replacement

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, Refer to: "Restraint Systems : Air Bag Systems" Service Precautions
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.


REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. Refer to: "Steering and Suspension : Steering : Steering Column : Steering Column Cover : Service and Repair" Service and Repair
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 to 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.

INSTALLATION
1. Position the lower reinforcement onto the instrument panel.
2. Install and tighten the four screws that secure the lower reinforcement to the instrument panel. Tighten the screws to 2.2 Nm (20 in. lbs.).
3. Install the 16-way data link wire harness connector into the mounting hole on the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
4. Position the inside hood latch release handle to the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
5. Install and tighten the two screws that secure the inside hood latch release handle to the instrument panel lower reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 2.8 Nm (25 in. lbs.).
6. Install the steering column opening cover onto the instrument panel. Refer to: "Steering and Suspension : Steering : Steering Column : Steering Column Cover : Service and Repair" Service and Repair
7. Reconnect the battery negative cable.