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 would not be practical. 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.

INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 and knee blocker provides access to the steering column mounts, the steering column wiring, the relay and fuse block, the fuseblock module and much of the instrument panel wiring. Removal of the glove box provides access to the radio antenna coaxial cable, audio system power amplifier, intermittent wipe module, intermittent wipe relay, many of the heating and air conditioning system air distribution components, and additional instrument panel wiring.

Removal of the instrument cluster bezel allows access to the cluster assembly, the radio, the headlamp switch, the accessory switch plate, 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 accessory switch plate has provisions for a cigar lighter, an accessory power outlet, the optional rear heater and air conditioner blower motor switch, and a passenger airbag ON/OFF switch.

Removal of the instrument panel top cover allows access to the instrument panel speakers. Removal of the driver side instrument panel end cap provides access to the fuseblock module fuses and circuit breakers, and to the relay and fuse block fuses, horn relay and electronic combination flasher. Removal of the engine cover provides access to the [1][2]Central Timer Module ([1][2]CTM), the power lock and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module, and the buzzer module.

Removal of the complete instrument panel is required for service of the heating and air conditioning system distribution ducts.