Instrument Panel System

INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION
The instrument panel is located at the front of the passenger compartment. This instrument panel is molded from a blend of various plastics that are mechanically attached to the vehicle. Colors are molded into the plastic components to minimize appearance degradation from scratches or abrasions. The panel components are internally ribbed and riveted to steel reinforcements for additional structural integrity and dimensional stability. The instrument panel surface components are designed to deform upon impact without breaking. This type of construction provides improved energy absorption which, in conjunction with the dual airbags and seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection.

The instrument panel for this vehicle includes the following major features:
- Accessory Switch Plate - The accessory switch plate is secured to the instrument panel supporting structure near the right end of the instrument cluster bezel. Variations of this molded plastic plate provide a mounting location for an accessory power outlet, a cigar lighter, and either a rear heater and air conditioner blower control switch or a passenger airbag on/off switch.
- Base Trim - The instrument panel base trim is the molded, grained, and color impregnated plastic outer skin secured with screws to the welded steel instrument panel structural support.
- Cluster Bezel - This molded plastic bezel is secured with snap clips to the instrument panel supporting structure. It trims out the edges of the headlamp switch, instrument cluster, radio, heater-air conditioner controls, and the accessory switch plate. This bezel also incorporates two completely adjustable panel outlets for the climate control system, and fills the opening between the instrument cluster and the top of the steering column where it passes through the instrument panel.
- End Caps - A molded plastic end cap is secured with snap clips to each outboard end of the instrument panel. The end cap on the right end of the instrument panel is primarily cosmetic. The end cap on the left end of the instrument panel doubles as a fuse access panel for the fuse block and the relay and fuse block on the left instrument panel end bracket. Each end cap features an integral pull cup on its outer surface to ease removal, while a fuse layout map, a fuse puller and spare fuses are conveniently concealed on the inner surface of the left end cap.
- Glove Box - The glove box in the passenger side of the instrument panel features a recessed paddle operated latch handle, and a storage bin-type glove box. A metal hinge on the lower edge of the glove box door is riveted to the glove box and secured with screws to the lower edge of the instrument panel support structure. The glove box door also serves as the passenger side knee blocker. A honeycomb structure between the inner and outer glove box door panels helps to absorb the impact load and distribute it to the instrument panel structure.
- Knee Blocker - The driver side knee blocker is a stamped and welded metal liner secured to the instrument panel structure and the steering column support bracket with screws behind the instrument panel steering column opening cover. The knee blocker helps to absorb the impact load and distribute it to the instrument panel structure and the steering column support bracket.
- Steering Column Opening Cover - The steering column opening cover is a molded plastic cover that is secured to the instrument panel with screws along its bottom and outboard edges, and snap clips along its upper edge. The steering column opening cover conceals the driver side knee blocker and trims the opening in the instrument panel through which the steering column passes.
- Top Cover - The instrument panel top cover is the molded plastic panel that covers the top of the instrument panel, between the base trim and the base of the windshield. The top cover is secured to the instrument panel supporting structure with a single screw at each end, and snap clips across the center. This panel incorporates two defroster outlets and two speaker grilles.

Hard wired circuitry connects the electrical components on the instrument panel to each other through the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by many different methods. These circuits may be connected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system and to the instrument panel components through the use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block connectors and many different types of wire harness terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes complete circuit diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, flirther details on wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices, and grounds.

OPERATION
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, safety systems, and many other comfort or convenience items. When the components of the instrument panel structural support are properly assembled and secured in the vehicle they provide superior instrument panel stiffness and integrity to help reduce buzzes, squeaks, and rattles. This type of construction also provides improved energy absorption which, in conjunction with the dual airbags and seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection.

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. 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. However, if necessary, the instrument panel can be removed from the vehicle as an assembly.

The steering column opening cover and the knee blocker located on the driver side of the instrument panel work in conjunction with the airbag system in a frontal vehicle impact to keep the driver properly positioned for an airbag deployment. In addition, removal of this component provides access to the steering column mounts, the steering column wiring, the fuse block, the relay and fuse block (removal of a snap-fit end cap on the left outboard end of the instrument panel allows access to the fuses, relays, and circuit breakers), and much of the instrument panel wiring.

In a frontal collision, the glove box door on the passenger side of the instrument panel provides the same function for the front seat passenger as the knee blocker does for the driver. The glove box door also incorporates a recessed latch handle. Removal of the glove box provides access to the passenger airbag, the glove box lamp and switch, the audio system amplifier, the heating and air conditioning blend air door motor, and additional instrument panel wiring. Removal of the right end cap provides access to the radio antenna coaxial cable connection and the audio system amplifier mounting screws.

Removal of the instrument panel cluster bezel allows access to the headlamp switch, the instrument cluster, the radio, the accessory switch plate, and the heating and air conditioning control. Removal of the instrument cluster allows access to the cluster illumination and indicator bulbs, and more of the instrument panel wiring. Complete instrument panel removal is required for service of the heating and air conditioning system distribution housing, mode door actuators, and ducts.

See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of all of the components and systems mounted on or in the instrument panel.