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Home >> Dodge or Ram Truck >> 2003 >> Dakota 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators >> Dashboard / Instrument Panel >> Service and Repair >> Instrument Panel Top Cover

Instrument Panel Top Cover





TOP COVER

REMOVAL


WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. 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 end caps from each end of the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Panel End Cap Replacement. Instrument Panel End Cap
3. Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Cluster Bezel Replacement. Instrument Cluster Bezel Replacement
4. Remove the passenger airbag from the instrument panel. Refer to Restraint Systems/Air Bag Systems/Air Bag/Service and Repair. Service and Repair
5. Remove the defroster grille from the instrument panel. Refer to Defroster Grille Replacement. Defroster Grille Replacement


Fig.17 Top Cover Remove/Install:




6. Remove the six screws that secure the forward edge (nearest the windshield) of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support (Fig. 17).


NOTE: Dakota shown, Durango similar.

7. Remove the screw that secures each outboard end of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support beneath the end caps.
8. Remove the six screws that secure the rearward edge (nearest the passenger compartment) of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support.
9. Remove the top cover from the top of the instrument panel structural support.

INSTALLATION


WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.


1. Position the top cover onto the top of the instrument panel structural support (Fig. 17).
2. Install the six screws that secure the rearward edge (nearest the passenger compartment) of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support.
3. Install the screw that secures each outboard end of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support beneath the end caps.
4. Install the six screws that secure the forward edge (nearest the windshield) of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support.
5. Install the defroster grille onto the instrument panel. Refer to Defroster Grille Replacement. Defroster Grille Replacement
6. Install the passenger airbag into the instrument panel. Refer to Restraint Systems/Air Bag Systems/Air Bag/Service and Repair. Service and Repair
7. Install the cluster bezel onto the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Cluster Bezel Replacement. Instrument Cluster Bezel Replacement
8. Install the end caps onto each end of the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Panel End Cap Replacement. Instrument Panel End Cap
9. Connect the battery negative cable.

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