Instrument Panel Top Cover

INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER

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.

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the trim from the right and left A-pillars. Refer to Trim Panel.

Fig. 10:

3. Remove the two screws that secure the outboard ends of the top cover to the instrument panel (Fig. 10).
4. Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-bladed tool, gently pry the rear edge (farthest from the windshield) of the top cover up and away from the instrument panel far enough to disengage the snap clip retainers from their receptacles in the instrument panel.
5. Remove the top cover from the instrument panel.

INSTALLATION

1. Position the top cover onto the instrument panel (Fig. 10).
2. Align the snap clips on the top cover with the snap clip receptacles in the instrument panel.
3. Using hand pressure, press firmly downward on the top cover over each of the snap clip locations until each of the snap clips is fully seated in their receptacles in the instrument panel.
4. Install and tighten the two screws that secure the outboard ends of the top cover to the instrument panel. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (17 in. lbs.).
5. Reinstall the trim panels onto both A-pillars.
6. Reconnect the battery negative cable.