Instrument Panel - Removal

REMOVAL

WARNING: Disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery (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 may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.

WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for the A/C system before performing the following operation Warning and Caution. Failure to follow the warnings and cautions may result in serious or fatal injury.

NOTE: Take the proper precautions to protect the front face of the instrument panel from cosmetic damage during this service procedure.

NOTE: LHD model shown in illustrations. RHD model similar.





1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Recovery.
3. Drain the engine cooling system Service and Repair.
4. On LHD models, disconnect gearshift cable from the transaxle and disconnect the cable from the bracket in the engine compartment .
5. Remove the nut (3) that secures the A/C suction line (1) and the A/C liquid line (5) to the A/C expansion valve (2).
6. Disconnect the A/C suction and liquid lines from the A/C expansion valve and remove and discard the dual-plane seals.
7. Loosen the clamps and disconnect the heater hoses (4) from the heater core.
8. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and the expansion valve and heater core ports.





9. Remove the bolt (1) that secures the HVAC housing to the engine compartment side of the dash panel (2).
10. Remove the floor ducts. Floor Distribution Duct - Removal.
11. Remove the steering column. Steering Column - Removal.





12. Remove the left and right side A-pillar trim panels. A-Pillar Trim Panel-Removal.
13. Disconnect the wire harness connectors located on the A-pillars and disengage the instrument panel wire harness retainers from the A-pillars.
14. Using trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, disengage the retaining tabs (2) that secure the rear of the instrument panel top cover (1) to the instrument panel (3).
15. Pull the instrument panel top cover rearward to disengage the retaining tabs at the front of the cover and remove the cover.





16. Remove the seven bolts (2) that secure the front of the instrument panel (1) to the top of the dash panel (3).






NOTE: Illustration shown with instrument panel removed for clarity.

17. Remove the bolt (1) that secures the HVAC air inlet housing (3) to the passenger side of the dash panel (2).






NOTE: Right side shown. Left side similar.

18. Using trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, disengage the retaining tabs that secure the right and left side instrument panel end caps (1) to the instrument panel (2) and remove the end caps.





19. If equipped, remove the push-pin retainers (1) that secure the silencer (3) to the passenger side of the instrument panel (2) and remove the silencer.





20. Remove the screws (3) that secure the knee blocker cover (2) to the driver side of the instrument panel (1) and remove the cover.





21. Remove the four bolts (3) that secure the knee blocker (2) to the instrument panel support (1).
22. Lift the knee blocker upwards to disengage the retaining tabs that secure the knee blocker to the support and remove the knee blocker.





23. On LHD models, remove the front floor console Floor Console - Removal.
24. On RHD models, remove the cover from the floor mounted gear selector.
25. Remove the six plastic retainers (2) that secure the instrument panel console (1) to the instrument panel.
26. Disconnect the wire harness connectors (3) from the back of the console and remove the console.
27. Remove the occupant restraint controller (ORC) located on the floor panel at the center of the instrument panel support. Occupant Restraint Controller - Removal






NOTE: Right side shown. Left side similar.

28. Pull the carpet back to gain access to the instrument panel center support brackets (3).
29. Remove the four bolts (2) that secure each instrument panel center support bracket to the instrument panel support (1) and the floor panel (4).
30. Disengage the retaining tab that secures the top of each instrument panel center support bracket to the instrument panel support and remove the brackets.





31. Remove the right and left side cowl trim panels Cowl Trim Panel - Removal.
32. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connectors located below each end of the instrument panel and disengage the wire harness retainer from the cowl panel.
33. Remove the three bolts (1) that secure each end of the instrument panel (4) to the cowl side panels (2).
34. With assistance, lift the instrument panel upward to disengage the retaining tab (3) that secures each end of the instrument panel to the cowl side panels.

NOTE: On LHD models, route the gear shift cable thought the dash panel while removing the instrument panel.

35. Remove the instrument panel and HVAC housing as an assembly and place them on a workbench.
36. If required, remove the HVAC housing from the instrument panel .