Instrument Panel Assembly: Removal: Notes

The Instrument Panel and HVAC assemblies are removed together as one assembly. If service is required to the individual unit, separation might be required.

1. Recover the A/C refrigerant (refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE ).
2. Partially drain the coolant (Refer to COOLING - EXCEPT COUPE ).
3. Remove one bolt retaining the A/C lines to the right strut tower.
4. Remove the two top HVAC housing retaining nuts in engine compartment (Fig 1 ).
   Fig 1: Removing HVAC Housing Retaining Nuts

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
5. Hoist vehicle and remove the lower HVAC housing retaining nut.
6. Lower vehicle from hoist.
7. Remove the driver and passenger seats. (Refer to FRONT SEAT ).
8. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative remote cable.
9. Remove one screw to shift knob and transmission range indicator bezel from floor console.
10. Remove floor center console. Remove two mounting screws in the front and two mounting screws inside console storage bin. (Refer to FLOOR CONSOLE ).
11. Remove the amplifier. (Refer to AMPLIFIER ).
12. Using a trim stick (special tool #C-4755) or equivalent, gently pry out on the left and right rear floor heat ducts and remove (Fig 2 ).
    Fig 2: Identifying Rear Heat Duct

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
13. Disconnect the console wiring connectors and unclip the push in fasteners.
14. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry up on and remove the right sill plate.
15. Remove the two screws to the right cowl kick panel and remove from vehicle. (Refer to COWL TRIM PANEL ).
16. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry out on the right end cover and remove from vehicle (Refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL END COVER  ).
17. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry out on the right A-pillar trim and remove from vehicle. (Refer to A-PILLAR TRIM ).
18. Open the glove box. Pinch in on the sides and drop to the floor. Pull down to disengage hinges.
19. Disconnect the right door harness connectors located within the A-pillar.
20. Remove the four right A-pillar instrument panel retainers.
21. Remove the right silencer.
22. Remove the one right side, center instrument panel support bolt.
23. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry up on and remove the left sill plate. (Refer to DOOR SILL TRIM PANEL ).
24. Remove the two screws to the left cowl kick panel and remove from vehicle.
25. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry out on the left end cover and remove from vehicle (Refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL END COVER  ).
26. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry out on the left A-pillar trim and remove from vehicle (Refer to A-PILLAR TRIM ).
27. Disconnect the left door harness connectors located within the A-pillar.
28. Remove the four left A-pillar instrument panel retainers.
29. Remove five screws and one wire connector to left lower instrument panel trim bezel.
30. Remove the left silencer.
31. Remove the one left side, center instrument panel support bolt.
32. Remove one bolt to the left side support strut to bulkhead.
33. Disconnect the junction block wiring connectors.
34. Remove two screws to the steering column shrouds and remove.
35. Disconnect all the column wiring and unclip the harness from the steering column.
36. Disconnect the transmission shift interlock and wire connector.
37. Remove the four steering column retaining bolts and drop column to floor.
38. Using a trim stick or equivalent, pry up on the rear of the top cover and pull rearward as you lift off of instrument panel (Refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER  ).
39. Remove instrument panel pad.
40. Remove seven bolts and five screws attaching instrument panel to fence line and cowl side.
41. With the help of an assistant, lift up instrument panel and move rearward to remove. Tilt the panel rearward to prevent the coolant from leaking out.

If replacing the instrument panel, transfer all non damaged parts and wiring harness to the new instrument panel assembly.