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. SEE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS , AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ARTICLE. 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.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the end caps from each end of the instrument panel. (Refer to END CAP - REMOVAL - DRIVER SIDE ) and (Refer to END CAP - REMOVAL - PASSENGER SIDE ).
Remove the steering column opening cover. (Refer to STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL )
Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument panel. (Refer to CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL ).
Remove the glove box assembly. (Refer to GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL )
Remove the passenger airbag from the instrument panel. (Refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS , AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article).
Remove the defroster grille from the instrument panel. (Refer to DEFROSTER GRILLE - REMOVAL ).
Remove the six screws that secure the forward edge (nearest the windshield) of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support (Fig 1).
NOTE: Dakota shown, Durango similar.

Fig 1: Removing Top Cover
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the screw that secures each outboard end of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support beneath the end caps.
Remove the six screws that secure the rearward edge (nearest the passenger compartment) of the top cover to the instrument panel structural support.
Remove the top cover from the top of the instrument panel structural support.