Defroster Grille: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota and 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, 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.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the trim from both a-pillars. (Refer to REMOVAL ).
Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, gently pry around the perimeter of the defroster grille to disengage each of the snap clips from their receptacles in the instrument panel base trim (Fig 1 ).
NOTE: Dakota shown, Durango similar.

Fig 1: Removing/Installing Defroster Grille
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the defroster grille from the top of the instrument panel structural support.