Steering Column Opening Cover: 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.
Reach under the left end of the instrument panel to access and unsnap the rod end clip on the park brake release link and disengage the link from the back of the handle (Fig 1 ).
Remove the three screws that secure the lower edge of the steering column opening cover to the instrument panel structural support.

Fig 1: Removing/Installing Steering Column Opening Cover
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, gently pry the upper edge of the steering column opening cover just below the cluster bezel on each side of the steering column away from the instrument panel far enough to disengage each of the snap clip retainers from their receptacles in the instrument panel base trim (Fig 2 ).

Fig 2: Removing/Installing Steering Column Opening Cover
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel.