Top 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.
- Remove the end caps from each end of the instrument panel. (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/END CAP-REMOVAL-DRIVER SIDE ) and (refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/END CAP-REMOVAL-PASSENGER SIDE ).
- Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument panel. (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL-REMOVAL ).
- Remove the passenger airbag from the instrument panel. (Refer to REMOVAL & INSTALLATION ).
- Remove the defroster grille from the instrument panel. (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/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.
- 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.