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Removal - RHD

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS, WARNINGS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
CAUTION: LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION. THIS WILL PREVENT CLOCKSPRING DAMAGE WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN IS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. (Fig 1)
Fig 1: Identifying RHD Instrument Panel
G02653728Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
  1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the floor console. Refer to Body, Interior, Center Console, Removal.
  3. Remove the right and left side instrument panel end covers (Fig 2). Using the finger grip feature, pull straight away from the instrument panel to disengage the (3) retaining clips.
    Fig 2: Identifying RHD Instrument Panel End Cover
    G02653729Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
  4. Remove the right and left side A-pillar trims. Refer to INTERIOR article.
  5. Loosen the (2) screws retaining the instrument panel top cover. Located in the defroster grille (Fig 3).
    Fig 3: Loosening Screws Retaining Instrument Panel Top Cover
    G02653730Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
  6. Using the heel of both hands, lift up to unclip and remove the instrument panel top cover.
  7. Unclip and remove the instrument cluster bezel. Refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER .
  8. Remove the (2) screws retaining the lower steering column cover and remove the cover from the vehicle.
  9. Remove the (2) screws retaining the steering column shroud and remove the shroud from the vehicle.
  10. Disconnect the clockspring, wiper/washer, multi-function, ignition and if equipped, the two SKIM module connections and the shift interlock cable on automatic transaxle equipped vehicles.
  11. Remove the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt retaining pin.
    12. CAUTION: The steering wheel must be in the locked position before removing the coupler pinch bolt or clockspring damage can occur.
    Fig 4: Identifying Steering Shaft Coupler Pinch Bolt Location
    G02653731Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
  12. Remove the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt and separate the shafts by pulling them straight apart (Fig 4).
  13. Remove the (4) steering column retaining nuts and remove the column from the vehicle.
  14. Pull back the weather-stripping and remove the right and left side lower kick panels.
  15. Rotate the A/C outlet registers to the full down position. Grip each outlet at its outboard end and gently over rotate to release from its pivot point. Swing outlet straight out and remove by hand
  16. Remove the (4) HVAC control knobs by pulling them straight off the switch shaft by hand.
  17. Remove the (2) screws from the center instrument bezel (Fig 5).
    Fig 5: Identifying Center Bezel Retaining Screws
    G02653732Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
  18. Remove the center instrument panel bezel. Gently pull it straight out to unsnap the (4) retaining clips.
  19. Remove the (2) HVAC control head retaining screws. Pull the control away from the instrument panel and rotate the control horizontally to position the assembly through the hole in the instrument panel. This will eliminate the need to disconnect the control cables.
  20. Unclip the Data Link Connector (DLC) from the right side of the instrument panel reinforcement.
  21. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness from behind the right kick panel. To disconnect the harness remove the (2) screws retaining the instrument panel connector to the steering column casting. Remove the plastic clips from the connector retainer. Unclip the bottom retainer and slide the mated instrument panel and headlamp connectors out of the holder. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector.
  22. Disconnect the (3) wire harnesses from the top of the instrument panel.
  23. Unclip the wire harness along the center console and disconnect the airbag control module, parking brake and transmission range indicator lamp if equipped.
  24. Gently pry the right front door wire harness boot away from the A-pillar to access and disconnect the right door wire harness connector.
  25. Gently pry the left front door wire harness boot away from the A-pillar to access and disconnect the left door wire harness connector.
  26. Disconnect the radio antenna located below the glove compartment.
  27. Remove the (4) instrument panel retaining fasteners from the top of the instrument panel.
  28. Remove the (2) instrument panel retaining bolts which attach the instrument panel to the body at the tunnel bracket (Fig 6).
    Fig 6: Identifying Center Instrument Panel Retaining Bolts
    G02653733Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
  29. Remove the (4) instrument panel retaining bolts from the right and left side body side cowls (Fig 7) and (Fig 8).
    Fig 7: Identifying RHD Instrument Panel Retaining Left Side Bolts
    G02653734Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
    Fig 8: Identifying RHD Instrument Panel Right Side Retaining Bolts
    G02653735Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
  30. With the assistance from another person, guide the HVAC control head through the instrument panel opening while removing the instrument panel.
  31. If replacing the instrument panel, transfer all parts to new instrument panel.
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