Instrument Panel: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to: Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging .

   Vehicles equipped with 2.7L 

2. 1. Remove the nut.
   2. Remove the bolt.
   • Remove the engine appearance cover.
   • If the engine appearance cover stud bolt is loosened or removed, it must be installed/tightened into the intake manifold.

     Torque: 62 lb.in (7 Nm)

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3. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .
4. NOTE: Whenever turbocharger air intake system components are removed, always cover open ports to protect from debris. It is important that no foreign material enter the system. The turbocharger compressor vanes are susceptible to damage from even small particles. All components should be inspected and cleaned, if necessary, prior to installation or reassembly.

   Loosen the clamps and disconnect the tube connections. Remove the bolt and the lower air cleaner outlet pipe.

   Torque: Clamps: 42 lb.in (4.8 Nm) Bolt: 71 lb.in (8.0 Nm)

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   Vehicles equipped with 3.5L 

5. Remove the upper intake manifold. Refer to: Upper Intake Manifold .

   All vehicles 

6. NOTE: Make sure all openings are sealed.

   Remove the evaporator pipe nut, position flange and pipe aside.

   • Remove and discard the O-ring seals.

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7. Clamp and disconnect the heater hoses.

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8. Remove the cowl panel grille. Refer to: Cowl Panel Grille .
9. Remove the bolts.

   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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10. Remove both front seats. Refer to: Front Seat .
11. Remove the floor console. Refer to: Floor Console .
12. Remove the RH and LH A-pillar trim panel. Refer to: A-Pillar Trim Panel .
13. Release the clips and remove the RH sill plate.

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14. Release the clips and remove the RH lower cowl trim panel.

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15. Release the clips and remove the LH sill plate.

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16. Remove the hood latch release handle. Refer to: Hood Latch Release Handle .
17. Remove the foot rest pad. Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

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18. Release the clips and remove the LH lower cowl trim panel.
    • Position the driver side carpet aside.

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19. Release the push pins and remove the insulator panel.
    • Disconnect the electrical connector.

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20. Position the passenger side carpet aside.

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21. NOTE: If equipped.

    Position the selector lever assembly on it's side.

    Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

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22. Disconnect the electrical connectors.

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23. Open the stowage box and remove the retainers and the stowage box assembly.

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24. Remove the steering column opening trim panel.
    1. Remove the bolts.

       Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

    2. Release the clips and remove the steering column opening trim panel.
    3. Disconnect the electrical connector.

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25. Disconnect the electrical connector.

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26. Disconnect the BCM electrical connectors.

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27. Remove the nut.

    Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

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28. Disconnect the electrical connector.

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29. Release the clips and remove the defroster grille panel.
    • Disconnect the electrical connectors. Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

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30. Remove the bolt.

    Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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31. 1. Release the push pins and remove the HVAC duct.
    2. Remove the bolts and the HVAC duct.
    • Remove the LH and RH instrument panel-to-floor transition ducts.

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32. NOTE: Install a new steering column shaft bolt. Reuse could result in bolt failure and loss of vehicle control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
    NOTE: Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, remove and recenter the clockspring.

    Remove and discard the bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft.

    Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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33. Remove the bolts and the bracket.

    Torque: 159 lb.in (18 Nm)

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34. Remove both front doors. Refer to: Front Door .
35. 1. Remove the instrument panel support bolts.

       Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

    2. Remove the A-pillar to in-vehicle cross beam support bolt.

       Torque: 26 lb.ft (35 Nm)

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36. • Remove the instrument panel support bolts.

      Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

    • Remove the A-pillar to in-vehicle cross beam support bolt.

      Torque: 26 lb.ft (35 Nm)

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37. NOTE: To avoid damaging the instrument panel, an assistant is required when carrying out this step.
    NOTE: Make sure not to damage the instrument panel when removing the instrument panel from the vehicle.
    NOTE: Make sure that all electrical connectors and wiring are not hindered before removing the instrument panel or damage to the components may occur.

    Rotate the instrument panel face down and remove through the RH front door opening.

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