Removal & Installation

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

Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable SIR system. SeeZONE 3 andZONE 5 under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
Remove access covers from left and right sides of instrument panel. Remove driver-side and passenger-side insulator panels. Remove Data Link Connector (DLC). Remove left and right A-pillar trim panels. Remove upper trim pad. See Fig 1. Ensure upper trim pad retainer clips DO NOT fall into instrument panel.
Remove front floor console. Remove knee bolsters. Remove bolts from lower steering column. Remove nuts from upper steering column. Lower steering column. Remove hood release handle. Remove accessory trim plate.
Remove Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). See INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) . Remove radio and A/C-heater control assembly. Remove glove box. Remove bolts from left and right sides of instrument panel trim panel. See Fig 2. Remove bolts from top of instrument panel trim panel. See Fig 3. Remove instrument panel trim pad.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten steering column nuts and bolts and instrument panel trim pad bolts and screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. SeeZONE 3 andZONE 5 under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

Fig 1: Identifying Upper Trim Pad
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Identifying Left-side & Right-side Of Instrument Panel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 3: Identifying Instrument Panel Trim Pad
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.