Removal Procedure
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- Lock the steering column through the access hole in the steering column shroud using J-42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin.
- Remove the steering shaft coupling nut (1) and bolt (2) at the steering column.
- Remove the front seats. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket (without HP2) , Front Seat Replacement - Bucket (with HP2) .
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
- Remove the front floor console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement (Except Cadillac) , Front Floor Console Replacement (Cadillac) .
- Remove the instrument panel outer trim covers. Refer to Instrument Panel Outer Trim Cover Replacement (Except Cadillac) , Instrument Panel Outer Trim Cover Replacement (Cadillac) .
- Remove the windshield pillar garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement .
- Remove the instrument panel upper trim panel with windshield defroster nozzle grille. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Panel with Windshield Defroster Nozzle Grille Replacement (Cadillac) , Instrument Panel Upper Trim Panel with Windshield Defroster Nozzle Grille Replacement (Except Cadillac) .
- Tape the ambient light sensor to the instrument panel upper trim panel to ensure it does not fall behind the instrument panel assembly during reinstallation.
- Remove the right and left body hinge pillar trim panel. Refer to Body Hinge Pillar Trim Panel Replacement .
- Remove the instrument panel center support bracket.
- Note location and routing of the instrument panel wiring harness prior to removal in order to ensure proper installation.
- On the right side of the instrument panel perform the following procedures:
- Disconnect the electrical connections to the instrument panel right electrical center.
- Disconnect the electrical connection for the instrument panel inflatable restraint module.
- Disconnect the radio antennas.
- Release the wire looms securing the wiring harnesses to the right side of the instrument panel.
- On the left side of the instrument panel perform the following procedures:
- Disconnect the electrical connections to the instrument panel left electrical center.
- Disconnect the ground wires from the upper left cowl panel.
- Remove the body wiring harness junction block from its bracket to allow movement in the body harness.
- Release the wire looms securing the wiring harnesses to the left side of the instrument panel.
- Remove the 4 bolts (1) securing the instrument panel upper trim panel to the cowl.
- Remove the 2 bolts (1) securing the instrument carrier support to the cowl.
These bolts are located down inside the instrument panel and can be seen through the windshield.
- Remove the 4 bolts (1) releasing the instrument panel assembly from the vehicle.
- With the aid of an assistant pull the instrument panel assembly (1) rearward in the vehicle until the locator pin on each side clears the opening.
- The person on the right side of the instrument panel should pivot the instrument panel inward toward the center of the vehicle until enough clearance is gained to access the HVAC module.
- Set the instrument panel assembly down and adequately support it in order to prevent any damage.
With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.