Instrument Panel Top Cover

INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER

REMOVAL

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, 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 AIR-BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Fig. 7:

2. Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, gently pry the rear edge (farthest from the windshield) of the top cover up and away from the instrument panel far enough to disengage the four snap clip retainers from their receptacles in the instrument panel top pad (Fig. 7).
3. Remove the top cover from the top of the instrument panel.

INSTALLATION

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, 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 AIR-BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Fig. 7:

1. If the vehicle is not equipped with the optional automatic headlamps light sensor/vehicle theft security system indicator, be certain that the hole plug is installed in the clearance hole located to the outboard side of the driver side defroster outlet in the instrument panel top cover (Fig. 7).
2. Before installing the top cover onto the top of the instrument panel, be certain that the rubber top cover seal is properly positioned on the forward edge of the top cover panel.
3. Position the top cover onto the top of the instrument panel.
4. Align the four snap clips on the top cover with the snap clip receptacles in the instrument panel top pad.
5. Press firmly downward on the top cover over each of the four snap clip locations until each of the snap clips is fully seated in their receptacles in the instrument panel top pad.
6. Connect the battery negative cable.