Top Cover: Removal

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, 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 AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-bladed tool, gently pry the instrument panel top cover up and away from the instrument panel far enough to disengage the five snap clip retainers from their receptacles in the instrument panel structural support (Fig 1 ).

Fig 1: Removing/Installing Top Cover
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the top cover from the instrument panel.