Instrument Panel Assembly: Removal: Notes

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Push seats back to their full back position.
3. Using a trim stick (special tool #C-4755) or equivalent, gently pry out on left and right A-pillar trim moldings and remove.
4. Remove the instrument panel top cover. (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER - REMOVAL) 
5. Gently pull up on cluster bezel and remove from vehicle.
6. Remove two screws. Then gently pull rearward on left lower instrument panel cover and remove from vehicle.
   CAUTION: Lock the steering wheel in the straight ahead position. This will prevent clock spring damage when the steering wheel rotates freely.
7. Remove steering column. (Refer to STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL)
8. Remove left and right instrument panel end covers.
9. Remove left and right cowl side panels.
10. Remove floor console. (Refer to BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL) 
11. Depress the sides of the Data Link Connector (DLC) and remove from instrument panel reinforcement.
12. Remove two center support mounting bolts.
13. Remove left and right A-pillar mounting bolts, two on each side.
14. Disconnect right side antenna connector.
15. Remove left and right A-pillar door harness connectors. See Fig 1.
    Fig 1: A-PILLAR DOOR HARNESS CONNECTOR

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

    1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL HARNESS CONNECTOR

    2 - DOOR CHECK STRAP

    3 - DOOR HARNESS CONNECTOR

16. Disconnect two harness connectors to HVAC at right top instrument panel. See Fig 2.
    Fig 2: INSTRUMENT PANEL TO HVAC HARNESS CONNECTORS

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

    1 - HVAC HARNESS CONNECTORS

17. Disconnect one left side harness connector at top left of instrument panel for vanity and rear view mirrors.
18. Pull off the HVAC control head knobs.
19. Remove both A/C outlet barrels.
20. Remove two screws retaining the top front of the center bezel.
21. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry out on the instrument panel center bezel and remove.
22. Remove the two retaining screws to the HVAC control head.
23. Disconnect the one instrument panel wire harness connector.
24. Disconnect the one vacuum harness connector.
25. Pull HVAC control head out of instrument panel, twist 90° and push back through the opening. See Fig 3. Do not disconnect the control cables.
    Fig 3: HVAC CONTROL HEAD

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

    1 - HVAC CONTROL HEAD

    2 - RADIO

    3 - HVAC CONTROL HEAD HARNESS CONNECTOR

26. Disconnect the center console wiring:
    1. Airbag Control Module (ACM)
    2. Parking Brake Warning Lamp Switch
    3. Transmission Range Indicator Lamp
    4. Shift Interlock Cable (ATX)
27. With help from an assistant, remove two bolts on top of the brake pedal support bracket. Pull rearward on instrument panel assembly and remove from vehicle.
28. Remove center A/C duct from the instrument panel. See Figure.

If replacing instrument panel, transfer parts as necessary. See Fig 4.

Fig 4: INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.