Instrument Panel: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to: Engine Cooling System Draining, Vacuum Filling and Bleeding 3.3L Duratec-V6 - Hybrid (BP) . Refer to: Engine Cooling System Draining, Vacuum Filling and Bleeding 3.3L Duratec-V6 . Refer to: Engine Cooling System Draining, Vacuum Filling and Bleeding 3.0L EcoBoost . Refer to: Engine Cooling System Draining, Vacuum Filling and Bleeding 2.3L EcoBoost .
2. Evacuate the refrigerant. Refer to: Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging - Vehicles With: R1234YF Refrigerant .
3. Remove the nut from the thermostatic expansion valve manifold and tube assembly.

   Torque: 155 lb.in (17.5 Nm)

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4. Remove the wiper linkage assembly. Refer to: Wiper Linkage Assembly .
5. NOTE: Plug the heater core tubes.

   Disconnect the heater hoses.

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6. Remove the LH cowl to in-vehicle cross beam bolts.

   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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7. Remove the RH cowl to in-vehicle cross beam bolt.

   Torque: 26 lb.ft (35 Nm)

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8. Remove the floor console. Refer to: Floor Console  .
9. Remove the A-Pillar trim panel. Refer to: A-Pillar Trim Panel .
10. Release the clips and remove the RH scuff plate.
    • Disconnect the electrical connector. Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

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11. Release the clips and remove the RH instrument panel end cap. Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

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12. Remove the LH scuff plate.
    1. Remove the hood latch release handle. Refer to: Hood Latch Release Handle .
    2. Release the clips and remove the LH scuff plate.

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13. Release the clips and remove the LH instrument panel end cap. Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

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    Police vehicles 

14. Remove the bolts, release the clips and remove instrument panel lower trim panel.
    • Disconnect the electrical connectors.

      Torque: 28 lb.in (3.2 Nm)

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    All vehicles 

15. Remove the push pins and position the floor carpet aside.

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16. Remove the push pins and the HVAC duct.

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17. Depower the SRS. Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering .
18. Disconnect the electrical connectors, release the harness retainers and position aside the electrical harness.

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19. Release the push pin and remove the drivers side insulation panel.
    • Remove the bolts.

      Torque: 28 lb.in (3.2 Nm)

    • Remove the nut.

      Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

    • Disconnect the electrical connector.

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20. Remove the access cover.

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21. Remove the bolts, release the clips and remove the lower steering column trim panel.
    • Release the tabs and position aside the electrical connector and harness.

      Torque: 17 lb.in (1.9 Nm)

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22. Disconnect the electrical connectors, detach the harness retainers and position aside the electrical harness.

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23. Disconnect the electrical connector.

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    Police vehicles 

24. NOTE: Do not pull or pry on the selector lever cable or the selector lever cable end may be damaged. Use a screwdriver and turn the screwdriver as shown to pry the cable end off the post as close to the post as possible.

    Using a screwdriver, pry the selector lever cable end from the selector lever mechanism. Use the General Equipment: Flat Headed Screw Driver

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25. Remove the selector lever cable mount retainer and remove the selector lever cable from the bracket.

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    All vehicles 

26. Remove the driver knee airbag upper nut.

    Torque: 106 lb.in (12 Nm)

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27. Remove the bolts and position the driver knee airbag out from the instrument panel.

    Torque: 106 lb.in (12 Nm)

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28. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the driver knee airbag.

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29. WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

    Remove and discard the steering column shaft bolt and separate the steering column shaft from the steering column.

    Torque: Nm

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30. Release the push pins and remove the RH insulation panel.
    • Disconnect the electrical connector.

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31. Remove the nut at the HVAC case.

    Torque: 62 lb.in (7 Nm)

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32. Disconnect the electrical connectors.

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33. Remove the bolts and the instrument panel center support bracket.

    Torque: 106 lb.in (12 Nm)

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34. NOTE: Leave one bolt finger tight to hold the instrument panel in place prior to the final step.

    Remove the LH instrument panel to a-pillar bolts.

    Torque: 26 lb.ft (35 Nm)

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35. NOTE: Leave one bolt finger tight to hold the instrument panel in place prior to the final step.

    Remove the RH instrument panel to a-pillar bolts.

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36. NOTE: To avoid damaging the instrument panel, an assistant is required when carrying out this step.
    NOTE: Make sure not to damage the instrument panel when removing the instrument panel from the vehicle
    NOTE: Make sure that all electrical connectors and wiring are not hindered before removing the instrument panel or damage to the components may occur.

    Remove the instrument panel through the RH door opening.

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