2002 DODGE RAM glove box

INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION........................105
OPERATION..........................106
ASH RECEIVER
REMOVAL............................107
INSTALLATION........................107
CLUSTER BEZEL
REMOVAL............................108
INSTALLATION........................108
CUBBY BIN
REMOVAL............................108
INSTALLATION........................109
CUP HOLDER
REMOVAL............................109
INSTALLATION........................110
GLOVE BOX
REMOVAL
REMOVAL..........................110
DISASSEMBLY - GLOVE BOX...........110
ASSEMBLY - GLOVE BOX................111INSTALLATION........................111
GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL............................111
INSTALLATION........................112
GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL............................112
INSTALLATION........................112
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
REMOVAL............................113
INSTALLATION........................113
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
REMOVAL............................113
INSTALLATION........................114
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL............................114
INSTALLATION........................114
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL............................115
INSTALLATION........................117
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The instrument panel is located at the front of the
passenger compartment. This instrument panel is
molded from a blend of various plastics that are
mechanically attached to the vehicle. Colors are
molded into the plastic components to minimize
appearance degradation from scratches or abrasions.
The panel components are internally ribbed and riv-
eted to steel reinforcements for additional structural
integrity and dimensional stability. The instrument
panel surface components are designed to deform
upon impact without breaking. This type of construc-
tion provides improved energy absorption which, in
conjunction with the dual airbags and seat belts,
helps to improve occupant protection.
The top of the instrument panel is secured to the
top of the dash panel near the base of the windshield
using screws. An end bracket integral to each end of
the instrument panel structure is secured to each
cowl side inner panel with a screw. A stamped metal
bracket supports the center of the instrument panel
by securing it to the top of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel below the instrument panel with screws.
The instrument cluster, radio, heater-air conditioner
control, passenger airbag, glove box, electrical junc-tion block, Central Timer Module (CTM), accessory
switches, ash receiver, cigar lighter, accessory power
outlet, park brake release handle, inside hood release
handle, as well as numerous other components are
secured to and supported by this unit.
The instrument panel for this vehicle includes the
following major features:
²Cluster Bezel- This molded plastic bezel is
secured with snap clips to the instrument panel sup-
porting structure. It trims out the edges of the head-
lamp switch, instrument cluster, radio, heater-air
conditioner controls, passenger airbag on-off switch,
and the heated seat switches on vehicles so equipped.
On vehicles without the heated seat option, a small
storage cubby bin is provided in the cluster bezel.
This bezel also incorporates three completely adjust-
able panel outlets for the climate control system, and
fills the opening between the instrument cluster and
the top of the steering column where it passes
through the instrument panel.
²Cup Holder/Storage Bin- Vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission feature a latching
fold-down, adjustable cup holder located on the lower
instrument panel between the glove box and the ash
receiver. Vehicles equipped with a manual transmis-
sion have a lighted storage bin on the instrument
panel in place of the cup holder.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 105

²Glove Box- The hinged bin-type glove box in
the passenger side of the instrument panel features a
recessed paddle-operated latch handle. Three molded
hook formations on the lower edge of the glove box
door are engaged with and pivot on three hinge pins
integral to the lower edge of the instrument panel
support structure. The glove box door also serves as
the passenger side knee blocker. A honeycomb struc-
ture between the inner and outer glove box door pan-
els helps to absorb the impact load and distribute it
to the instrument panel structure.
²Steering Column Opening Cover- The steer-
ing column opening cover serves as the driver side
knee blocker. This molded plastic cover has an inte-
gral ribbed plastic liner concealed behind it, for
increased strength and integrity. The steering column
opening cover transfers impact loads to the instru-
ment panel structural support.
²Top Cover- The instrument panel top cover or
base trim is the molded, grained, and color impreg-
nated plastic outer skin of the instrument panel
structural support.
Hard wired circuitry connects the electrical compo-
nents on the instrument panel to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the instrument panel components through the
use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block
connectors and many different types of wire harness
terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes complete circuit diagrams, proper wire
and connector repair procedures, further details on
wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-
out and location views for the various wire harness
connectors, splices, and grounds.
OPERATION
The instrument panel serves as the command cen-
ter of the vehicle, which necessarily makes it a very
complex unit. The instrument panel is designed to
house the controls and monitors for standard and
optional powertrains, climate control systems, audio
systems, safety systems, and many other comfort or
convenience items. When the components of the
instrument panel structural support are properly
assembled and secured in the vehicle they provide
superior instrument panel stiffness and integrity to
help reduce buzzes, squeaks, and rattles. This type of
construction also provides improved energy absorp-
tion which, in conjunction with the dual airbags and
seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection.The instrument panel is also designed so that all of
the various controls can be safely reached and the
monitors can be easily viewed by the vehicle operator
when driving, while still allowing relative ease of
access to each of these items for service. Modular
instrument panel construction allows all of the
gauges and controls to be serviced from the front of
the panel. In addition, most of the instrument panel
electrical components can be accessed without com-
plete instrument panel removal. However, if neces-
sary, the instrument panel can be removed from the
vehicle as an assembly.
The steering column opening cover with its inte-
gral knee blocker located on the driver side of the
instrument panel works in conjunction with the air-
bag system in a frontal vehicle impact to keep the
driver properly positioned for an airbag deployment.
In addition, removal of this component provides
access to the steering column mounts, the steering
column wiring, the Junction Block (JB) (removal of a
snap-fit fuse access panel on the left end of the
instrument panel allows access to the fuses and cir-
cuit breakers), the Central Timer Module (CTM), the
Infinity speaker filter choke and relay unit, much of
the instrument panel wiring, and the gear selector
indicator cable (automatic transmission).
In a frontal collision, the glove box door on the pas-
senger side of the instrument panel provides the
same function for the front seat passenger as the
knee blocker does for the driver. The glove box door
also incorporates a recessed latch handle. Removal of
the glove box provides access to the passenger airbag,
the glove box lamp and switch, the radio antenna
coaxial cable, the heating and air conditioning vac-
uum harness connector, and additional instrument
panel wiring.
Removal of the instrument panel cluster bezel
allows access to the headlamp switch, instrument
cluster, radio, passenger airbag on-off switch, heated
seat switches (if equipped), and the heating and air
conditioning control. Removal of the instrument clus-
ter allows access to the cluster illumination and indi-
cator bulbs, and more of the instrument panel
wiring. Complete instrument panel removal is
required for service of most components internal to
the heating and air conditioning system housing,
including the heater core and the evaporator.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the components and systems mounted on or
in the instrument panel.
23 - 106 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)

INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Position the cubby bin to the instrument panel
(Fig. 3).
(2) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the cubby bin to the instrument panel. Tighten the
screws to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
CUP HOLDER
REMOVAL
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
have a lighted fold-down cup holder installed on the
instrument panel just inboard of the glove box. Vehi-
cles equipped with a manual transmission have a
lighted storage bin installed on the instrument panel
in place of the fold-down cup holder.WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Unlatch and fold the cup holder down from the
instrument panel to its open position.
(4) Remove the six screws that secure the cup
holder to the instrument panel (Fig. 4).
(5) Pull the cup holder away from the instrument
panel far enough to access the illumination lamp and
hood unit.
(6) Disengage the illumination lamp and hood
retainer clip from the back of the instrument panel
cup holder unit.
(7) Remove the cup holder unit from the instru-
ment panel.
Fig. 3 Instrument Panel Cubby Bin Remove/Install
1 - SCREW (3)
2 - CUBBY BIN
Fig. 4 Instrument Panel Cup Holder
1 - SCREW
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - CUP HOLDER
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 109
CUBBY BIN (Continued)

INSTALLATION
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
have a lighted fold-down cup holder installed on the
instrument panel just inboard of the glove box. Vehi-
cles equipped with a manual transmission have a
lighted storage bin installed on the instrument panel
in place of the fold-down cup holder.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Position the cup holder unit near the instru-
ment panel.
(2) Engage the illumination lamp and hood
retainer clip to the back of the instrument panel cup
holder unit.
(3) Position the cup holder unit onto the instru-
ment panel (Fig. 4).
(4) Install and tighten the six screws that secure
the cup holder to the instrument panel. Tighten the
screws to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
GLOVE BOX
REMOVAL
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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. FAILURETO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Open the glove box.
(3) While holding the glove box door securely with
one hand, push the center of the glove box bin
towards the front of the vehicle (Fig. 5). Flex the cen-
ter of the glove box bin far enough so that the glove
box stops on each side of the bin will clear the sides
of the instrument panel glove box opening.
(4) Roll the glove box downward until the stop
bumpers are beyond the sides of the instrument
panel glove box opening, then release the bin.
(5) Lift the bottom of the glove box upward to dis-
engage the three glove box hinge hooks from the
three hinge pins on the instrument panel.
DISASSEMBLY - GLOVE BOX
The only serviced component of the glove box is the
glove box bin. If any other component of the glove
box is faulty or damaged, the entire glove box assem-
bly must be replaced.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the glove box from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure each out-
board flange of the glove box bin to the glove box
door (Fig. 6).
(4) Pull the top of the bin away from the top of the
glove box door.
Fig. 5 Glove Box
1 - GLOVE BOX STOPS
2 - GLOVE BOX BIN
3 - GLOVE BOX DOOR
4 - PUSH
23 - 110 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE
CUP HOLDER (Continued)

(5) Disengage the five hook formations on the bot-
tom of the glove box bin from the slots near the bot-
tom of the inner glove box door.
(6) Remove the glove box bin from the glove box
door.
ASSEMBLY - GLOVE BOX
(1) Position the glove box bin onto the glove box
door.
(2) Engage the five hook formations on the bottom
of the glove box bin with the slots near the bottom of
the inner glove box door (Fig. 6).
(3) Position the top of the bin to the top of the
glove box door.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
each outboard flange of the glove box bin to the glove
box door. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the glove box onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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 SUREWAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the glove box to the instrument panel.
(2) Engage the three hinge hooks near the bottom
of the glove box door with the three hinge pins on the
instrument panel.
(3) While holding the glove box door securely with
one hand, push the center of the glove box bin
towards the front of the vehicle (Fig. 5). Flex the cen-
ter of the glove box bin far enough so that the glove
box stops on each side of the bin will clear the sides
of the instrument panel glove box opening.
(4) Roll the glove box upward until the stop
bumpers are beyond the sides of the instrument
panel glove box opening, then release the bin.
(5) Close the glove box.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the trim from the upper glove box
opening. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PAN-
EL/GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER TRIM -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the latch
striker to the instrument panel glove box opening
upper reinforcement (Fig. 7).
(4) Remove the latch striker from the instrument
panel glove box opening upper reinforcement.
Fig. 6 Glove Box Disassemble/Assemble
1 - SCREWS
2 - GLOVE BOX DOOR
3 - HOOKS
4 - GLOVE BOX BIN
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 111
GLOVE BOX (Continued)

INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Position the latch striker onto the instrument
panel glove box opening upper reinforcement (Fig. 7).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the latch striker to the instrument panel glove box
opening upper reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 2
N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the trim onto the upper glove box
opening. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PAN-
EL/GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER TRIM -
INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER
TRIM
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERINGCOLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Open the glove box.
(3) Remove the three screws that secure the trim
to the instrument panel glove box opening upper
reinforcement (Fig. 8).
(4) Remove the trim from the instrument panel
glove box opening upper reinforcement.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Position the trim onto the instrument panel
glove box opening upper reinforcement (Fig. 8).
Fig. 7 Glove Box Latch Striker Remove/Install
1 - LATCH STRIKER
2 - SCREWS
3 - GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER REINFORCEMENT
Fig. 8 Glove Box Opening Upper Trim Remove/
Install
1 - LATCH STRIKER
2 - TRIM STRIP
3 - SCREWS
23 - 112 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE
GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER (Continued)

(2) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the trim to the instrument panel glove box opening
upper reinforcement. Tighten the mounting screws to
2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Close the glove box.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP
COVER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the passenger airbag from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL -
REMOVAL).
(5) Place the instrument panel on a suitable work
surface. Be certain to take the proper precautions to
protect the instrument panel from any possible cos-
metic damage.
(6) Remove the screws around the perimeter of the
top cover that secure it to the instrument panel
structural support, the defroster duct, and the demis-
ter ducts.
(7) Lift the top cover off of the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-VICE. 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.
(1) Position the top cover onto the instrument
panel.
(2) Install and tighten the screws around the
perimeter of the top cover that secure it to the
instrument panel structural support, the defroster
duct, and the demister ducts. Tighten the screws to 2
N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the instrument panel into the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL -
INSTALLATION).
(4) Reinstall the passenger airbag into the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel.(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the three screws that secure the lower
edge of the steering column opening cover to the
lower instrument panel reinforcement (Fig. 9).
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the upper edge of the
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 113
GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER TRIM (Continued)

steering column opening cover just below the cluster
bezel on each side of the steering column away from
the instrument panel far enough to disengage the
snap clip retainers from their receptacles in the
instrument panel.
(4) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Position the steering column opening cover to
the instrument panel (Fig. 9).(2) Align the snap clip retainers on the steering
column opening cover with their receptacles in the
instrument panel.
(3) Press firmly and evenly on the steering column
opening cover over the snap clip locations until each
of the snap clips is fully engaged in its receptacle.
(4) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the lower edge of the steering column opening cover
to the lower instrument panel reinforcement. Tighten
the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
have a lighted fold-down cup holder installed on the
instrument panel just inboard of the glove box. Vehi-
cles equipped with a manual transmission have a
lighted storage bin installed on the instrument panel
in place of the fold-down cup holder.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the top of
the storage bin to the instrument panel (Fig. 10).
(4) Lower the top of the storage bin away from the
instrument panel far enough to access the illumina-
tion lamp and hood unit.
(5) Disengage the illumination lamp and hood
retainer clip from the back of the instrument panel
storage bin unit.
(6) Remove the storage bin unit from the instru-
ment panel.
INSTALLATION
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
have a lighted fold-down cup holder installed on the
Fig. 9 Steering Column Opening Cover Remove/
Install
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - SCREW
4 - STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
23 - 114 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER (Continued)