Dashboard trim panels and cover
Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disable the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag, which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).
Note: When using a screwdriver to pry trim panels, be sure to tape the tip to prevent scratching the panels.
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
Instrument cluster bezel
2.. On tilt steering columns, move the column to the lowest position.
3. Use a flat trim tool to release the clips securing the bezel to the instrument panel (see illustration).
i. 3 Carefully pry the bezel from the instrument panel
4. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Make sure the clips are engaged properly before pushing the bezel firmly into place.
Center instrument panel trim
5. Use a flat trim panel tool and release the clips to remove the center instrument panel trim (see illustration).
i. 5 Pry the center trim loose with a flat trim tool. Hold the tool as close as possible to each of the clips to avoid cracking the trim panel
6. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure the clips and fasteners are aligned before pressing into place.
Instrument panel vent registers
7. Remove the center instrument panel trim (see illustration 23.5).
8. Pry the top of the vent grille to free the clips, then detach the two claws at the bottom and remove the register (see illustration).
i. 8 Pry out the top of the vent register
9. Installation is the reverse of removal, making sure to have the clips aligned before pressing into place.
Center lower trim panel (except for automatic HVAC equipped vehicles)
10. Using a flat trim tool, pry the upper corners of the trim panel off. Then remove any electrical connections.
11. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to have all clips aligned before pressing into place.
Lower instrument panel garnish trim panel
12. Using a flat trim tool, pry the clips free to remove the trim panel (see illustration).
i. 12 The lower garnish trim panel is secured by 13 clips
13. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to have all the clips aligned before pressing into place.
Knee bolster
14. Remove the lower under cover panel (see illustrations).
i. 14a Remove these two screws, then slide the rear tabs out of their slots
i. 14b Disconnect the electrical connection to the lower under cover panel (if equipped)
15. Pry the knee bolster trim panel off with a flat trim tool (see illustration).
i. 15 Pry from the outer edges to remove the trim panel
16. Vehicles equipped with a knee bolster airbag, remove the airbag retaining bolts and electrical connection (see illustrations).
i. 16a Upper knee bolster airbag retaining bolts
i. 16b Lower knee bolster airbag retaining bolts
i. 16c with the retaining bolts removed disconnect the electrical connection to the knee bolster airbag
17. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Driver’s side trim panel
18. Carefully pry the panel off with a flat trim tool (see illustrations).
i. 18a Pry the trim off with a flat trim tool
i. 18b with trim removed, disconnect the electrical connections
19. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure the clips are engaged properly before pushing the panels firmly into place.
Glove box underside panel
20. Pull the panel free by grasping the top edge (see illustration).
i. 20 Pull panel down, then disconnect any electrical
Glove box
21. Squeeze the post and detach the damper from the right side of the glove box.
22. Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward, lower the glove box and detach the hinges.
23. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Dash upper cover
24. Remove the center trim panel (see illustration 5).
25. Remove the dash vent registers (see illustration 8).
26. Remove the steering column covers (see Steering column covers — removal and installation).
27. Remove the combination switch assembly (see Chassis electrical system).
28. Remove the instrument cluster bezel (see illustration 3) and the instrument cluster (see Chassis electrical system).
29. Remove the lower center trim panel.
30. Remove the radio (see Chassis electrical system).
31. Remove the HVAC control panel (see Heater and air conditioning control assembly — removal, installation and cable adjustment).
32. Remove the center dash garnish trim panel (see illustration 12).
33. Remove the upper driver’s side finish panel (see illustrations 18a and 18b).
34. Remove the glove box (see Dashboard trim panels and cover).
35. Remove the speakers from the dash (see Chassis electrical system).
36. Remove the right-hand and left-hand «A» pillar trim (see illustration).
i. 36 Start at the top edge to release the clips to the A pillar trim
37. Remove the dash speakers (see Chassis electrical system).
38. Remove the main bolts securing the dash to the vehicle located behind the corner speaker in the dash: One in the upper corner — driver’s side, one in the upper corner — passenger’s side (see illustrations).
i. 38a Main upper dash bolt location, driver’s side
i. 38b Main upper dash bolt location, passenger’s side
39. Remove the two bolts securing the passenger’s airbag to the instrument panel support beam behind the glove box area (see illustration).
i. 39 Passenger’s airbag bolts
40. Pull upwards on the dash cover to release the clips on the underside.
41. Disconnect any remaining electrical leads and/or wire harness fasteners as you proceed with the removal.
42. Lift the dash covers out of the vehicle with care. At this point it is very fragile and can be easily cracked.
43. Installation is the reverse of removal.