Table of contents: Steering column covers 🠇 Upper section of the front panel 🠇 Instrument panel 🠇 Front panel assembly 🠇
Steering column covers
Removal
1. Remove the four screws securing the bottom cover (figure 30.1).
Figure 30.1. Remove the four screws (marked with arrows) lower steering column cover fasteners
2. Remove the lower cover, then lift and remove the upper cover (figure 30.2).
Figure 30.2. Remove the lower cover, then lift and remove the upper cover
Installation
3. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal.
Upper section of the front panel
Removal
4. Remove the lower and upper steering column covers as described above.
5. Remove the three screws and the center air vent from the front panel (figure 30.5, a, b).
Figure 30.5, a. Remove three screws (marked with arrows)...
Figure 30.5, b....and remove the central ventilation deflector from the front panel
6. Remove the audio unit and support frame as described in Chapter 12.
7. Remove the two screws securing the upper section of the front panel, located above the instrument panel (figure 30.7).
Figure 30.7. Remove the two screws securing the upper section of the front panel above the instrument panel (marked with arrows)
8. Similarly, unscrew the screws securing the upper section, located below the instrument panel and in the opening for the audio unit (figure 30.8, a, b).
Figure 30.8, a. Remove the screws securing the top panel below the instrument panel (marked with arrows)...
Figure 30.8, b....and in the opening for the audio unit (marked with an arrow)
9. Pull the top section of the front panel to release the clips and remove it from the vehicle (figure 30.9).
Figure 30.9. Pull the top panel to release the latches
Installation
10. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
Instrument panel
11. Refer to Chapter 12.
Front panel assembly
Note: This is a complex operation requiring the removal of numerous components and assemblies and the disconnection of numerous electrical connectors. Mark the location of all disconnected electrical wiring accordingly or attach labels to the connectors to avoid confusion during installation.
Removal
12. Disconnect the ground cable from the battery (see "Disconnecting the battery").
13. Remove the hood grille panel as described in paragraph 24.
14. Remove the windshield wiper motor and linkage as described in Chapter 12.
15. Through the opening for the hood grille panel, unscrew the three nuts securing the front panel to the partition.
16. Move the front seats all the way back. Set the steering wheel to the straight ahead position and lock the steering column lock.
17. Remove the steering column covers and upper section of the fascia as described earlier in this paragraph.
18. Remove the center console as described in paragraph 29.
19. Remove the steering wheel as described in chapter 10.
20. Remove the following items as described in chapter 12:
- a) instrument panel;
- b) audio block;
- c) passenger airbag;
- d) steering column switches.
21. Remove the front panel switches as described in chapter 12.
22. Remove the speaker from the passenger side fascia and then remove the bolt in the speaker opening.
23. Remove the front pillar trim panels as described in paragraph 28.
24. Remove the two top mounting screws at each corner of the heater/ventilation control unit.
25. Using a small screwdriver, release the locking tab at the bottom center of the control unit and remove the unit from the front panel.
26. Rotate the control unit upward as far as space allows, then release the clamps and disconnect the control cables from the unit. Mark the location of the cables to ensure proper installation.
27. Disconnect the electrical connector on the back of the control unit, and then remove the unit.
28. Remove the storage compartment above the heater/ventilation control unit and unscrew the four screws securing the center panel.
29. Remove the ashtray and unscrew the two screws in the ashtray opening.
30. Remove the bolt at the base of the front panel above the center console.
31. Remove the fuse box cover and release the fuse/relay box from its mounting hardware in the faceplate.
32. Remove the bolt and release the hood release handle.
33. Remove one bolt on each side of the front panel.
34. Disconnect or release all remaining faceplate fasteners.
35. With the help of an assistant, lift the front panel above the installation site and slide it back. Once sufficient space has been created, disconnect all electrical connectors from the front panel, noting their installation positions. Note the wiring harness routing and release it from the various clamps.
36. Make sure all necessary components are disconnected and moved to the side, then remove the front panel from the vehicle.
Installation
37. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Ensure all electrical connectors are properly connected and the corresponding bolts/nuts are securely tightened.