Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Service and Repair

1. Remove the instrument cluster. Service and Repair
2. Unscrew the shift knob, remove the shift boot by detaching it at the bottom and pulling it over the shift lever.
3. Remove the two retaining screws from the center console and the console extension. One screw is located in front of the parking brake lever, and the other behind the parking brake lever.
4. Carefully pry loose and remove the storage box in the center console. Working from the inside of the console, disconnect the heater duct hoses.
5. Remove the ashtray from the console and disconnect the ashtray light assembly.
6. Remove the center console by placing the shift lever in second gear and pulling the console toward the rear of the car, up and over the shift lever.





7. Tip the center ventilation grille in at the top and remove its retaining screw. Push the grille in at the bottom and pry the retaining tabs up while pulling the ventilation assembly from the car.
8. Remove the heating and ventilation control levers and fresh air blower knob by pulling them straight out. Carefully unclip the trim plate and disconnect the light. Remove the two retaining screws from the heating and ventilation control head.
9. Disconnect the harness connector from the cooling fan switch and remove the switch. Disconnect the harness connector from the rear of the cigarette lighter.
10. Remove the radio, if applicable.
11. Disconnect and remove the center duct from the heating and ventilation assembly.





12. Remove the two lower instrument panel retaining screws.





13. Remove the retaining screws from the steering column switch covers.
14. Remove the steering column switches.
15. Tip the left and right ventilation grilles in at the top and remove the retaining screws. Push the grilles in at the bottom and carefully pry the retaining clips up while pulling the ventilation assemblies together with their flexible hoses from the panel. Separate the flexible ventilation hoses from the air ducts beneath the instrument panel.
16. Remove the Phillips head screw from the inside back of the glove compartment. Pry out the glove compartment light assembly and remove its harness connector.





17. Using a 10-mm socket wrench, remove the two retaining nuts.

NOTE: Retaining nuts are located in plenum chamber of the engine compartment.





18. Drill out the rivets from either side of the instrument panel.

NOTE: Due to the limited clearance, a right angle drill and a short drill bit should be used to avoid damaging the instrument panel.





19. Partially pull the instrument panel away from the body. Remove any other electrical connections to the panel. Remove the panel by pulling firmly on both sides. To avoid damaging the defroster deflection piece, use a screwdriver to guide it past the heater core as the instrument panel is removed.

NOTE: Installation is the reverse of removal. New side rivets should be installed at the ends of the instrument panel. If the equipment necessary to install new rivets is not available, screws, washers, and nuts can be substituted. Use a thread locking compound on the new screws. Double check all electrical connections.