ECU DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

WATERDAM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove door trim panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Peel waterdam away from adhesive around
perimeter of inner door panel (Fig. 19).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position and align water dam with adhesive
around perimeter of inner door panel.
(2) Press water dam onto inner door panel to
secure.
(3) Install door trim panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
WINDOW REGULATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the door waterdam (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove nuts attaching door glass to window
regulator.
(3) Remove glass from door or move glass to full
up position and secure glass to door with tape.
(4) Disengage power window motor wire connector
from door harness, if equipped.
(5) Remove bolts attaching window regulator to
inner door panel.
Fig. 17 Door Trim Panel
1 - SCREW
2 - SCREW
3 - TRIM PANEL
4 - DOOR LOCK BUTTON
5 - POWER WINDOW HARNESS
6 - POWER MIRROR HARNESS
7 - POWER MIRROR
8 - POWER MIRROR CONTROL
Fig. 18 Power Window/Lock Switch Panel
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - POWER WINDOW/LOCK SWITCH PANEL
3 - WIRE HARNESS
Fig. 19 Door Water Dam
1 - WATER DAM
2 - DOOR
BR/BEDOOR - FRONT 23 - 75
TRIM PANEL (Continued)

(4) Install cargo door (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR -
CARGO/DOOR - INSTALLATION).
INSIDE HANDLE ACTUATOR
REMOVAL
NOTE: The cargo door inside handle actuator is
heat staked to the trim panel (Fig. 7).
(1) Remove cargo door trim panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - CARGO/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Disengage release cable from inside handle.
(3) Using a small file, drummel tool or die grinder,
remove the melted material securing the handle to
the trim panel.
(4) Separate the handle from the trim panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the handle in the trim panel.
(2) Using a soldering gun, and using the additional
studs, heat stake the handle to the trim panel.
(3) Engage release cable to inside handle.
(4) Install cargo door trim panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - CARGO/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION).
LATCH - LOWER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove cargo door trim panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - CARGO/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Peel back waterdam to access air exhauster.(3) Remove cargo door air exhauster (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - CARGO/AIR EXHAUSTER - REMOV-
AL).
(4) Disengage lower latch to shutface handle rod at
shutface handle (Fig. 8).
(5) Remove nuts attaching lower latch to cargo
door.
(6) Separate lower latch and latch rod from cargo
door.
INSTALLATION
(1) If installing a new replacement latch:
(a) Engage latch rod to latch rod retaining clip
in lower latch. Ensure ªwhiteº latch installation
pin is in the position closest to the latch release
lever (Fig. 9).
(2) If the latch was not replaced and the existing
latch is to be installed:
(a) Slide ªwhiteº latch installation pin to the
position closest to the latch release lever.
(3) Position lower latch and latch rod in cargo
door.
(4) Install nuts attaching lower latch to cargo door.
Tighten nuts to 12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 8).
(5) Engage latch rod to latch rod retaining clip in
lower latch.
CAUTION: When engaging lower latch release rod
to shutface handle, ensure lower latch rod is
pushed all the way down before engaging to the
handle.
(6) Engage lower latch rod to shutface handle
(7) Cycle the shutface handle and verify latch
operation.
Fig. 7 Heat Staked Locations
1 - RELEASE CABLE
2 - HEAT STAKED LOCATIONS
3 - CARGO DOOR TRIM PANEL
4 - HEAT STAKED LOCATIONS
Fig. 8 Cargo Door Lower Latch
1 - LOWER LATCH TO HANDLE ROD
2 - LOWER CARGO DOOR LATCH
3 - CARGO DOOR
23 - 80 DOOR - CARGOBR/BE
HINGE (Continued)

TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screws attaching the cargo door
pull cup to the cargo door (Fig. 16).
(2) Remove the screw attaching the inside release
handle to the cargo door.
NOTE: The cargo door trim panel is secured to the
cargo door with spring clips and push-in fasteners
(Fig. 17).
(3) Using a trim panel removal tool, remove the
push-in fasteners attaching the trim panel to the
cargo door.
(4) Pull the trim panel outward to disengage the
spring clips.
(5) Separate the trim panel from the cargo door.
(6) Disengage the cargo door release cable from
the inside release handle (Fig. 18).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: When replacing door trim panel, installer
must replace the X-mas tree style pin 6506878aa.
(1) Engage the cargo door release cable to the
inside release handle (Fig. 18).
(2) Position the trim panel on the cargo door.(3) Align all fasteners and starting at the top of
the panel, push into place to secure.
(4) Install the screw attaching the inside release
handle to the cargo door.
(5) Install the screws attaching the cargo door pull
cup to the cargo door (Fig. 16).
Fig. 16 Cargo Door Trim Panel
1 - CARGO DOOR
2 - PUSH-IN FASTENER
3 - SPRING CLIP
4 - CARGO DOOR TRIM
5 - PULL CUP
6 - INSIDE HANDLE
Fig. 17 Cargo Door Trim Panel Fasteners
1 - CARGO DOOR TRIM PANEL
2 - SPRING CLIPS
3 - PUSH-IN FASTENERS
4 - INSIDE RELEASE HANDLE
Fig. 18 Cargo Door Release Cable
1 - CARGO DOOR RELEASE CABLE
2 - CARGO DOOR RELEASE HANDLE
23 - 84 DOOR - CARGOBR/BE

(2) Remove air cleaner from wheelhouse (DIESEL
ONLY).
(3) Remove coolant overflow bottle (V-10 ONLY).
(4) Remove battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove screws attaching power distribution
center to left wheelhouse (Fig. 14).
(6) Disengage wire harness tie-downs from wheel-
house.
(7) Disconnect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(8) Disconnect wiring harness to airbag sensor and
remove airbag sensor from wheelhouse.
(9) Remove bolts attaching anti-lock brake control-
ler to wheelhouse (Fig. 14), if equipped.
(10) Disengage windshield washer tubing tie-
downs from wheelhouse (Fig. 14).
(11) Remove bolts attaching front fender to cowl
reinforcement (Fig. 15).
(12) Remove bolts attaching front fender to radia-
tor closure panel (Fig. 16).
(13) Remove bolts attaching bottom of front fender
to rocker panel lower flange.
(14) Open left door.
(15) Remove bolt attaching front fender to hinge
pillar mounting bracket.
(16) Remove bolts attaching top of fender to radia-
tor closure panel.
(17) Separate left front fender from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position left front fender on vehicle.
(2) Install bolts attaching top of fender to radiator
closure panel.
(3) Install bolt attaching front fender to hinge pil-
lar mounting bracket.
(4) Install bolts attaching bottom of front fender to
rocker panel lower flange.
(5) Install bolts attaching front fender to radiator
closure panel.
(6) Install bolts attaching front fender to cowl rein-
forcement.
(7) Secure windshield washer tubing tie-downs to
wheelhouse.
(8) Install anti-lock brake controller to wheel-
house, if equipped.
(9) Install airbag sensor to wheelhouse and con-
nect wiring harness to airbag sensor.
(10) Connect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(11) Secure wire harness tie-downs to wheelhouse.
(12) Install power distribution center to wheel-
house.
(13) Install battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(14) Install coolant overflow bottle (V-10 ONLY).
Fig. 14 Left Front Fender Access Components
1 - ABS CONTROLLER
2 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
3 - BATTERY
4 - FENDER
5 - WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR
6 - BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
Fig. 15 Fender to Cowl ReinforcementÐTypical
1 - BOLT
2 - FENDER
3 - FENDERÐTOÐCOWL REINFORCEMENT
BR/BEEXTERIOR 23 - 93
LEFT FRONT FENDER (Continued)

(15) Install air cleaner (DIESEL ONLY).
(16) Install front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
INSTALLATION).
RIGHT FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.
(3) Remove auxiliary battery and tray on right
side, if equipped.
(4) Disengage wire harness tie-downs from wheel-
house.
(5) Disconnect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(6) Disconnect wiring harness to airbag sensor and
remove airbag sensor from wheelhouse.
(7) Remove front wheelhouse liner (Fig. 13) (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT END SPLASH
SHIELDS - REMOVAL).
(8) Disengage air conditioning tubing from inner
fender clips.
(9) Remove bolts attaching front fender to cowl
reinforcement (Fig. 15).
(10) Remove bolts attaching front fender to radia-
tor closure panel.
(11) Remove bolts attaching bottom of front fender
to rocker panel lower flange (Fig. 17).
(12) Open right door.(13) Remove bolt attaching front fender to hinge
pillar mounting bracket (Fig. 17).
(14) Remove bolts attaching top of fender to radia-
tor closure panel (Fig. 17).
(15) Separate right front fender from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fender on vehicle.
(2) Install bolts attaching top of fender to radiator
closure panel.
(3) Install bolt attaching front fender to hinge pil-
lar mounting bracket.
(4) Install bolts attaching bottom of front fender to
rocker panel lower flange.
(5) Install bolts attaching front fender to radiator
closure panel.
(6) Install bolts attaching front fender to cowl rein-
forcement.
(7) Secure air conditioning tubing to inner fender
clips.
(8) Install front wheelhouse liner (Refer to 23 -
BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT END SPLASH SHIELDS
- INSTALLATION).
(9) Install airbag sensor and connect wiring har-
ness to airbag sensor.
(10) Connect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(11) Secure wire harness tie-downs to wheelhouse.
(12) Install auxiliary battery tray and battery on
right side, if equipped.
(13) Connect battery negative cable.
(14) Install front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 16 Left Fender to Radiator Closure Panel
Fasteners
1 - LEFT FENDER
2 - RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL
Fig. 17 Right Front Fender
1 - RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL
2 - RIGHT FENDER
23 - 94 EXTERIORBR/BE
LEFT FRONT FENDER (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................104
OPERATION............................105
REMOVAL.............................106
INSTALLATION..........................107
ASH RECEIVER
REMOVAL.............................108
INSTALLATION..........................109
CLUSTER BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................109
INSTALLATION..........................110
CUBBY BIN
REMOVAL.............................110
INSTALLATION..........................110
CUP HOLDER
REMOVAL.............................110
INSTALLATION..........................111
GLOVE BOX
REMOVAL.............................112DISASSEMBLY..........................112
ASSEMBLY.............................112
INSTALLATION..........................113
GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................113
INSTALLATION..........................113
GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................114
INSTALLATION..........................114
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
REMOVAL.............................114
INSTALLATION..........................115
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
REMOVAL.............................115
INSTALLATION..........................116
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL.............................116
INSTALLATION..........................116
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), accessoryswitches, 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.
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
23 - 104 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE

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 ofaccess 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.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 105
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)

REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the Airbag Control Module (ACM) and
bracket from the floor panel transmission tunnel.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/AIRBAG
CONTROL MODULE - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the trim from the left and right cowl
side inner panels. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/
COWL TRIM COVER - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the inside
hood latch release handle to the instrument panel
lower reinforcement and lower the release handle to
the floor.
(6) Disconnect the clockspring pigtail wire connec-
tor from the instrument panel wire harness connec-
tor located on the instrument panel lower
reinforcement.
(7) If the vehicle is so equipped, disconnect the
overdrive lockout switch pigtail wire connector from
the instrument panel wire harness connector near
the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(8) Remove the steering column from the vehicle,
but do not remove the driver airbag, the steering
wheel, or the switches from the column. Be certain
that the steering wheel is locked and secured from
rotation to prevent the loss of clockspring centering.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
(9) From under the driver side of the instrument
panel, perform the following:
(a) Disengage the park brake release handle
linkage rod from the park brake mechanism on theleft cowl side inner panel. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
PARKING BRAKE/RELEASE - REMOVAL).
(b) Disconnect the instrument panel wire har-
ness connector from the park brake switch on the
park brake mechanism.
(c) Disconnect the three connectors (one from the
body wire harness, and two from the headlamp and
dash wire harness) from the three connector recep-
tacles located closest to the dash panel on the back
of the Junction Block (JB).
(d) Remove the screw from the center of the
headlamp and dash wire harness to instrument
panel wire harness bulkhead connector and discon-
nect the connector.
(e) Disconnect the instrument panel wire har-
ness to door wire harness connector located directly
below the instrument panel wire harness to head-
lamp and dash wire harness bulkhead connector.
(f) If the vehicle is equipped with the Infinity
sound system option, disconnect the Infinity wire
harness connector from the instrument panel wire
harness connector that is secured to the outboard
side of the instrument panel wire harness to head-
lamp and dash wire harness bulkhead connector.
(g) Disconnect the instrument panel wire har-
ness connector from the stop lamp switch.
(h) Disconnect the heater-A/C housing vacuum
harness connector from the heater-A/C control vac-
uum harness connector located near the left end of
the heater-A/C housing.
(10) From under the passenger side of the instru-
ment panel, disconnect the two halves of the radio
antenna coaxial cable connector.
(11) Loosen the right and left instrument panel
cowl side roll-down bracket screws about 13 mm
(0.50 inch) (Fig. 1).
(12) Remove the five screws that secure the top of
the instrument panel to the top of the dash panel,
removing the center screw last.
(13) Roll down the instrument panel and install a
temporary hook in the center hole on top of the
instrument panel. Secure the other end of the hook
to the center hole in the top of the dash panel. The
hook should support the instrument panel in its
rolled down position about 46 cm (18 inches) from
the dash panel.
(14) With the instrument panel supported in the
roll-down position, disconnect the instrument panel
wire harness connectors from the heater-A/C housing
wire harness connectors.
(15) With the aid of an assistant, remove the tem-
porary hook and lift the instrument panel assembly
off of the roll-down bracket screws and remove it
from the vehicle.
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, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) With the aid of an assistant, load the instru-
ment panel assembly onto the roll-down bracket
screws on the cowl side inner panels in the vehicle
(Fig. 1). Install a temporary hook in the center hole
on top of the instrument panel. Secure the other end
of the hook to the center hole in the top of the dashpanel. The hook should support the instrument panel
in its rolled down position about 46 cm (18 inches)
from the dash panel.
(2) With the instrument panel supported in the
roll-down position, reconnect the instrument panel
wire harness connectors to the heater-A/C housing
wire harness connectors.
(3) Remove the temporary hook from the instru-
ment panel and roll the instrument panel up to its
installed position against the dash panel.
(4) Install and tighten the five screws that secure
the top of the instrument panel to the top of the dash
panel. Tighten the screws to 3.2 N´m (28 in. lbs.).
(5) Tighten the right and left instrument panel
cowl side roll-down bracket screws. Tighten the
screws to 11.9 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(6) From under the passenger side of the instru-
ment panel, reconnect the two halves of the radio
antenna coaxial cable connector.
(7) From under the driver side of the instrument
panel, perform the following:
(a) Engage the park brake release handle link-
age rod with the park brake mechanism on the left
Fig. 1 Instrument Panel Assembly Remove/Install
1 - PLASTIC NUT
2 - SCREWS3 - SCREWS
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 107
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)

cowl side inner panel. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/PARK-
ING BRAKE/RELEASE - INSTALLATION).
(b) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the park brake switch on the park
brake mechanism.
(c) Reconnect the three connectors (one from the
body wire harness, and two from the headlamp and
dash wire harness) to the three connector recepta-
cles located closest to the dash panel on the back of
the Junction Block (JB).
(d) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness to instrument panel wire harness bulkhead
connector and tighten the screw in the center of
the connector. Tighten the screw to 3.5 N´m (31 in.
lbs.).
(e) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
to door wire harness connector located directly
below the instrument panel wire harness to head-
lamp and dash wire harness bulkhead connector.
(f) If the vehicle is equipped with the Infinity
sound system option, reconnect the Infinity wire
harness connector to the instrument panel wire
harness connector that is secured to the outboard
side of the instrument panel wire harness to head-
lamp and dash wire harness bulkhead connector.
(g) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the stop lamp switch.
(h) Reconnect the heater-A/C housing vacuum
harness connector to the heater-A/C control vac-
uum harness connector located near the left end of
the heater-A/C housing.
(8) Reinstall the steering column into the vehicle.
Be certain that the steering wheel was locked and
secured from rotation to prevent the loss of clock-
spring centering. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COL-
UMN - INSTALLATION).
(9) If the vehicle is so equipped, reconnect the
overdrive lockout switch pigtail wire connector to the
instrument panel wire harness connector near the
instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(10) Reconnect the clockspring pigtail wire connec-
tor to the instrument panel wire harness connector
at the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(11) Position the inside hood latch release handle
to the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(12) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the inside hood latch release handle to the instru-
ment panel lower reinforcement. Tighten the screws
to 2.8 N´m (25 in. lbs.).
(13) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(14) Reinstall the trim onto the left and right cowl
side inner panels. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/
COWL TRIM COVER - INSTALLATION).(15) Reinstall the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
and bracket onto the floor panel transmission tunnel.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/AIRBAG
CONTROL MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(16) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
ASH RECEIVER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Open the instrument panel ash receiver.
(3) From the open position, close the ash receiver
slightly and pull it straight back far enough to disen-
gage it from the pivot pins in the lower instrument
panel.
(4) Remove the three screws that secure the ash
receiver flame shield to the lower instrument panel
(Fig. 2).
(5) Pull the ash receiver flame shield out from the
instrument panel far enough to disengage the two
retaining tabs on the top of the shield from the
mounting holes in the instrument panel.
(6) Lower the flame shield from the instrument
panel far enough to access the ash receiver lamp and
hood.
(7) Squeeze the ash receiver lamp and hood
bracket to disengage the unit from the mounting hole
in the flame shield.
(8) Remove the ash receiver flame shield from the
instrument panel.
23 - 108 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)