Removal - Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual

23 - 92 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)
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 end cap on the left outboard end of the
instrument panel allows access to the fuses and cir-
cuit breakers), and much of the instrument panel
wiring.
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, and additional instrument panel wir-
ing.
Removal of the instrument panel cluster bezel
allows access to the headlamp switch, the instrument
cluster, the radio, the passenger airbag on-off switch
(if equipped), the rear window defogger switch (if
equipped), the four-wheel drive transfer case switch
(if equipped), and the heating and air conditioning
control. Removal of the instrument cluster allows
access to the cluster illumination and indicator 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 con-
ditioning 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.

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.
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.
Fig. 2 Instrument Panel
1 - DEFROSTER GRILLE
2 - CLUSTER BEZEL
3 - TOP COVER
4 - LOWER BEZEL
5 - END CAP
6 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
(2) Remove the defroster grille from the instru-
ment panel (Fig. 2). (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/DEFROSTER GRILLE - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the end caps from the left and right
outboard ends of the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL END CAP - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the trim from the left and right cowl
side inner panels. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/
COWL TRIM COVER - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the lower bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PAN-
EL/IP LOWER RIGHT CENTER BEZEL - REMOV-
AL).
AN
PANEL/INSTRUMENT