Installation; Storage Bin; Removal - Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual

AN
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER (Continued)
(3) Remove the three screws that secure the lower
edge of the steering column opening cover to the
instrument panel structural support.
(4) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the upper edge of the
steering column opening cover just below the cluster
bezel on each side of the steering column away from
the instrument panel far enough to disengage each of
the snap clip retainers from their receptacles in the
instrument panel base trim (Fig. 21).
Fig. 21 Steering Column Opening Cover Remove/
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
2 - STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
3 - SCREW (3)
4 - HOOD RELEASE BRACKET
(5) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel.

INSTALLATION

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.
Install
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
(1) Position the steering column opening cover to
the instrument panel (Fig. 21).
(2) Align the snap clip retainers on the steering
column opening cover with the receptacles in the
instrument panel base trim.
(3) Using hand pressure, press firmly on the steer-
ing column opening cover over the snap clip locations
until each of the snap clips is fully engaged in its
receptacle.
(4) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the lower edge of the steering column opening cover
to the instrument structural support (Fig. 20).
Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Reach under the left end of the instrument
panel to access and engage the park brake release
link to the back of the handle. Then snap the rod end
clip over the park brake release link to secure the
connection.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.

STORAGE BIN

REMOVAL

A cluster bezel may have one, two, or no storage
bins installed on it, depending upon the vehicle
equipment. A storage bin is used in place of the
optional four-wheel drive transfer case switch, the
optional passenger airbag on/off switch, and/or the
optional rear window defogger switch. If the vehicle
is equipped with both of these switches, it will not
have a storage bin installed in the cluster bezel.
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
23 - 107