Instrument Panel: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Remove the floor console. For additional information, refer to Console - Floor .
2. Depower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
3. Remove the RH and LH A-pillar trim panels. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
4. Remove the 4 pin-type retainers and the RH and LH front door opening scuff plates.
5. Remove the RH and LH lower A-pillar trim panels.
6. Remove the steering column opening cover.
7. Remove the RH and LH instrument panel side finish panels.
8. Disconnect the 2 electrical connectors at the LH side of the instrument panel.
Fig 1: Identifying Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Disconnect the main steering module electrical connector.
Fig 2: Identifying Main Steering Module Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Remove the bolts and position aside the hood release handle and parking brake release handle.
11. Remove and slide the steering column intermediate shaft access cover and weather shield up the steering column intermediate shaft.
Fig 3: Identifying Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Access Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the lower shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
12. Remove and discard the steering column intermediate shaft-to-coupling bolt and slide the steering column intermediate shaft up.
Fig 4: Identifying Steering Column Intermediate Shaft-To-Coupling Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
13. Remove scrivet and the restraints control module (RCM) access cover.
Fig 5: Identifying Scrivet And Restraints Control Module (RCM) Access Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
14. Disconnect the LH RCM electrical connector.
Fig 6: Identifying RCM Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles with automatic transmission 

15. Remove the selector lever cable from the selector lever assembly.
    • Disconnect the selector lever cable end from the selector lever.
    • Remove the selector lever cable from the selector housing.

Vehicles with manual transmission 

16. Remove the shift cables from the shift lever assembly.
    • Disconnect the shift cable ends from the shift lever.
    • Remove the shift cable retaining clips from the shift cables.

All vehicles 

17. Disconnect the selector lever electrical connector and wiring harness pin-type retainers from the selector lever assembly.
18. If equipped, remove and position aside the four wheel drive (4WD) control module and bracket from the selector lever assembly.
Fig 7: Identifying Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Control Module
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
19. Remove the selector lever assembly.
    • Remove the 4 selector lever assembly bolts and remove the selector lever assembly.
20. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the smart junction box (SJB).
Fig 8: Identifying Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
21. Remove the SJB.
    • Disconnect the wiring harness pin-type retainers.
    • Remove the SJB lower bolts.
    • Remove the SJB.
Fig 9: Identifying SJB Lower Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
22. Disconnect the 2 electrical connectors at the RH side of the instrument panel.
Fig 10: Identifying Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
23. Disconnect the antenna cable in-line connector.
24. Remove the LH and RH windshield wiper pivot arms. For additional information, refer to WIPERS AND WASHERS article.
25. Remove the cowl panel cover. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS article.
26. Remove the 3 windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft assembly bolts and position aside the windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft assembly.
27. Remove the 3 instrument panel upper cowl bolts.
28. Remove the 4 instrument panel center brace bolts.
29. Remove the 4 instrument panel side bolts.
NOTE: To avoid damage to the instrument panel, an assistant is required for this step.
NOTE: Before removing the instrument panel, make sure that all electrical wiring is free and not hindered.
30. Remove the instrument panel.
CAUTION: Do not allow the steering column upper and lower halves to become separated if transferring the column. If the column halves become separated, make sure that the upper and lower column shaft master (larger) splines are correctly aligned. Only use hand force when reassembling the upper and lower halves or damage to the steering column may occur.
31. Transfer parts as needed.