Instrument panel and pad removal and installation for 1997 Buick Lesabre?

Due to the wide range of models and options, the instrument panel and pad removal procedure cannot cover every possible location for screw or clip locations. The car's instrument panel enables removal of control switches, instruments, gauges, and lights from the driver's side of the instrument panel. Trim panels that must be removed are held in place by bolts, screws and clips. These locations vary from model to model. After the removal of all the fasteners that you are aware of, if the cluster is still firmly attached, you probably missed a hidden fastener. If this happens, gently and carefully pry the area, looking for the location that doesn't flex. The location that does flex is where you'll find the fastener(s) you missed. Take great care with the plastic trim panels. Plastic trim panels are usually very hard plastic and extremely easy to crack. The following steps can be used to guide you through the removal and installation of the instrument cluster, but you will need to alter steps to your specific needs.

WARNING

Servicing the instrument area requires disconnecting the negative battery cable. The electronics involved with an analog or digital dashboard are both sensitive and expensive. Use great care with these components. If equipped with an air bag, you MUST follow all DISARMING procedures, as described in Chassis Electrical .

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1987-91 Vehicles

See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. If equipped with SIR, disable the SIR system as outlined in Chassis Electrical of this repair guide.

CAUTION

Some models covered by this information may be equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system, which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SIR components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SIR, as described in Chassis Electrical .

2. Remove the steering column filler panel.

Fig. Fig. 1: Exploded view of typical steering column filler and reinforcement panels

For more information on instrument cluster removal, please refer to Chassis Electrical in this repair guide.

3. Remove the instrument panel top cover-to-instrument panel screws.
4. If equipped with a twilight sentinel, pop up the photocell retainer and turn the photocell counterclockwise in the retainer and pull it down-and-out.
5. Slide the instrument panel top cover out far enough to disconnect the aspirator hose and the electrical connector, if equipped.
6. Remove the instrument panel top cover/pad from the instrument panel. If equipped with quartz electronic speedometer clusters, remove the steering column trim cover, so the shift indicator can be removed.

Fig. Fig. 2: Exploded view of an instrument panel pad/cover - 1991 Bonneville shown, others similar

7. Remove all necessary sound insulators.

Fig. Fig. 3: Remove all sound insulators interfering with instrument panel removal

8. Remove the instrument cluster-to-instrument panel carrier screws. Pull the cluster housing assembly straight out; this will separate the electrical connectors from the cluster.

Fig. Fig. 4: Exploded view of a typical instrument cluster mounting

It may be helpful to tilt the wheel all the way down and pull the gear select lever to low, when removing the cluster.

9. Disconnect the non-volatile memory chip, if equipped.
10. Remove the speedometer retaining screws and disconnect the speedometer cable or the electrical connection, if equipped.
11. Remove the speedometer assembly.
12. Remove the radio and heater and A/C control assembly, as outlined inChassis Electrical of this repair guide.
13. Remove the glove compartment door and/or glove compartment, as necessary.
14. Tag and unplug all necessary electrical connectors.
15. Unfasten the screws attaching the ALDL connector to the instrument panel (located near the dimmer module).
16. Detach the cigar lighter wires, then remove the ashtray. If necessary, remove the ashtray slide bracket.
17. If necessary, remove the fuse block from the instrument panel by pushing up on the lower tab to release, then push on the panel behind the instrument panel.

The retaining screws may be different sizes, so be sure to note their locations during removal.

18. Unfasten the instrument panel support screws and mounting screws, noting their locations for installation.
19. Tag and detach the instrument panel electrical connectors. It may be necessary to use a small flat-bladed tool to push the locking tang(s) from the holes in the instrument panel, then slide the connector downward.
20. Unfasten any necessary steering column support or instrument panel bracket bolts.
21. Disconnect the side defogger hoses from the instrument panel outlet connections.
22. Remove any electrical harness retaining clips from the metal instrument panel bracket.
23. After all retainers are removed, and connectors disengaged, remove the instrument panel from the vehicle. Be careful not to scratch the steering column, shift lever, or other components.

Fig. Fig. 5: Exploded view of the instrument panel assembly - 1991 Bonneville shown

Fig. Fig. 6: Instrument panel, pad and related components - 1990 Eighty Eight shown

To install:

24. Carefully position the instrument panel in the vehicle.
25. Connect the side defogger hoses to the outlet connections. Attach all electrical connectors, as tagged during removal.
26. Install all bracket and steering column support bolts. Tighten the instrument panel bracket-to-steering column bolts to 20 ft. lbs. (27 Nm), the instrument panel stiffener rod screws to 14 inch lbs. (1.6 Nm) and the center support screw to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm).
27. Install the instrument panel support screws in their proper locations.
28. Install the ashtray bracket and ashtray, then attach the electrical connector.
29. Install the screws attaching the ALDL connector and tighten to 17 inch lbs. (1.9 Nm).
30. Attach all electrical connectors, as they were tagged during removal.
31. Install the glove compartment and/or glove compartment door, as necessary.
32. Install the radio and heater and A/C control assembly, as outlined inChassis Electrical of this repair guide.
33. Install the speedometer assembly. Connect the speedometer cable or the electrical connection, if equipped.
34. Reconnect the non-volatile memory chip, if equipped.
35. Install the instrument cluster and connect the electrical connections.
36. Install the instrument panel top cover and the shift indicator, if equipped.
37. Connect the aspirator hose and the electrical connections.
38. Replace the photo cell and retainer, if equipped with a twilight sentinel.
39. Replace the defroster grille and connect the negative battery cable.
40. If equipped with SIR, enable the system, as outlined in Chassis Electrical of this repair guide.

1992-99 Vehicles
BUICK

See Figures 7 and 8

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Properly disable the SIR system, as outlined in Chassis Electrical of this repair guide.

CAUTION

Some models covered by this information may be equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system, which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SIR components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SIR, as described in Chassis Electrical .

2. Remove the reveal cover and upper trim panels, as follows:
   1. Remove the reveal covers by prying them up and carefully pulling forward.
   2. Remove the fasteners, then carefully pull the upper trim plate up and remove the sunload and twilight sentinel by turning ¹ / ₄ turn.
   3. Remove the upper trim plate.

   
   

Fig. Fig. 7: Exploded view of the upper trim plate - 1995 Buick shown, other years similar

3. Remove the information center fasteners, then remove the center.
4. Remove the lower instrument panel trim plate by carefully prying it out.
5. Carefully pry out the air deflectors.
6. Unfasten the fasteners, then remove the instrument panel trim plate.
7. Remove the passenger inflator module.
8. Remove the knee bolster/deflector.
9. Place a protective cloth on the steering column to avoid scratching. Lower the steering column.
10. Unfasten the instrument panel fasteners. Pull the instrument panel slightly rearward.
11. Detach the electrical connector, including the antenna cable. Disconnect the vacuum line.
12. Carefully remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.

Fig. Fig. 8: Exploded view of the instrument panel and related components - 1995 Buick shown, other years similar

To install:

13. Carefully maneuver the instrument panel into the vehicle.
14. Attach the vacuum line connector and the electrical connectors.
15. Install the instrument panel fasteners, and tighten to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm).
16. Raise the steering column.
17. Install the knee bolster/deflector.
18. Install the passenger inflator module.
19. Instal the instrument panel trim plates, using the reverse of the removal procedure.
20. Install the information center and secure with the retaining fasteners.
21. Properly enable the SIR system and connect the negative battery cable.

OLDSMOBILE

See Figures 9, 10 and 11

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Properly disable the SIR system, as outlined in Chassis Electrical of this repair guide.

CAUTION

Some models covered by this information may be equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system, which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SIR components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SIR, as described in Chassis Electrical .

2. Remove the console assembly, as outlined later in this section.
3. Remove the instrument cluster trim plate, as follows:
   1. Remove the instrument panel molding fasteners (in the instrument panel compartment), then remove the molding by carefully pulling it rearward.
   2. Unfasten the cluster trim plate-to-instrument panel fasteners.
   3. Tilt the top of the trim plate rearward, then pull the bottom of the trim plate rearward.
   4. Remove the HVAC control head and light switches from the connectors. Unplug the HVAC control head vacuum connector. Remove the control head and light switch by pushing one side outward.
   5. Remove the trim plate.

   
   
4. Remove the upper trim pad, as follows:
   1. Carefully pull the molding rearward.
   2. Carefully pry the windshield defroster grille upward, with a suitable tool.
   3. Remove the sunload and twilight sentinel sensors by turning them¹ / ₄ turn to release.

   
   

Fig. Fig. 9: Exploded view of the sound insulators' mounting - 1995 Oldsmobile shown, other years similar

4. Remove the windshield defroster grille.
5. Unfasten the upper trim pad fasteners, then remove the upper pad.


5. Remove the passenger inflator module.
6. Unfasten the retainers, then remove the sound insulators.
7. Remove the knee bolster and deflectors.
8. Remove the PRNDL cable.
9. Place a protective cloth on the steering column to prevent it from being scratched. Lower the steering column.
10. Unfasten the bolts attaching the instrument panel center bracket to the dash center support bracket. Remove the 10 nuts from the outer support brackets.
11. Remove the 12 fasteners from the instrument panel outer support brackets. Pull the instrument panel slightly rearward.
12. Detach the electrical connector, including the antenna cable. Disconnect the vacuum line.
13. Carefully remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.

Fig. Fig. 10: Instrument panel mounting - 1995 Oldsmobile shown, other years similar

Fig. Fig. 11: Instrument panel center support bracket location

To install:

14. Carefully maneuver the instrument panel into the vehicle.
15. Attach the vacuum line connector and the electrical connectors.
16. Install the instrument panel fasteners and bracket fasteners, and tighten to 4 inch lbs. (9.5 Nm).
17. Raise the steering column.
18. Connect the PRNDL cable.
19. Install the passenger inflator module.
20. Install the upper trim pad, as follows:
    1. Position the pad, then secure with the fasteners.
    2. Place the windshield defroster grille at the base of the windshield.
    3. Install the sunload and twilight sentinel sensors, if equipped.
    4. Press the defroster grille into place, carefully.
    5. Install the instrument panel molding by pushing forward to engage the clips.

    
    
21. Install the instrument cluster trim plate, as follows:
    1. Route the connectors through the holes in the trim plate.
    2. Position the trim plate to the instrument panel, and secure with the retaining fasteners. Tighten to 17 inch lbs. (1.9 Nm).
    3. Attach the wiring and vacuum connectors, then install the HVAC and light switch control heads.
    4. Install the instrument panel molding by carefully pushing forward to secure the clips.
    5. Install the instrument panel molding fasteners (in the instrument panel compartment).

    
    
22. Properly enable the SIR system and connect the negative battery cable.

PONTIAC

See Figures 12, 13 and 14

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Properly disable the SIR system, as outlined in Chassis Electrical of this repair guide.

CAUTION

Some models covered by this information may be equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system, which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SIR components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SIR, as described in Chassis Electrical .

2. If equipped, remove the lower console assembly, as outlined later in this section.
3. If equipped with a console, remove the automatic transaxle control assembly.
4. Disconnect the release cables.
5. If equipped with a console, remove the automatic transaxle cable bracket.

Fig. Fig. 12: It may be necessary to remove the automatic transaxle control and cable bracket

6. Remove the instrument panel trim plate, as follows:
   1. Remove the lower trim plate by prying up carefully. Pull the trim plate up, then rearward.
   2. If equipped, detach the sub-woofer gain control switch connector.
   3. Remove the upper cluster trim plate fasteners from the instrument panel.

   
   

Be careful not to lose the interior lamps dimmer knob retainer!

4. Remove the interior lamps dimmer and twilight sentinel control knob from the headlight/parking light switch.
5. Detach the cigar lighter connector.
6. Remove the instrument cluster trim plate.


7. Remove the steering column filler panel.
8. Lower the steering column.
9. Remove the glove compartment insert fasteners and insert by pulling rearward.
10. Remove the defroster grille by carefully prying upward.
11. Remove the fasteners from under the defroster grille.
12. Remove the fasteners from the steering column support bracket brace.
13. Remove the fasteners from the dash panel, the instrument panel support bracket and the steering column support.
14. Tag and detach all electrical connectors, including the antenna cable.

Fig. Fig. 13: View of the instrument panel wiring - 1995 Pontiac shown, other years similar

15. Disconnect the aspirator hose.
16. Carefully remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.

Fig. Fig. 14: Exploded view of the instrument panel and related supporting components

To install:

When installing the instrument panel, if it does not properly align with the bottom of the windshield, loosen the center and right instrument panel support brackets to allow proper alignment and re-tighten after the assembly is aligned.

17. Carefully maneuver the instrument panel into the vehicle.
18. Attach the aspirator hose and electrical connectors.
19. Install the fasteners to the steering column support and tighten to 106 inch lbs. (12 Nm).
20. Attach the instrument panel support bracket fasteners and tighten to 4 inch lbs. (9.5 Nm).
21. Install the dash panel fasteners and tighten to 27 inch lbs. (3 Nm).
22. Attach the fasteners to the steering column support bracket brace and tighten to 106 inch lbs. (12 Nm).
23. Install the glove compartment insert fasteners, after positioning and tighten to 17 inch lbs. (1.9 Nm).
24. Install the fasteners under the defroster grille, then position the grille and press it in place.
25. Raise the steering column.
26. Install the steering column filler.
27. Install the trim plate as follows:
    1. Attach the cigar lighter connector.
    2. Position the upper trim plate to the instrument panel, carefully inserting the tab.
    3. Install the interior lamps dimmer and twilight sentinel control knob to the head/parking lamp switch. Properly align the retainer in the interior lamps dimmer knob before installing to insure proper retention.
    4. Install the trim plate fasteners and tighten to 17 inch lbs. (1.9 Nm).
    5. If equipped, attach the sub-woofer gain control switch connector.
    6. Press the lower trim plate into place.

    
    
28. Install the automatic transaxle cable bracket and control assembly, if equipped.
29. If equipped, install the lower console.
30. Properly enable the SIR system and connect the negative battery cable.