Jeep Cherokee

 Service Manual

Instrument panel systems » Removal and installation
Steering column opening cover

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

REMOVAL

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

(2) If the vehicle is so equipped, move the tilt steering column to the fully raised position.

(3) Remove the three screws that secure the lower edge of the steering column opening cover to the lower instrument panel reinforcement (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4 Steering Column Opening Cover Remove/Install

1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - SNAP CLIPS
3 - STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
4 - SCREW

(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 the two snap clip retainers from the receptacles in the instrument panel.

(5) Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel.

INSTALLATION

(1) Position the steering column opening cover to the instrument panel.

(2) Align the snap clip retainers on the steering column opening cover with the receptacles in the instrument panel.

(3) Press firmly on the steering 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 lower instrument panel reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N·m (20 in. lbs.).

(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.

Steering column opening cover

Knee blocker

Instrument panel center bezel

Instrument panel accessory switch bezel

Cigar lighter relay

Cluster bezel

Headlamp switch

Instrument cluster

Instrument cluster components

Instrument panel top cover

Glove box

Glove box components

Glove box latch striker

Instrument panel end cap

Instrument panel center support bracket

Instrument panel assembly