Gap Between Cross-Car Trim Plate and Instrument Panel (Install Plastic Tie Strap)

Some customers may comment that there is a gap (2) between the cross-car trim plate (1) and the instrument panel (3) above and to the right of the ignition lock/switch cylinder (4). See Figure 1.

Remove the cross-car trim plate and install a plastic tie strap between the upper and lower instrument panel using the following procedure:

1. Disable the SIR system.

1.1.	Remove the fuse panel cover from the left side of the instrument panel and remove the SIR fuse.

1.2.	Disconnect the driver's side air bag connector located above the fuse panel.

2. Remove the tilt steering column lever.
3. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers.
4. Remove the instrument panel cross-car trim plate and disconnect the electrical connectors.

Figure 2




5. Using a 6.35 mm (¼ in) diameter drill bit, drill a hole (1) in the upper instrument panel support (2) at the location shown in Figure 2.

Figure 3




6. Install a plastic tie strap (1) through the drilled hole (3) in the upper instrument panel support (2) and route it as shown down to and around the lower instrument panel support (4). See Figure 3.
7. Connect the plastic tie strap and pull tight to draw the upper and lower instrument panel sections closer together.
8. Cut off the excess length from the plastic tie strap.
9. Connect the electrical connectors and install the cross-car trim plate.
10. Install the upper and lower steering column covers.
11. Install the tilt steering column lever.
12. Enable the SIR system.

12.1.

Connect the driver's side air bag connector located above the fuse panel.

12.2.

Install the SIR fuse and install the fuse panel cover.

13. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and verify that the AIR BAG warning lamp flashes seven (7) times and goes out.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

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