GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2003 🢒 Rendezvous - FWD 🢒 Preface 🢒 Cautions and Notices 🢒 Instrument Panel Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.

    2. Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

  2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling or to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  3. Remove the covers from the right and the left access holes on the instrument panel (I/P). Refer to Instrument Panel Outer Trim Cover Replacement .
  4. Remove the I/P insulators. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Right Side and to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side .
  5. Remove the data link connector (DLC). Refer to Data Link Connector Replacement in Data Link Communications.
  6. Remove the side upper garnish moldings from the windshield. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.
  7. Remove the upper trim pad from the I/P. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement .
  8. Remove the front floor console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement .
  9. Remove the knee bolster panel. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .

    10. Object Number: 305570 Size: SH
  10. Remove the bolts from the lower steering column.
  11. Remove the nuts from the upper steering column.
  12. Lower the steering column.
  13. Remove the hood release handle. Refer to Hood Primary Latch Release Cable Handle Replacement in Body Front End.
  14. Remove the accessory trim plate from the I/P. Refer to Instrument Panel Accessory Trim Plate Replacement .
  15. Remove the I/P cluster trim plate bezel. Refer to Instrument Panel Cluster Trim Plate Bezel Replacement .
  16. Remove the I/P cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
  17. Remove the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement in Entertainment.
  18. Remove the heater A/C control. Refer to HVAC Control Module Replacement in HVAC Systems -- Manual.
  19. Remove the I/P compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment Replacement .
  20. Remove the I/P compartment lamp switch. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment Lamp Switch Replacement .

    21. Object Number: 326084 Size: SH
  21. Remove the I/P mounting screws.

    22. Object Number: 311642 Size: SH
  22. Reposition the I/P wiring harness.
  23. Remove the instrument panel.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 326084 Size: SH
  1. Align the instrument panel to the vehicle.
  2. Reposition the I/P wiring harness.

    3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the I/P mounting bolts at the cluster pocket.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the mounting bolts to 5.0 N·m (44 lb in).


    Object Number: 311638 Size: SH
  4. Install the I/P mounting bolts at the windshield.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the mounting bolts to 5.0 N·m (44 lb in).


    Object Number: 311642 Size: SH
  5. Install the I/P mounting bolts to the compartment.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the mounting bolts to 2.0 N·m (18 lb in).

  6. Install the I/P compartment lamp switch. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment Lamp Switch Replacement .
  7. Install the I/P compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment Replacement .
  8. Install the I/P cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
  9. Install the heater A/C control. Refer to HVAC Control Module Replacement in HVAC Systems - Manual.
  10. Install the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement in Entertainment.
  11. Install the I/P cluster trim plate bezel. Refer to Instrument Panel Cluster Trim Plate Bezel Replacement .
  12. Install the I/P accessory trim plate. Refer to Instrument Panel Accessory Trim Plate Replacement .
  13. Install the hood release handle. Refer to Hood Primary Latch Release Cable Handle Replacement in Body Front End.

    14. Object Number: 305570 Size: SH
  14. Raise the steering column.
  15. Install the nuts to the upper steering column.

    16. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  16. Install the bolts to the lower steering column.

    17. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  17. Install the knee bolster panel. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .
  18. Install the front floor console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement .
  19. Install the I/P upper trim panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement .
  20. Install the windshield side upper garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.
  21. Install the I/P insulators. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Right Side and to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side .
  22. Install the data link connector. Refer to Data Link Connector Replacement in Data Link Communications.
  23. Install the I/P access hole covers. Refer to Instrument Panel Outer Trim Cover Replacement .
  24. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling or to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  25. Connect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.