GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Restraints 🢒 SIR 🢒 Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the I/P insulators. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Replacement .
  2. Remove the windshield side garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Side Garnish Molding Replacement in Stationary Windows.
  3. Remove the knee bolster deflector. Refer to Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement .

    4. Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

       • Air bag deployment
       • Personal injury
       • Unnecessary SIR system repairs
    In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
       • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
       • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

  4. Disable the SIR. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in Restraints.
  5. Remove the stoplamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  6. Lower the steering column.
  7. Remove the I/P trim pad. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement .
  8. Remove the IP accessory trim plate. Refer to Instrument Panel Accessory Trim Plate Replacement .
  9. Remove the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement in Entertainment.
  10. Remove the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
  11. Remove the HVAC control. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement in HVAC Systems with A/C-Manual.
  12. Remove the left side air ducts.
  13. Remove the front floor console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement .

    14. Object Number: 379391 Size: SH
  14. Remove the fuse block bolt.
  15. Remove the fuse block from the I/P.

    16. Object Number: 367393 Size: SH
  16. Remove the data link connector bolts (2).
  17. Remove the data link connector (3) from the tie bar (1).

    18. Object Number: 379394 Size: SH
  18. Cut the tie strap securing the steering column harness branch to the distributor.

    19. Object Number: 296123 Size: LH
  19. Remove the I/P lower mounting nuts (3).
  20. Remove the crosscar and I/P harness grounds from the I/P mounting studs.
  21. Remove the I/P upper mounting bolts (2).
  22. Reposition the I/P (6).
  23. Remove the air distributor.
  24. Remove the wiring harness from the I/P carrier.
  25. Remove the I/P carrier from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 296123 Size: LH
  1. Install the I/P carrier to the vehicle.
  2. Install the wiring harness to the I/P carrier.
  3. Install the air distributor.
  4. Position the I/P (6).

    5. 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.

  5. Install the I/P upper mounting bolts (2).

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the I/P upper mounting bolts (2) to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).

  6. Install the crosscar and I/P harness grounds to the I/P mounting studs.
  7. Install the I/P lower mounting nuts (3).

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the I/P lower mounting nuts (3) to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 379394 Size: SH
  8. Install a new tie strap securing the steering column harness branch to the distributor.

    9. Object Number: 367393 Size: SH
  9. Install the data link connector (3) to the tie bar (1).
  10. Install the data link connector bolts (2).

    11. Object Number: 379391 Size: SH
  11. Install the fuse block to the I/P.
  12. Install the fuse block bolt.
  13. Install the front floor console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement .
  14. Install the left side air ducts.
  15. Install the HVAC control. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement in HVAC Systems with A/C-Manual.
  16. Install the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
  17. Install the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement in Entertainment.
  18. Install the I/P accessory trim plate. Refer to Instrument Panel Accessory Trim Plate Replacement .
  19. Install the I/P trim pad. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement .
  20. Raise the steering column.
  21. Install the stoplamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  22. Enable the SIR. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in Restraints.
  23. Install the knee bolster deflector. Refer to Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement .
  24. Install the windshield side garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Side Garnish Molding Replacement in Stationary Windows.
  25. Install the I/P insulators. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Replacement .