GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2003 🢒 ION 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console 🢒 Instrument Panel Retainer Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: A deployed dual stage inflator module will look the same whether one or both stages were used. Always assume a deployed dual stage inflator module has an active stage 2. Improper handling or servicing can activate the inflator module and cause personal injury.

  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling and SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  2. Remove the body control module (BCM). Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.

    3. Object Number: 877818 Size: SH
  3. Pull back the carpet at the bottom of the left center support bracket and remove the lower nuts from the bracket.
  4. Remove the nuts from the center support bracket and remove the bracket.
  5. Remove the defroster grille. Refer to Defroster Grille Replacement .

    6. Object Number: 877781 Size: SH
  6. Open the instrument panel (I/P) compartment.
  7. Remove the I/P compartment screws.
  8. Remove the I/P compartment by pulling outward.

    9. Object Number: 877723 Size: SH
  9. Remove the bolts from the I/P inflatable restraint module.
  10. Slide the restraint module down and rearward to allow clearance for the I/P trim panel bracket.

    11. Object Number: 877808 Size: SH
  11. Remove the screws from the right I/P trim panel.

    12. Object Number: 877834 Size: SH
  12. Push on the upper right corner of the trim panel while lifting up on the lower left corner, to release the retaining clips and disengage the trim panel bracket from the I/P retainer.
  13. Remove the trim panel by pulling upward.

    14. Object Number: 877793 Size: SH
  14. Remove the screws from the steering column filler panel.
  15. Pull out on the filler panel in order to release the retaining fasteners.

    16. Object Number: 877797 Size: SH
  16. Disconnect the electrical connector from the rear compartment release switch.

    17. Object Number: 877799 Size: SH
  17. Remove the I/P lower compartment screws and remove the compartment.

    18. Object Number: 877675 Size: SH
  18. Unsnap and remove the upper steering column cover.

    19. Object Number: 877677 Size: SH
  19. Remove the screws from the lower steering column cover.

    20. Object Number: 877679 Size: SH
  20. Lower the steering column adjusting handle.
  21. Unsnap and remove the left lower steering column cover.

    22. Object Number: 877680 Size: SH
  22. Remove the right lower steering column cover.

    23. Object Number: 877806 Size: SH
  23. Remove the screws from the left I/P trim panel.
  24. Pull up on the trim panel in order to release the retaining fasteners.
  25. Disconnect the electrical connector from the I/P dimmer switch.
  26. If equipped, disconnect the fog lamp switch connector.

    27. Object Number: 877777 Size: SH
  27. Remove the cluster screws.

    28. Object Number: 877776 Size: SH
  28. Pull the cluster out and disconnect the electrical connector.
  29. Remove the cluster from the vehicle.

    30. Object Number: 877810 Size: SH
  30. Remove the screws from the I/P center trim panel and remove the trim panel.

    31. Object Number: 873751 Size: SH
  31. Remove the screws from the radio and pull the radio out.

    32. Object Number: 873752 Size: SH
  32. Disconnect the radio electrical connectors and remove the radio.

    33. Object Number: 873745 Size: SH
  33. Disconnect the mode and temperature cables from the HVAC control assembly.

    34. Object Number: 873744 Size: SH
  34. Disconnect the HVAC control assembly electrical connectors.

    35. Object Number: 873747 Size: SH
  35. Remove the screws from the HVAC control assembly and remove the assembly.

    36. Object Number: 873728 Size: SH
  36. Remove the screws from the center air outlet duct and remove the duct.

    37. Object Number: 877833 Size: SH
  37. Remove the wire rosebuds for the accessory switch harness from the I/P retainer.

    38. Object Number: 873727 Size: SH
  38. Remove the screws from the left outer air outlet duct and remove the duct.
  39. Remove the screws from the right outer air outlet duct and remove the duct.

    40. Object Number: 873730 Size: SH
  40. Remove the defroster duct screw.

    41. Object Number: 877826 Size: SH
  41. Remove the wire rosebuds for the I/P inflatable restraint from the I/P retainer bracket.

    42. Object Number: 877725 Size: SH
  42. Use a flat-bladed tool to depress one of the retaining tabs on the I/P retainer and pull the inflatable restraint module out of the retainer.

    43. Object Number: 877852 Size: SH
  43. Unsnap the DLC connector from the I/P retainer.
  44. Remove the left and the right front carpet retainers. Refer to Front Carpet Retainer Replacement in Interior Trim.

    45. Object Number: 877864 Size: SH
  45. Position the steering column to the highest position and remove the rear steering column bolts.

    46. Object Number: 877824 Size: SH
  46. Remove nut which secures the I/P retainer to the I/P carrier on the lower right side of the I/P retainer.

    47. Object Number: 877822 Size: SH
  47. Remove the remaining I/P retainer fasteners.
  48. Remove the I/P retainer by sliding the retainer along the steering column support bracket and toward the right side of the vehicle until the retainer clears the steering wheel.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 877822 Size: SH

    Important: Do not bend the HVAC control cable when installing the I/P retainer.

  1. Install the I/P retainer into the right side of the vehicle. Lift the I/P retainer above the steering wheel and slide the retainer down along the steering column support bracket.
  2. Feed the HVAC control cables and the I/P harness connectors through the center of the I/P retainer. Align the I/P retainer with the studs on the I/P carrier beam and slide the I/P retainer into position.

    3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the I/P retainer nuts.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 10 N·m (88 lb in).

  4. Install the I/P retainer bolts.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (88 lb in).

  5. Install the I/P retainer screws.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 877824 Size: SH
  6. Install the nut which secures the I/P retainer to the I/P carrier. Place the nut facing forward in the vehicle on the lower right side of the I/P retainer.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 10 N·m (88 lb in).


    Object Number: 877864 Size: SH
  7. Raise the steering column into position and install the rear steering column bolts.

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

  8. Install the left and right front carpet retainers. Refer to Front Carpet Retainer Replacement in Interior Trim.

    9. Object Number: 877852 Size: SH
  9. Snap the DLC connector into the I/P retainer.

    10. Object Number: 877723 Size: SH
  10. Install the I/P inflatable restraint module into the I/P retainer.

    11. Do NOT install the restraint module bolts until after you have installed the right I/P trim panel.


    Object Number: 877826 Size: SH
  11. Install the wire rosebuds for the I/P inflatable restraint module to the I/P retainer bracket.

    12. Object Number: 873730 Size: SH
  12. Install the defroster duct screw.

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the screw to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 873727 Size: SH
  13. Install the left outer air outlet duct and screw.

    14. Tighten
    Tighten the screw to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).

  14. Install the right outer air outlet duct and screw.

    15. Tighten
    Tighten the screw to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 877833 Size: SH
  15. Install the rosebuds for the accessory switch wire harness to the I/P retainer.

    16. Object Number: 873728 Size: SH
  16. Install the center air outlet duct and screws.

    17. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 873747 Size: SH
  17. Install the HVAC control assembly and screws.

    18. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 873745 Size: SH
  18. Connect the mode and temperature cables to the HVAC control assembly.

    19. Object Number: 873744 Size: SH
  19. Connect the electrical connectors to the HVAC control assembly.

    20. Object Number: 873752 Size: SH
  20. Place the radio in the vehicle and connect the radio electrical connectors.

    21. Object Number: 873751 Size: SH
  21. Push the radio into position and install the screws.

    22. Tighten
    Tighten the radio screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 877810 Size: SH
  22. Install the I/P center trim panel and screws.

    23. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 877776 Size: SH
  23. Position the cluster in the vehicle and connect the cluster electrical connector.

    24. Object Number: 877777 Size: SH
  24. Install the cluster screws.

    25. Tighten
    Tighten the cluster screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 877806 Size: SH
  25. Place the left I/P trim panel into the vehicle.
  26. Connect the electrical connector to the I/P dimmer switch.
  27. If equipped, connect the fog lamp switch connector.
  28. Align the I/P trim panel retaining fasteners with the I/P.
  29. Push on the I/P trim panel in order to secure the retaining fasteners.
  30. Install the I/P trim panel screws.

    31. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 877680 Size: SH
  31. Install the right lower steering column cover.

    32. Object Number: 877679 Size: SH
  32. Install the left lower steering column cover and snap the 2 covers together.
  33. Raise the steering column adjusting handle to lock the steering column into place.

    34. Object Number: 877677 Size: SH
  34. Install the screws to the lower steering column cover.

    35. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (17 lb in).


    Object Number: 877675 Size: SH
  35. Install the upper steering column cover by guiding the soft closeout under the I/P trim panel and aligning the retaining fasteners with the lower covers.
  36. Push on the upper steering column cover to secure the column in place.

    37. Object Number: 877799 Size: SH
  37. Install the I/P lower compartment and the screws.

    38. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 877797 Size: SH
  38. Place the steering column filler panel in the vehicle and connect the electrical connector to the rear compartment release switch.

    39. Object Number: 877793 Size: SH
  39. Align the retaining fasteners with the I/P.
  40. Push the filler panel in order to secure.
  41. Install the filler panel screws.

    42. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 877808 Size: SH
  42. Verify that the retaining clips are installed on the right I/P trim panel and that no clips are remaining in the I/P center trim panel.
  43. Place the right I/P trim panel in the vehicle and align the locating pins and the retaining clips with the I/P. Push on the I/P trim panel in order to secure.
  44. Pull up on the upper edge of the trim panel to verify that the bracket is hooked onto the I/P retainer.
  45. Install the I/P trim panel screws.

    46. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 877723 Size: SH
  46. Slide the I/P inflatable restraint module up into position.
  47. Install the bolts to the I/P inflatable restraint module.

    48. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (88 lb in).


    Object Number: 877781 Size: SH
  48. Place the I/P compartment in the vehicle and align the locating pins with the I/P.
  49. Push on the I/P compartment in order to secure.
  50. Install the I/P compartment screws.

    51. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).

  51. Install the defroster grille. Refer to Defroster Grille Replacement .

    52. Object Number: 877818 Size: SH
  52. Pull back the carpet and position the left center support bracket into position.
  53. Install the center support bracket nuts.

    54. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 10 N·m (88 lb in).

  54. Install the body control module. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control Systems.
  55. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling and SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.