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For 1990-2009 cars only

Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement Buick

Removal Procedure

After a non-deployment accident, visually inspect the instrument panel carrier for damage or deformation. Any visible damage indicates structural damage and requires replacement of the instrument panel carrier.

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. 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.

  3. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in Restraints.
  4. Remove the right sound insulator. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Right Side .
  5. Remove the console. Refer to Console Replacement .
  6. Remove the instrument cluster trim plate. Refer to Instrument Cluster Trim Panel Replacement .
  7. Remove the upper trim pad. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement .
  8. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .
  9. Important: Remove the steering column lower mounting bolts prior to removing the upper mounting bolts or damage to the lower steering column bearing may occur.

  10. Lower the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  11. Place a protective cloth on the steering column in order to protect the column from scratches.
  12. Remove the instrument panel (IP) storage compartment assembly. Refer to Instrument Panel Storage Compartment Replacement .
  13. Remove the radio and the heater/air conditioning control. Refer to Radio Replacement in Entertainment.

  14. Object Number: 487882  Size: SH
  15. Remove the fasteners (1) from the left center support bracket.
  16. Remove the fasteners (2) from the right center support bracket.

  17. Object Number: 487888  Size: SH
  18. Remove the IP carrier upper to dash panel L-bracket (1) fasteners (2).
  19. Remove the IP carrier left outer bracket fastener (4).
  20. Remove the IP carrier to right outer bracket fasteners (3).
  21. Pull the IP carrier outward and away from the dash.
  22. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
  23. Disconnect the antenna coaxial cable.
  24. Remove the IP carrier.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the instrument panel (IP) carrier to the vehicle.
  2. Connect the electrical connectors.
  3. Connect the antenna coaxial cable.
  4. Carefully center the carrier.
  5. Assure that the centering feature notch on the IP aligns to the peg on the steering column support bracket.

  6. Engage the right and the left height setting tabs on the backside of the carrier to the slots on the IP outer brackets.

  7. Object Number: 487882  Size: SH
  8. Engage the height tab (4) of the bracket to the notch (3) in the IP carrier.
  9. Push forward and upward on the IP carrier to the lower left of the glove box opening in order to engage the tab (4) of the support bracket to the notch (3) in the IP carrier. An audible click will be heard when engaged.

  10. Tug on the lower IP in order to ensure that the tab is locked in place.

  11. Object Number: 487888  Size: SH

    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.

  12. Install the IP carrier to the right outer bracket fasteners (3).
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the fasteners to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  14. Install the IP carrier to left outer bracket fastener (4).
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the fastener to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).

  16. Install the IP carrier upper to the dash panel L-bracket (1) fasteners (2).
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the fasteners to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).


    Object Number: 487882  Size: SH
  18. Install the IP carrier to the right center support bracket fasteners (2).
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the fasteners to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  20. Install the IP carrier to the left center support bracket fasteners (1).
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the fasteners to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  22. Install the radio and the heater/air conditioning control. Refer to Radio Replacement in Entertainment.
  23. Install the IP storage compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Storage Compartment Replacement .
  24. Remove the protective cloth from the steering column.
  25. Install the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  26. Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .
  27. Install the upper trim pad. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement .
  28. Install the cluster trim plate. Refer to Instrument Cluster Trim Panel Replacement .
  29. Install the console. Refer to Console Replacement .
  30. Enable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.
  31. Install the right sound insulator. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Right Side .
  32. Connect the negative battery cable.

Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement Oldsmobile

Removal Procedure

After a non-deployment accident, visually inspect the instrument panel carrier for damage or deformation. Any visible damage indicates structural damage and requires replacement of the instrument panel carrier.

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. 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.

  3. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
  4. Remove the right sound insulator. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Right Side .
  5. Remove the console. Refer to Console Replacement .
  6. Remove the instrument cluster trim plate. Refer to Instrument Cluster Trim Panel Replacement .
  7. Remove the windshield garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.
  8. Remove the upper trim pad. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement .
  9. Remove the knee bolster reinforcement. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .
  10. Remove the instrument panel storage compartment assembly. Refer to Instrument Panel Storage Compartment Replacement .
  11. Important: Remove the steering column lower mounting bolts prior to removing the upper mounting bolts or damage to the lower steering column bearing may occur.

  12. Lower the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  13. Place a protective cloth on the steering column in order to protect the column from scratches.
  14. Remove the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement in Entertainment.
  15. Remove the Heater and A/C control. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement in HVAC Systems-Automatic.

  16. Object Number: 518421  Size: MH
  17. Remove the fasteners (3,7,8).
  18. Pull the instrument panel carrier away from the dash.
  19. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
  20. Disconnect the antenna coaxial cable.
  21. Remove the instrument panel carrier.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 518421  Size: MH
  1. Install the instrument panel (IP) carrier.
  2. Connect the electrical connectors.
  3. Connect the antenna coaxial cable.
  4. Carefully align the carrier.
  5. Ensure that the 5 cowl clips (6) are secured under the mushroom header (2). Ensure that the studs on the cowl and the centering feature on the IP aligns to the peg (1) on the steering column support bracket.

  6. Locate the IP to the height pin (5) on the IP outer bracket.
  7. Engage the height tab (4) on the right center mounting bracket to the notch in the IP carrier.
  8. Push forward and upward on the IP carrier to the lower left of the glove box opening in order to engage the tab of the support bracket to the notch in the IP carrier bracket. An audible click will be heard when engaged.

  9. Ensure that the tab is locked in place by tugging on the lower IP.
  10. 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.

  11. Install the IP carrier to the upper L-bracket fastener (8).
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the fastener to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).

  13. Install the center support bracket fasteners (3).
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the fasteners to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  15. Install the outer bracket fasteners (7).
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the fasteners to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  17. Install the Heater and A/C control. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement in HVAC Systems-Automatic.
  18. Install the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement in Entertainment.
  19. Remove the protective cloth from the steering column.
  20. Install the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  21. Install the instrument panel storage compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Storage Compartment Replacement .
  22. Install the knee bolster reinforcement. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .
  23. Install the upper trim pad. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement .
  24. Install the windshield garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.
  25. Install the cluster trim plate. Refer to Instrument Cluster Trim Panel Replacement .
  26. Install the console. Refer to Console Replacement .
  27. Enable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.
  28. Install the right sound insulator. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Right Side .
  29. Connect the negative battery cable.