GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1997 🢒 Corvette 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console 🢒 Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 95695 Size: SH
  1. Remove the console. Refer to Console Replacement .
  2. Remove the I/P accessory trim plate. Refer to Instrument Panel Accessory Trim Plate Replacement .
  3. Remove the driver knee bolster trim panel. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement .
  4. Remove the instrument panel compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment Replacement .
  5. Remove the windshield defroster grille. Refer to Defroster Grille Replacement .
  6. Insert the DRL and sunload sensors, if equipped, into the nearest openings in the windshield defroster duct.

    7. Moving the sensors into the defroster duct provides additional clearance to remove the trim pad.

  7. Remove the windshield side garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Side Garnish Molding Replacement in Stationary Windows.
  8. Remove the screws retaining the upper trim pad to the defroster duct.
  9. Remove the screws retaining the upper trim pad to the LH and RH hinge pillars.

    10. Object Number: 95697 Size: SH
  10. Remove the screws retaining the I/P cluster bezel to the upper trim pad.
  11. Remove the screws retaining the upper trim pad to the driver knee bolster outer bracket and the center support bracket.
  12. Remove the screw retaining the upper trim pad to the passenger SIR bracket.

    13. Object Number: 183226 Size: SH
  13. Tilt the steering wheel to the lowest position.
  14. Lift the rearward edge of the upper trim pad approximately 2 inches to provide clearance for the air distribution duct located on the underside of the trim pad.
  15. SLOWLY pull the upper trim pad away from the windshield while guiding the tabs on the LH and RH side of the trim pad past the hinge pillars.

    16. Object Number: 95707 Size: SH
  16. Disconnect the hazard warning switch electrical connector.
  17. Remove the upper trim pad from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 95707 Size: SH
  1. Connect the hazard warning switch electrical connector.

    2. Object Number: 183226 Size: SH
  2. Install the I/P upper trim pad into position.
    3. 2.1. Tilt the forward edge of the trim pad down slightly.
    2.2. SLOWLY begin to move the trim pad into position while guiding the tabs on the LH and RH side of the trim pad past the hinge pillars.
    2.3. Locate the trim pad by guiding the alignment notch on the underside of the pad onto the alignment pin on the dash panel.
    2.4. Lower the rearward edge of the pad into place.
  3. Remove the DRL and sunload sensors, if equipped, from the openings in the windshield defroster duct and position above the trim pad.

    4. Object Number: 95695 Size: SH
  4. Install the screws retaining the upper trim pad to the windshield defroster duct.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the I/P upper trim pad to windshield defroster duct screws to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).

    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 screws retaining the upper trim pad to the LH and RH hinge pillars.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the I/P upper trim pad to LH and RH hinge pillar screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 95697 Size: SH
  6. Install the screws retaining the upper trim pad to the driver knee bolster outer bracket, the center support bracket and the passenger SIR bracket.

    7. Tighten

        • Tighten the I/P upper trim pad to driver knee bolster outer bracket screw to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).
        • Tighten the I/P upper trim pad to I/P center support bracket screws to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).
        • Tighten the I/P upper trim pad to passenger SIR bracket screw to 1.9 N·m (17 lb in).
  7. Install the screws retaining the I/P cluster bezel to the upper trim pad.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the I/P cluster bezel to I/P upper trim pad screws to 1.3 N·m (12 lb in).

  8. Install the windshield side garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Side Garnish Molding Replacement in Stationary Windows.
  9. Install the windshield defroster grille. Refer to Defroster Grille Replacement .
  10. Install the instrument panel compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment Replacement .
  11. Install the driver knee bolster trim panel. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement .
  12. Install the I/P accessory trim plate. Refer to Instrument Panel Accessory Trim Plate Replacement .
  13. Install the console. Refer to Console Replacement .