Instrument Panel Air Outlets Binding or Broken (Install Washers on Instrument Panel Air Outlet Attaching Studs)

Some customers may comment on a binding or broken instrument panel (IP) air outlet.

This condition may be caused by a lack of clearance between the IP and the IP air outlet.

Technicians are to install a single washer on each of the attaching studs between the IP and the IP air outlet. This will provide more clearance between the two parts to prevent the binding condition. Use the following procedure to install the washers on the IP air outlet(s) that are binding:

1. Remove the center trim panel from the IP. Refer to the Trim Panel Replacement-Instrument Panel (IP) Center procedure in SI (Document ID #1385566).
2. Remove the IP air outlet(s) that are binding. Refer to the Air Outlet Replacement-Instrument Panel procedure in SI (Document ID #1385671).
3. Install a single washer, P/N 15650962, on each IP air outlet attaching stud. Two or three washers will be required depending on which IP air outlet is being worked on.
4. Install the IP air outlet(s) onto the center trim panel. Refer to the Air Outlet Replacement-Instrument Panel procedure in SI (Document ID #1385671).
5. Install the center trim panel. Refer to the Trim Panel Replacement-Instrument Panel (I/P) Center procedure in SI (Document ID #1385566).

The washers listed below are packaged in quantities of 10. The two outer air outlets will use two washers each. The two inner air outlets will use three washers each.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: