QuestionI'm looking for information to remove the dash on my 2003 Caravan. I took it to the dealer because the airbag light was on, they replaced the clock spring, then they told me that the passenger side airbag is non functional and it also needs to be replaced. They wanted 1500 to do the whole job. I took it back and paid for the clock spring. I have since purchased a airbag and now I would like to replace it myself. Any insight on removing and replacing the Dash and the passenger side airbag would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rodger- Ultimatefixx@optonline.net
AnswerREMOVAL
DEPLOYED AIRBAG
Clean powder residue from interior of vehicle (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT).
Remove instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
Remove all reusable components from the upper instrument panel and transfer to the new instrument panel.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
Open hood.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Wait two minutes for the airbag system reserve capacitor to discharge before attempting any airbag or instrument panel service.
Remove center console bin between front seats.
Remove left front door sill plate using a trim stick (special tool #C-4755) or equivalent, and gently prying up on sill plate.
Remove left cowl panel using a trim stick or equivalent, and gently prying out on cowl panel.
Remove four screws to lower steering column cover and remove cover.
Unsnap parking brake lever from knee blocker reinforcement.
Remove Data Link Connector (DLC) from knee blocker.
Remove screws to knee blocker.
Unsnap left A-pillar lower extension trim using a trim stick or equivalent.
Remove three left side instrument panel A-pillar retaining bolts and loosen the instrument panel roll down bolt.
Remove four nuts at brake pedal support bracket to instrument panel.
Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry off left side upper A-pillar trim.
Remove six screws and two wiring connectors to lower instrument panel cubby bin at bottom of center stack.
Remove two left side nuts at instrument panel center stack support to floor.
Remove two right side nuts at instrument panel center stack support to floor.
Remove right front door sill plate using a trim stick or equivalent, and gently prying up on sill plate.
Remove right cowl panel using a trim stick or equivalent, and gently prying out on cowl panel.
Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry out on right instrument panel end cap.
Unsnap right A-pillar lower extension trim using a trim stick or equivalent.
Remove three right side instrument panel A-pillar retaining bolts and loosen the instrument panel roll down bolt.
Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry off right side upper A-pillar trim.
Open glove box, pinch in sides and roll down towards floor. With a firm pull, snap glove box door off hinges and remove.
Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry up on rear of instrument panel top cover and then pull rearward and out.
Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry off the filler bezel just above the cup holder to expose the lower screws to center bezel.
Remove two screws and then using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry off instrument panel center bezel.
Remove center bezel wiring connectors to HVAC control and switch assembly (hazard, rear wiper/washer, heated seats) and remove bezel.
Slide cup holder assembly from instrument panel.
Remove nineteen screws to right lower instrument panel trim (glove box surround), unplug glove box lamp wire connector, and remove panel.
Remove four screws and wiring connectors to radio and remove radio.
Remove one far left instrument panel speaker retaining screw.
Remove four screws along top front edge of instrument panel cover/pad.
Remove seven lower instrument panel cover/pad retaining screws starting from right of vehicle and only removing these seven, not all of them.
Remove six upper fence line instrument panel retaining bolts.
Roll back instrument panel just enough to increase access to the passenger airbag retaining bolts at the reinforcement. Lift the instrument panel up slightly so as not to damage the air distribution to HVAC unit seal.
Disconnect the passenger airbag electrical connector. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry electrical connector off of instrument panel reinforcement.
Remove the two passenger airbag to instrument panel cover/pad retaining screws.
Remove the three passenger airbag to instrument panel reinforcement retaining bolts.
Pull rearward slightly on the instrument panel cover/pad to maneuver passenger airbag out from reinforcement and instrument panel.
