f5moab
Mr. Beretta
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One of the most asked questions is how to remove the center trim panel. It actually is very easy and there are two different ways to remove.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. With an automatic, move the trans shift lever to D1, with a manual, move it to 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] or 4[SUP]th[/SUP].
3. There are two different ways to remove the panel from the instrument panel.
a. The GM recommended way is to use a plastic body panel tool to pry away at the top of the panel. Most people do not have this tool, so a strong plastic fork or knife will do. Plastic is needed to prevent any damage to the trim panel or the instrument panel.
b. The other way to remove it is to place two fingers into the accessory plugs at the bottom and pull back. (Never tried it this way, but know most do it this way. But I have a dozen or so of the plastic body tools.)
4. Pull back slowly, you have a lot of connectors to remove.
5. Once the panel is free of the instrument panel start removing connectors. (NOTE: It is a good idea to keep track of the connector and where they go. So you might want to mark some of them for re-installation)
6. Disconnect the following connectors:
a. Hazard flasher switch
b. Transfer case switch array (has a lock on it to hold the connector to the array; be careful)
c. Rear window wiper/washer switch
d. Accessory (Cigar) lighter accessory plugs (one connector for each plug)
e. Heater/AC control module (three connectors: 5-pin black, 12-pin grey, 12-pin black)
f. Any off-road lights that were installed by the dealer, or you installed.
7. Now, remove the panel with most of the components still attached to the back of the panel.
8. Now you can remove any defective part such as the HVAC control head, or rear wiper switch, etc. If replacing the panel, you need to swap out all parts, including the AC vents at the top.
With the panel removed, you now have access to the radio and Onstar box (located below the radio).
To install, reverse the removal procedures. Make sure to relock the connector to the rear of the t/case switch array.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. With an automatic, move the trans shift lever to D1, with a manual, move it to 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] or 4[SUP]th[/SUP].
3. There are two different ways to remove the panel from the instrument panel.
a. The GM recommended way is to use a plastic body panel tool to pry away at the top of the panel. Most people do not have this tool, so a strong plastic fork or knife will do. Plastic is needed to prevent any damage to the trim panel or the instrument panel.
b. The other way to remove it is to place two fingers into the accessory plugs at the bottom and pull back. (Never tried it this way, but know most do it this way. But I have a dozen or so of the plastic body tools.)
4. Pull back slowly, you have a lot of connectors to remove.
5. Once the panel is free of the instrument panel start removing connectors. (NOTE: It is a good idea to keep track of the connector and where they go. So you might want to mark some of them for re-installation)
6. Disconnect the following connectors:
a. Hazard flasher switch
b. Transfer case switch array (has a lock on it to hold the connector to the array; be careful)
c. Rear window wiper/washer switch
d. Accessory (Cigar) lighter accessory plugs (one connector for each plug)
e. Heater/AC control module (three connectors: 5-pin black, 12-pin grey, 12-pin black)
f. Any off-road lights that were installed by the dealer, or you installed.
7. Now, remove the panel with most of the components still attached to the back of the panel.
8. Now you can remove any defective part such as the HVAC control head, or rear wiper switch, etc. If replacing the panel, you need to swap out all parts, including the AC vents at the top.
With the panel removed, you now have access to the radio and Onstar box (located below the radio).
To install, reverse the removal procedures. Make sure to relock the connector to the rear of the t/case switch array.
