panel/under steering column

[sp33doe]

its been a while since i posted

my question is how do u drop down the panel under the steering column ?

do just pry it on top and pull down? or any screws hidden to be remove first.

thanx
sp33doe

 

[2003KJ]

This comes direct from the FSM, hope it helps.

KNEE BLOCKER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Reach into the steering column opening at the
top of the knee blocker and pull the top rearward to
disengage upper knee blocker clips.
(2) Gently swing the knee blocker open.
(3) Slide the knee blocker toward the driver side
door and disengage the hinges from the molded in
hinge pins in the instrument panel.

This comes from the 2003 manual, I can't imagine it being that different on any other year.

Looks like it's just some clips holding it in.

 

[SRotblat]

PULL HARD \/ -- thats about it. it just hindges from the bottom.

 

[sp33doe]

thanx for the quick reply

i know i can depend on this site for help..
thanx again

 

[mdmaroon]

Just how hard do you have to pull on this thing? I pulled and pulled until the thing was bending like crazy and nothing... Didn't unclip at all.

Let me guess, they want you to break it and buy another one, right?

 

[gtommec]

early 2002 models pull straight off (no hinges at bottom) but for the late 02+ models just grab at the top and give it a sharp tug.

 

[mdmaroon]

early 2002 models pull straight off (no hinges at bottom) but for the late 02+ models just grab at the top and give it a sharp tug.

I guess mine is an early 2002 model then.

I did eventually get the panel off. I grabbed it as described and just pulled as hard as I could thinking I would definitely break it, but it did come off. It definitely won't fall off by accident...

 

[04Liberty]

You gotta give it a good tug. Good place to mount/hide shit though. It's where I put the terk adapter for the stereo.