Fig. 11.1. Instrument panel: a – area for installing the front passenger airbag; 1 – instrument cluster; 2 – storage box; 3 – central instrument panel trim; 4 – switch block; 5 – plug for radio socket; 6 – headlight corrector handle
The instrument panel (Fig. 11.1) has a collapsible design, consisting of the decorative panel itself and the frame.
The decorative panel is a molded plastic part attached with screws to the frame. The control devices, vehicle controls and the heating (air conditioning) and ventilation system, covers covering the units located under the instrument panel or used to install the devices, controls, heating and air conditioning system nozzles, and the glove box are attached to the decorative panel with the help of removable elements.
The frame, in turn, consists of steel reinforcement filled with polymer foam and covered with polymer film. The frame, attached with bolts, screws and nuts to the front pillars and the base of the body, is part of the power structure of the body. The air ducts of the heating (air conditioning) and ventilation systems are attached to the frame of the instrument panel.
WARNING: A front passenger airbag may be installed in area a (see Fig. 11.1) of the instrument panel. Unqualified removal of the instrument panel or repair of individual components may cause unexpected deployment of the airbag, which in turn may result in injury.