Drivers side DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Owner's Manual

(23) Remove the two right side mounting bolts on
the a-pillar and one right mounting bolt on the cowl
side panel. (Fig. 14)
(24) Remove the four top instrument panel screws.
(Fig. 15)
(25) Remove the two top instrument panel bolts
and remove the instrument panel.INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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) Position the instrument panel assembly in
vehicle.
(2) Route the park brake release rod through the
instrument panel. (Fig. 16)
(3) Install the instrument panel onto the left side
guide pin and the right side guide hook.
(4) Install the left side mounting bolts and tighten
to 12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the instrument panel drivers side bezel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL DRIVERS SIDE BEZEL -
INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the left cowl trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - INSTALLATION)
(7) Connect the headliner harness electrical con-
nector at the a-pillar.
Fig. 14 PASSENGER SIDE MOUNTING
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - RIGHT SIDE MOUNTING HOOK
3 - A-PILLAR
4 - END CAP
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
Fig. 15 UPPER COWL PANEL BOLTS
1 - COWL PANEL
2 - FORWARD MOST SCREWS (4)
3 - BOLT INSERTS (4)
4 - REARWARD BOLTS (2)
5 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
Fig. 16 BRAKE RELEASE ROD
1 - PARK BRAKE RELEASE HANDLE
2 - PARK BRAKE RELEASE ROD
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 55
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(8) Install the left a-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM - INSTALLA-
TION)
(9) Position the left end cap and seat the attach-
ment clips fully.
(10) Install the right side mounting bolts on the
a-pillar and one right mounting bolt on the cowl side
panel and tighten to 12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(11) Install the right a-pillar trim panel. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM - INSTAL-
LATION)
(12) Position the right end cap and seat the
attachment clips fully.
(13) Install the one HVAC mounting screw.
(14) Connect the radio antenna.
(15) Connect the two electrical connectors at the
right cowl panel.
(16) Install the right cowl trim cover. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - INSTALLATION)
(17) Connect the air bag control module electrical
connector.
(18) Install the center bracket bolts and tighten to
12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(19) Install the floor console, if equipped. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTAL-
LATION)
(20) Install the air bag control module cover, if
equipped.
(21) Connect the park brake release handle actua-
tor rod.
(22) Install the hood release handle and tighten
the screws.
(23) Install the two bolts at the column support
bracket and tighten to 14 N´m (10 ft. lbs.).
(24) Install the steering column. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN - INSTALLATION)
(25) Connect the wire harness electrical connectors
above the brake pedal.
(26) Install the two top instrument panel bolts and
tighten to 12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(27) Install the four top instrument panel screws.
(28) Install the instrument panel top cover. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL TOP COVER - INSTALLATION)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
HEADLAMP SWITCH BEZEL
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-VICE. 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) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
release the top clips on the steering column opening
cover and the lower drivers side bezel.
(2) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
release the switch bezel. (Fig. 17)
(3) Disconnect the electrical connector and remove
the bezel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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) Connect the electrical connector.
Fig. 17 HEADLIGHT SWITCH BEZEL
1 - SWITCH BEZEL
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - HEADLIGHT SWITCH
23 - 56 INSTRUMENT PANELDR
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(2) Position the switch bezel and seat the attach-
ment clips fully.
(3) Seat the clips on the steering column opening
cover and the lower drivers side bezel fully.
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER
BEZEL
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
CAUTION: When removing and installing the center
bezel, use tape or other suitable material to protect
the cupholder and ash receiver from damage.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the steering column opening cover.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL)
(3) Open the ashtray and cup holder.
(4) Remove the one center bezel retaining screw
(Fig. 18).
CAUTION: Extreme care must be taken not to
scratch the ashtray door while removing the instru-
ment panel center bezel. Apply masking tape to the
ashtray door if the center bezel is not being com-
pletely removed from the instrument panel.
(5) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, gently
pry the center bezel free from the instrument panel.
(6) Working behind the center bezel, disconnect all
electrical connectors and remove the bezel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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.
CAUTION: When removing and installing the center
bezel, use tape or other suitable material to protect
the cupholder and ash receiver from damage.
(1) Working behind the center bezel, connect all
electrical connectors.
(2) Gently install the center bezel on the instru-
ment panel by pushing straight in and seat the
attachment clips fully.
(3) Install the one center bezel screw.
(4) Install the steering column opening cover.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN OPENING COVER - INSTALLA-
TION)
(5) Connect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 18 CENTER BEZEL
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - CENTER BEZEL
3 - SCREW
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 57
INSTRUMENT PANEL HEADLAMP SWITCH BEZEL (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL DRIVER
SIDE BEZEL
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, at
notch in the bottom, remove the drivers side endcap.
(2) Remove the drivers side cowl trim panel. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the two screws. (Fig. 19)
(4) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent,
release the top clips and tilt the bezel down.
(5) Disconnect the adjustable pedal switch electri-
cal connector, if equipped.
(6) Lower the bezel down fully and remove from
the lower hooks.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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) Position the bezel onto the lower hooks and lift
up.
(2) Connect the adjustable pedal switch electrical
connector, if equipped.
(3) Seat the upper attachment clips fully.
(4) Install the two screws.
(5) Position the endcap and seat fully.
(6) Install the drivers side cowl trim panel. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - INSTALLA-
TION)
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP
COVER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. 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) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, pry up
on the rear of the top cover and release the attach-
ment clips.
(2) Pull the top cover backwards to release the
remaining clips and remove the cover.
Fig. 19 LOWER DRIVERS SIDE BEZEL
1 - SCREWS (2)
2 - ADJUSTABLE PEDAL SWITCH (if equipped)
3 - PEDAL SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - BEZEL
23 - 58 INSTRUMENT PANELDR

(6) Roll the seat assembly forward and remove the
center seat portion.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not reuse the seat fasteners, always
replace with new ones.(1) Install the center seat and roll the seat assem-
bly back in the vehicle.
(2) Install new nuts attaching the center seat to
the drivers and passenger seat.
(3) Tighten the nuts to 25 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(4) Roll the seat assembly forward and install new
rear bolts.
(5) Connect the 12v power supply electrical con-
nector, if equipped.
(6) Tighten the rear bolts to 40 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(7) Fold the seat backs up and slide the seats to
the rear.
(8) Install new front bolts and tighten to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.).
CENTER ARMREST / SEAT
BACK
REMOVAL
NOTE: Do not reuse the seat fasteners, always
replace with new ones.
(1) Remove the center seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT - CENTER - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the storage bin/cushion cover
j-straps and position aside.
(3) Remove and discard the hinge bolts and sepa-
rate the seat back from the storage bin/cushion. (Fig.
4)
Fig. 1 FRONT SEAT ASSEMBLY
1 - FRONT SEAT ASSEMBLY
2 - REAR BOLTS (4)
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - FRONT BOLTS (4)
Fig. 2 CENTER SEAT ATTACHMENTS
1 - CENTER SEAT ASSEMBLY
2 - FRONT NUTS (2)
3 - POWER SUPPLY ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - REAR NUTS (4)
5 - 12V POWER SUPPLY HARNESS
Fig. 3 REAR ATTACHMENTS
1 - 12V POWER SUPPLY HARNESS
2 - CENTER SEAT STORAGE BIN
3 - FRONT SEAT TRACKS
4 - REAR NUTS (4)
23 - 76 SEATSDR
CENTER SEAT (Continued)

The illumination lamps are available for service
replacement.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screws that secure the A/C-heater
control to the instrument panel (Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the A/C-heater control onto the instru-
ment panel center bezel and install the retaining
screws. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the instrument panel center bezel (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION
The A/C pressure transducer is a switch that is
installed on a fitting located on the refrigerant dis-
charge line between the compressor and the con-
denser in the front corner of the engine
compartment. An internally threaded hex fitting on
the transducer connects it to the externally threaded
Schrader-type fitting on the discharge line. A rubber
O-ring seals the connection between the transducer
and the discharge line fitting. Three terminals within
a molded plastic connector receptacle on the top of
the transducer connect it to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through a wire lead and connector of the head-
lamp and dash wire harness.
Fig. 12 Single Zone HVAC Control
1 - MOUNTING TAB (4)
2 - A/C BUTTON
3 - SIDEVIEW MIRROR DEFROSTER BUTTON (IF EQUIPED)
4 - MODE CONTROL SWITCH
5 - TEMPERATURE CONTROL SWITCH
6 - BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
Fig. 13 Dual Zone A/C Control
1 - A/C BUTTON
2 - MAX. A/C BUTTON
3 - SIDEVIEW MIRROR DEFROSTER BUTTON (IF EQUIPED)
4 - MOUNTING TABS (4)
5 - DRIVERSIDE TEMPERATURE CONTROL
6 - PASSENGERSIDE TEMPERATURE CONTROL
7 - MODE CONTROL SWITCH
8 - BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
Fig. 14 A/C-Heater Control - Typical, Rear View
1 - MOUNTING TAB (4)
2 - SCREW (4)
3 - A/C-HEATER CONTROL ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - HEATED SIDEVIEW MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
5 - A/C-HEATER CONTROL
DRCONTROLS 24 - 15
A/C HEATER CONTROL (Continued)

NOTE: The instrument panel air outlets are retained
into the outlet housings by a light snap fit.
(1) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the panel air outlet(s) out
of the panel outlet housing(s) as required (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the air outlet(s) onto the outlet hous-
ing(s).
(2) Gently push the air outlet into the housing
until it snaps into position.
BLEND DOOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.NOTE: Vehicles equiped with single zone HVAC
systems have one blend door, dual zone systems
have two blend doors.
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(2) Disassemble the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY).
(3) Remove the levers from the driver and/or pas-
senger side blend door (if equipped) (Fig. 2).
(4) Gently slide the drivers and/or passenger side
blend door toward the out side of the housing. Tilt
and lift the door(s) out of the housing.
(5) Inspect the blend door(s), seals and the HVAC
housing for damage or binding and repair or replace
components as required.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the blend door pivot shafts into the
pivot hole and actuator in the bottom of the lower
half of the HVAC housing.
(2) Install the blend door(s) by carefully tipping
the doors into the HVAC housing, then sliding each
door into it's operating position.
(3) Install the levers to the driver and/or passen-
ger side blend door (if equipped).
(4) Assemble the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
Fig. 1 Instrument Panel Air Outlets
1 - HEADLIGHT SWITCH
2 - AIR OUTLETS
3 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
4 - CLIMATE CONTROL
5 - RADIO
6 - AIRBAG
7 - GLOVE BOX
8 - HEATED SEAT SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
9 - TRANSFER CASE SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
10 - CIGAR LIGHTER
11 - CUP HOLDERS
12 - ASH TRAY (IF EQUIPPED)
13 - POWER OUTLET
Fig. 2 Blend Door - Dual Zone Shown, Single Zone
Typical
1 - PASSENGER SIDE BLEND DOOR LEVER
2 - PASSENGER SIDE BLEND DOOR
3 - EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR WIRE
4 - HVAC HOUSING
5 - A/C EVAPORATOR
6 - EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR PROBE
7 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR
8 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR LEVER
DRDISTRIBUTION 24 - 27
AIR OUTLETS (Continued)