hood open DODGE RAM 2001 Service User Guide

INSTALLATION
(1) Position air dam on bumper.
(2) Install screws attaching air dam to bottom of
front bumper.
(3) Install Pin-type fasteners attaching air dam to
bottom of front bumper.
FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Remove fasteners at fender side openings.
(3) Separate fascia from bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fascia on bumper.
(2) Install front fascia. See fascia adjustment pro-
cedure in this section.
(3) Install fasteners at fender side openings.
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Remove the plastic rivet that secures the front
upper fascia to the front lower fascia (Fig. 2).
(2) Position the upper front fascia so that there is
approximately a 19 mm (3/4 in.) gap between thelower portion of the front fender and the upper por-
tion of the front upper fascia (Fig. 3). The gap should
ideally be 19 mm (3/4 in.), but it is more important to
avoid a V-Gap between the lower portion of the front
fender and the upper portion of the front upper fas-
cia than maintaining the gap. There are ribs in the
front upper fascia and lower fascia that will hold the
front upper fascia in position (Fig. 4).
(3) Attach the front upper fascia to the front lower
fascia using a new plastic rivet.
Fig. 1 Front Bumper Air Dam
1 - BUMPER
2 - SCREW
3 - LOWER AIR DAM
4 - PIN TYPE FASTENER
5 - LOWER FASCIA
Fig. 2 Fascia Rivet
1 - RIVET MUST BE REPLACED AFTER EACH ADJUSTMENT
Fig. 3 Fascia Gap
1 - GAP Ð 19 mm PARALLELISM MOST IMPORTANT
13 - 2 FRAME & BUMPERSBR/BE
FRONT AIR DAM (Continued)

FRONT LOWER FASCIA
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Remove fasteners at side fender openings.
(3) Remove lower air dam.(Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT AIR DAM -
REMOVAL)
(4) Disengage clips attaching end of upper fascia to
bumper face bar (Fig. 5).
(5) Disengage clips attaching lower fascia to
bumper face bar.
(6) Separate lower fascia from bumper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position lower fascia on bumper.
(2) Engage clips attaching lower fascia to bumper
face bar.
(3) Install lower air dam.(Refer to 13 - FRAMES &
BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT AIR DAM - INSTAL-
LATION)
(4) Install fasteners at side fender openings.
FRONT FASCIAÐSPORT
REMOVAL
The fascia can be removed from the vehicle without
removing the bumper.
(1) Disconnect wire connectors from fog lamps.
(2) Remove screws attaching rearward edges of
fascia to outer bumper brackets (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove screws attaching bottom of air deflec-
tor.(4) Lift top of fascia upward to disengage from
retaining clips on front bumper.
(5) Pull fascia from front bumper and separate
from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fascia on front bumper.
(2) Engage fascia with retaining clips on front
bumper.
(3) Install screws attaching bottom of fascia to air
deflector.
(4) Align fascia and wheelhouse liners with outer
bumper brackets and install screws.
(5) Connect harness connectors to fog lamps.
FRONT BUMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Support front bumper on a suitable lifting
device.
(2) Remove bolts attaching front bumper outer
bracket to frame rail (Fig. 6).
(3) Remove nuts and stud plates attaching front
bumper to end of frame rail.
(4) Disengage wire connectors from fog lamps, if
equipped.
(5) Separate front bumper from vehicle.
Fig. 4 Fascia Adjustment Ribs
1 - FRONT UPPER FASCIA
2 - ADJUSTMENT RIBS
3 - FRONT LOWER FASCIA
Fig. 5 Front Bumper Lower Fascia
1 - LOWER FASCIA
2 - RETAINING CLIP
3 - BUMPER
BR/BEFRAME & BUMPERS 13 - 3
FRONT FASCIA (Continued)

COWL GRILLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Remove wiper arms (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER ARMS - REMOVAL
AND INSTALLATION).
(3) Disconnect windshield washer tubing from cou-
pling near left hood hinge.
(4) Remove plastic nuts attaching cowl cover to
cowl (Fig. 7).
(5) Pull cowl seal from flange on front of cowl.
(6) Separate cowl cover from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position cowl cover on vehicle. Ensure end
seals are positioned correctly and in good condition.
(2) Install cowl seal.
(3) Install plastic nuts attaching cowl cover to cow.
(4) Connect windshield washer tubing to coupling
near left hood hinge.
(5) Install wiper arms.
Fig. 6 Exterior Nameplates
Fig. 7 Cowl Cover
1 - COWL COVER
2 - PLASTIC NUT
3 - END SEAL
4 - PUSHÐIN STUD
5 - END SEAL
23 - 90 EXTERIORBR/BE
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES (Continued)

ROOF JOINT MOLDING
REMOVAL
(1) Warm the roof joint molding and roof panel to
approximately 38ÉC (100ÉF) using a suitable heat
lamp or heat gun.
(2) Pull molding from roof joint (Fig. 8).
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove adhesive tape residue from roof joint.
(2) If molding is to be reused, remove tape residue
from back of molding. Clean molding with MOPARž
Super Kleen solvent or equivalent. Wipe molding dry
with lint free cloth. Apply new body side molding
(two sided adhesive) tape to back of molding.
(3) Clean roof joint with MOPARž Super Kleen
solvent or equivalent. Wipe dry with lint free cloth.
(4) Remove protective cover from tape on back of
molding and apply molding to roof joint.
(5) Heat roof and molding, see step one. Firmly
press molding into roof joint to assure adhesion.
GRILLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Remove bolts attaching bottom of grille to
frame (Fig. 9).
(3) Remove bolts attaching sides of grille to frame.
(4) Remove nuts attaching grille to hood (Fig. 10).
(5) Separate grille from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position grille on vehicle.
(2) Install nuts attaching grille to hood.
(3) Install bolts attaching sides of grille to frame.
(4) Install bolts attaching bottom of grille to frame.
GRILLE FRAME
REMOVAL
(1) Remove bolts attaching guide loop for hood
safety catch release rod to grille frame.
(2) Remove grille.
Fig. 8 Roof Joint Molding
1 - ROOF
2 - JOINT MOLDING
3 - BÐPILLAR
4 - ADHESIVE TAPE
Fig. 9 Grille Ð Sport
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE
3 - GRILLE FRAME
Fig. 10 Grille Ð SLT
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE FRAME
3 - GRILLE
BR/BEEXTERIOR 23 - 91

(3) Remove screws attaching grille frame to hood
(Fig. 11)and (Fig. 12).
(4) Separate grille frame from hood.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position grille frame on hood.
(2) Install screws attaching grille frame to hood.
(3) Install grille.
(4) Install bolts attaching guide loop for hood
safety catch release rod to grille frame.
FRONT END SPLASH SHIELDS
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) Remove front wheel.
(3) Remove plastic rivets attaching wheelhouse
liner to fender at the edge of wheel opening.
(4) Remove plastic rivets attaching liner to the
wheelhouse (Fig. 13).
(5) Separate front wheelhouse liner from wheel-
house.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position front wheelhouse liner in wheelhouse.
(2) Install plastic rivets attaching liner to the
wheelhouse.
(3) Install plastic rivets attaching wheelhouse liner
to fender at the edge of wheel opening.
(4) Install front wheel.
(5) Remove safety stands and lower vehicle.
LEFT FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
REMOVAL).
Fig. 11 Grille Frame Ð SLT
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE FRAME
Fig. 12 Grille Frame Ð Sport
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE FRAME
Fig. 13 Front Wheelhouse Liner
1 - FENDER
2 - BUMPER ASSEMBLY
3 - PLASTIC RIVET
4 - WHEELHOUSE LINER
23 - 92 EXTERIORBR/BE
GRILLE FRAME (Continued)

HOOD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HINGE
REMOVAL..............................99
INSTALLATION...........................99
HOOD
REMOVAL.............................100
INSTALLATION..........................100
ADJUSTMENTS.........................100
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................100
INSTALLATION..........................100
ADJUSTMENTS.........................100
LATCH RELEASE CABLE
REMOVAL.............................101INSTALLATION..........................101
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................102
INSTALLATION..........................102
ADJUSTMENTS.........................102
SAFETY LATCH
REMOVAL.............................102
INSTALLATION..........................102
SILENCER PAD
REMOVAL.............................103
INSTALLATION..........................103
HINGE
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood and support the side that requires
hinge replacement.
(2) Mark all bolt and hinge attachment locations
with a grease pencil or equivalent to provide refer-
ence marks for installation.
(3) Remove nuts attaching hood to hinge (Fig. 1).
(4) Remove bolts attaching hood hinge to cowl.
(5) Separate hinge from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) If necessary, paint new hinge before installa-
tion.
(2) Position hinge on vehicle.
(3) Align all marks
(4) Install bolts attaching hood hinge to cowl.
(5) Install nuts attaching hood to hinge.
Fig. 1 Hood Hinge
1 - HOOD
2 - COWL
3 - HINGE
BR/BEHOOD 23 - 99

(1) From inside the vehicle, pull/route the hood
release cable through the dash panel hole and into
the engine compartment.
(2) Install the hood release handle.
(3) Install the cable grommet in the dash panel
hole.
(4) Attach the release cable to the retainer clips in
the engine compartment.
(5) Attach release cable to hood latch.
(6) Install hood latch (Refer to 23 - BODY/HOOD/
LATCH - INSTALLATION).
(7) Test the hood latch release cable for proper
operation.
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Remove bolts attaching hood latch striker to
hood (Fig. 5).
(3) Separate hood latch striker from hood.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position hood latch striker on hood.
(2) Install bolts attaching hood latch striker to
hood.
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Open the hood.
(2) Loosen the latch striker screws.
(3) Slowly close the hood and observe the latching
operation.As necessary, re-adjust the striker position.
Tighten the screws.
SAFETY LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Remove bolts attaching hood safety catch to
hood (Fig. 5) and (Fig. 6).
(3) Separate safety catch from hood.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position safety catch on hood.
(2) Engage catch rod to catch.
(3) Install bolts attaching hood safety catch to
hood.
Fig. 5 Hood Safety Catch and Latch Striker Ð SLT
1 - SAFETY CATCH
2 - HOOD
3 - GRILLE
4 - SAFETY CATCH RELEASE HANDLE
5 - GUIDE
6 - STRIKER
7 - HANDLE-TO-CATCH ROD
Fig. 6 Hood Safety Catch and Latch Striker Ð Sport
1 - SAFETY LATCH
2 - HOOD
3 - GRILLE FRAME
4 - RELEASE HANDLE
5 - STRIKER
6 - HANDLEÐTOÐLATCH ROD
23 - 102 HOODBR/BE
LATCH RELEASE CABLE (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................104
OPERATION............................105
REMOVAL.............................106
INSTALLATION..........................107
ASH RECEIVER
REMOVAL.............................108
INSTALLATION..........................109
CLUSTER BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................109
INSTALLATION..........................110
CUBBY BIN
REMOVAL.............................110
INSTALLATION..........................110
CUP HOLDER
REMOVAL.............................110
INSTALLATION..........................111
GLOVE BOX
REMOVAL.............................112DISASSEMBLY..........................112
ASSEMBLY.............................112
INSTALLATION..........................113
GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................113
INSTALLATION..........................113
GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................114
INSTALLATION..........................114
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
REMOVAL.............................114
INSTALLATION..........................115
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
REMOVAL.............................115
INSTALLATION..........................116
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL.............................116
INSTALLATION..........................116
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The instrument panel is located at the front of the
passenger compartment. This instrument panel is
molded from a blend of various plastics that are
mechanically attached to the vehicle. Colors are
molded into the plastic components to minimize
appearance degradation from scratches or abrasions.
The panel components are internally ribbed and riv-
eted to steel reinforcements for additional structural
integrity and dimensional stability. The instrument
panel surface components are designed to deform
upon impact without breaking. This type of construc-
tion provides improved energy absorption which, in
conjunction with the dual airbags and seat belts,
helps to improve occupant protection.
The top of the instrument panel is secured to the
top of the dash panel near the base of the windshield
using screws. An end bracket integral to each end of
the instrument panel structure is secured to each
cowl side inner panel with a screw. A stamped metal
bracket supports the center of the instrument panel
by securing it to the top of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel below the instrument panel with screws.
The instrument cluster, radio, heater-air conditioner
control, passenger airbag, glove box, electrical junc-
tion block, Central Timer Module (CTM), accessoryswitches, ash receiver, cigar lighter, accessory power
outlet, park brake release handle, inside hood release
handle, as well as numerous other components are
secured to and supported by this unit.
The instrument panel for this vehicle includes the
following major features:
²Cluster Bezel- This molded plastic bezel is
secured with snap clips to the instrument panel sup-
porting structure. It trims out the edges of the head-
lamp switch, instrument cluster, radio, heater-air
conditioner controls, passenger airbag on-off switch,
and the heated seat switches on vehicles so equipped.
On vehicles without the heated seat option, a small
storage cubby bin is provided in the cluster bezel.
This bezel also incorporates three completely adjust-
able panel outlets for the climate control system, and
fills the opening between the instrument cluster and
the top of the steering column where it passes
through the instrument panel.
²Cup Holder/Storage Bin- Vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission feature a latching
fold-down, adjustable cup holder located on the lower
instrument panel between the glove box and the ash
receiver. Vehicles equipped with a manual transmis-
sion have a lighted storage bin on the instrument
panel in place of the cup holder.
²Glove Box- The hinged bin-type glove box in
the passenger side of the instrument panel features a
recessed paddle-operated latch handle. Three molded
23 - 104 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE

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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the Airbag Control Module (ACM) and
bracket from the floor panel transmission tunnel.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/AIRBAG
CONTROL MODULE - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the trim from the left and right cowl
side inner panels. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/
COWL TRIM COVER - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the inside
hood latch release handle to the instrument panel
lower reinforcement and lower the release handle to
the floor.
(6) Disconnect the clockspring pigtail wire connec-
tor from the instrument panel wire harness connec-
tor located on the instrument panel lower
reinforcement.
(7) If the vehicle is so equipped, disconnect the
overdrive lockout switch pigtail wire connector from
the instrument panel wire harness connector near
the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(8) Remove the steering column from the vehicle,
but do not remove the driver airbag, the steering
wheel, or the switches from the column. Be certain
that the steering wheel is locked and secured from
rotation to prevent the loss of clockspring centering.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
(9) From under the driver side of the instrument
panel, perform the following:
(a) Disengage the park brake release handle
linkage rod from the park brake mechanism on theleft cowl side inner panel. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
PARKING BRAKE/RELEASE - REMOVAL).
(b) Disconnect the instrument panel wire har-
ness connector from the park brake switch on the
park brake mechanism.
(c) Disconnect the three connectors (one from the
body wire harness, and two from the headlamp and
dash wire harness) from the three connector recep-
tacles located closest to the dash panel on the back
of the Junction Block (JB).
(d) Remove the screw from the center of the
headlamp and dash wire harness to instrument
panel wire harness bulkhead connector and discon-
nect the connector.
(e) Disconnect the instrument panel wire har-
ness to door wire harness connector located directly
below the instrument panel wire harness to head-
lamp and dash wire harness bulkhead connector.
(f) If the vehicle is equipped with the Infinity
sound system option, disconnect the Infinity wire
harness connector from the instrument panel wire
harness connector that is secured to the outboard
side of the instrument panel wire harness to head-
lamp and dash wire harness bulkhead connector.
(g) Disconnect the instrument panel wire har-
ness connector from the stop lamp switch.
(h) Disconnect the heater-A/C housing vacuum
harness connector from the heater-A/C control vac-
uum harness connector located near the left end of
the heater-A/C housing.
(10) From under the passenger side of the instru-
ment panel, disconnect the two halves of the radio
antenna coaxial cable connector.
(11) Loosen the right and left instrument panel
cowl side roll-down bracket screws about 13 mm
(0.50 inch) (Fig. 1).
(12) Remove the five screws that secure the top of
the instrument panel to the top of the dash panel,
removing the center screw last.
(13) Roll down the instrument panel and install a
temporary hook in the center hole on top of the
instrument panel. Secure the other end of the hook
to the center hole in the top of the dash panel. The
hook should support the instrument panel in its
rolled down position about 46 cm (18 inches) from
the dash panel.
(14) With the instrument panel supported in the
roll-down position, disconnect the instrument panel
wire harness connectors from the heater-A/C housing
wire harness connectors.
(15) With the aid of an assistant, remove the tem-
porary hook and lift the instrument panel assembly
off of the roll-down bracket screws and remove it
from the vehicle.
23 - 106 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)

cowl side inner panel. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/PARK-
ING BRAKE/RELEASE - INSTALLATION).
(b) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the park brake switch on the park
brake mechanism.
(c) Reconnect the three connectors (one from the
body wire harness, and two from the headlamp and
dash wire harness) to the three connector recepta-
cles located closest to the dash panel on the back of
the Junction Block (JB).
(d) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness to instrument panel wire harness bulkhead
connector and tighten the screw in the center of
the connector. Tighten the screw to 3.5 N´m (31 in.
lbs.).
(e) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
to door wire harness connector located directly
below the instrument panel wire harness to head-
lamp and dash wire harness bulkhead connector.
(f) If the vehicle is equipped with the Infinity
sound system option, reconnect the Infinity wire
harness connector to the instrument panel wire
harness connector that is secured to the outboard
side of the instrument panel wire harness to head-
lamp and dash wire harness bulkhead connector.
(g) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the stop lamp switch.
(h) Reconnect the heater-A/C housing vacuum
harness connector to the heater-A/C control vac-
uum harness connector located near the left end of
the heater-A/C housing.
(8) Reinstall the steering column into the vehicle.
Be certain that the steering wheel was locked and
secured from rotation to prevent the loss of clock-
spring centering. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COL-
UMN - INSTALLATION).
(9) If the vehicle is so equipped, reconnect the
overdrive lockout switch pigtail wire connector to the
instrument panel wire harness connector near the
instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(10) Reconnect the clockspring pigtail wire connec-
tor to the instrument panel wire harness connector
at the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(11) Position the inside hood latch release handle
to the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(12) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the inside hood latch release handle to the instru-
ment panel lower reinforcement. Tighten the screws
to 2.8 N´m (25 in. lbs.).
(13) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(14) Reinstall the trim onto the left and right cowl
side inner panels. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/
COWL TRIM COVER - INSTALLATION).(15) Reinstall the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
and bracket onto the floor panel transmission tunnel.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/AIRBAG
CONTROL MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(16) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
ASH RECEIVER
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Open the instrument panel ash receiver.
(3) From the open position, close the ash receiver
slightly and pull it straight back far enough to disen-
gage it from the pivot pins in the lower instrument
panel.
(4) Remove the three screws that secure the ash
receiver flame shield to the lower instrument panel
(Fig. 2).
(5) Pull the ash receiver flame shield out from the
instrument panel far enough to disengage the two
retaining tabs on the top of the shield from the
mounting holes in the instrument panel.
(6) Lower the flame shield from the instrument
panel far enough to access the ash receiver lamp and
hood.
(7) Squeeze the ash receiver lamp and hood
bracket to disengage the unit from the mounting hole
in the flame shield.
(8) Remove the ash receiver flame shield from the
instrument panel.
23 - 108 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)