DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

SIDE VIEW MIRROR - LOW
MOUNTED
REMOVAL
(1) Remove bolts attaching lower support legs to
outer door panel.
(2) Remove bolts attaching upper support arms to
outer door panel (Fig. 26).
(3) Separate mirror from door.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position mirror on door.
(2) Place insulation washers between support
frame and door panel
(3) Install bolts attaching upper support arms to
outer door panel.
(4) Install bolts attaching lower support legs to
outer door panel.
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS
REMOVAL
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND HAND PRO-
TECTION WHEN SERVICING THE MIRROR ASSEM-
BLY. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS
MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY FROM BRO-
KEN GLASS.
(1) Carefully pull/pry the broken glass holder from
the mirror assembly.
(2) Disconnect the heated mirror electrical connec-
tors from the terminals on the mirror glass holder, if
equipped.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the new mirror glass holder to the
mirror assembly.
(2) Align the mirror glass holder's attaching fin-
gers to the mirror motor housing.
NOTE: ENSURE THAT THE MOISTURE DRAIN HOLE
ON THE MIRROR GLASS HOLDER ASSEMBLY IS
FACING DOWNWARD.
(3) Using one hand, firmly press the mirror glass
holder assembly into place while at the same time
supporting the housing assembly from the backside
with the other hand.
NOTE: PRESSURE MUST BE APPLIED EQUALLY
OVER THE CENTER PORTION OF THE MIRROR TO
ENGAGE THE MIRROR GLASS HOLDER'S ATTACH-
ING FINGERS TO THE CORRESPONDING FINGERS
ON THE HOUSING ASSEMBLY. ONE OR MORE
CLICKS MAY BE HEARD WHEN FINGER ENGAGE-
MENT TAKES PLACE.
(4) Verify retention of the mirror glass holder
assembly by gently pulling outward on the mirror
glass holder.
Fig. 25 Sideview Mirror
1 - MIRROR
2 - NUT
3 - DOOR
Fig. 26 Low Mounted Side View Mirror
1 - FLAG COVER
2 - MIRROR
3 - WASHER
4 - NUTSERT
5 - WASHER
6 - NUTSERT
23 - 98 EXTERIORBR/BE
SIDE VIEW MIRROR (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

HOOD
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the under hood lamp wire connec-
tor.
(2) Disconnect the air temperature sensor wire
connector, if equipped.
(3) Mark all bolt and hinge attachment locations
with a grease pencil or equivalent to provide refer-
ence marks for installation.
(4) Remove top nuts attaching hood to hinge and
loosen bottom nuts until they can be removed by
hand (Fig. 2).
(5) With assistance of a helper at the opposite side
of the vehicle to support the hood, remove the bottom
nuts. Separate the hood from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) With assistance of a helper, position hood on
vehicle loosely install bottom nuts.Align all marks, install top nuts and tighten bot-
tom nuts. The hood should be aligned to 5 mm (0.2
in.) gap to the front fenders and flush across the top
surfaces along fenders.
(2) Connect the air temperature sensor wire con-
nector, if equipped.
(3) Connect the under hood lamp wire connector.
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Loosen the hinge arm-to-hood panel bolts at
each side of the vehicle.
(2) Loosen the hood latch screws.
(3) Close the hood. Adjust the fore/aft position.
(4) Raise the hood. Tighten the hinge arm-to-hood
panel bolts.
(5) Tighten the latch screws.
(6) Lower the hood. Inspect clearance between the
hood and the cowl cover.
LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove bolts attaching hood latch to radiator
closure panel crossmember (Fig. 3).
(2) Separate hood latch from crossmember.
(3) Disconnect release cable from hood latch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect release cable to hood latch.
(2) Position hood latch on crossmember.
(3) Install bolts attaching hood latch to radiator
closure panel crossmember.
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Loosen the hood latch screws.
(2) Move the latch to the correct location and
lightly tighten the screws.
(3) Close the hood slowly and observe the latching
operation.
(4) As necessary, re-adjust the latch position and
tighten the screws.
Fig. 2 Hood
1 - HOOD
2 - HOOD HINGE
3 - FENDER
23 - 100 HOODBR/BE

LATCH RELEASE CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove hood latch (Refer to 23 - BODY/HOOD/
LATCH - REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect release cable from hood latch.
(3) Detach the release cable from the retainer clips
in the engine compartment.
(4) Separate the release cable grommet from the
dash panel hole.
(5) From the inside of the vehicle, remove the
screws attaching the hood release handle to the bot-
tom of the instrument panel (Fig. 4).
(6) Pull/route the hood release cable through the
dash panel hole and remove it via the inside of the
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If replacement hood latch is also being
installed, ensure that it is thoroughly lubricated.
Fig. 3 Hood Latch
1 - LATCH ASSEMBLY
2 - CABLE
3 - SCREW
4 - LATCH ASSEMBLY5 - HOOD SECONDARY SKID PLATE
6 - PUSHÐIN FASTENER
7 - CABLE
Fig. 4 Hood Release Handle
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
3 - HOOD RELEASE CABLE
BR/BEHOOD 23 - 101
LATCH (Continued)

(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)

SILENCER PAD
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect underhood lamp wire connector.
(2) Disconnect air temperature sensor connector, if
equipped.
(3) Remove push-in fasteners holding silencer to
hood (Fig. 7).
(4) Separate hood silencer from hood.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position hood silencer on hood.
(2) Install push-in fasteners holding silencer to
hood.
(3) Connect air temperature sensor connector, if
equipped.
(4) Connect underhood lamp wire connector.
Fig. 7 Hood Silencer
1 - HOOD
2 - CLIP
3 - CLIP
4 - INSULATOR PAD
BR/BEHOOD 23 - 103

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

hook formations on the lower edge of the glove box
door are engaged with and pivot on three hinge pins
integral to the lower edge of the instrument panel
support structure. The glove box door also serves as
the passenger side knee blocker. A honeycomb struc-
ture between the inner and outer glove box door pan-
els helps to absorb the impact load and distribute it
to the instrument panel structure.
²Steering Column Opening Cover- The steer-
ing column opening cover serves as the driver side
knee blocker. This molded plastic cover has an inte-
gral ribbed plastic liner concealed behind it, for
increased strength and integrity. The steering column
opening cover transfers impact loads to the instru-
ment panel structural support.
²Top Cover- The instrument panel top cover or
base trim is the molded, grained, and color impreg-
nated plastic outer skin of the instrument panel
structural support.
Hard wired circuitry connects the electrical compo-
nents on the instrument panel to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the instrument panel components through the
use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block
connectors and many different types of wire harness
terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes complete circuit diagrams, proper wire
and connector repair procedures, further details on
wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-
out and location views for the various wire harness
connectors, splices, and grounds.
OPERATION
The instrument panel serves as the command cen-
ter of the vehicle, which necessarily makes it a very
complex unit. The instrument panel is designed to
house the controls and monitors for standard and
optional powertrains, climate control systems, audio
systems, safety systems, and many other comfort or
convenience items. When the components of the
instrument panel structural support are properly
assembled and secured in the vehicle they provide
superior instrument panel stiffness and integrity to
help reduce buzzes, squeaks, and rattles. This type of
construction also provides improved energy absorp-
tion which, in conjunction with the dual airbags and
seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection.
The instrument panel is also designed so that all of
the various controls can be safely reached and the
monitors can be easily viewed by the vehicle operator
when driving, while still allowing relative ease ofaccess to each of these items for service. Modular
instrument panel construction allows all of the
gauges and controls to be serviced from the front of
the panel. In addition, most of the instrument panel
electrical components can be accessed without com-
plete instrument panel removal. However, if neces-
sary, the instrument panel can be removed from the
vehicle as an assembly.
The steering column opening cover with its inte-
gral knee blocker located on the driver side of the
instrument panel works in conjunction with the air-
bag system in a frontal vehicle impact to keep the
driver properly positioned for an airbag deployment.
In addition, removal of this component provides
access to the steering column mounts, the steering
column wiring, the Junction Block (JB) (removal of a
snap-fit fuse access panel on the left end of the
instrument panel allows access to the fuses and cir-
cuit breakers), the Central Timer Module (CTM), the
Infinity speaker filter choke and relay unit, much of
the instrument panel wiring, and the gear selector
indicator cable (automatic transmission).
In a frontal collision, the glove box door on the pas-
senger side of the instrument panel provides the
same function for the front seat passenger as the
knee blocker does for the driver. The glove box door
also incorporates a recessed latch handle. Removal of
the glove box provides access to the passenger airbag,
the glove box lamp and switch, the radio antenna
coaxial cable, the heating and air conditioning vac-
uum harness connector, and additional instrument
panel wiring.
Removal of the instrument panel cluster bezel
allows access to the headlamp switch, instrument
cluster, radio, passenger airbag on-off switch, heated
seat switches (if equipped), and the heating and air
conditioning control. Removal of the instrument clus-
ter allows access to the cluster illumination and indi-
cator bulbs, and more of the instrument panel
wiring. Complete instrument panel removal is
required for service of most components internal to
the heating and air conditioning system housing,
including the heater core and the evaporator.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the components and systems mounted on or
in the instrument panel.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 105
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)

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)

INSTALLATION
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) With the aid of an assistant, load the instru-
ment panel assembly onto the roll-down bracket
screws on the cowl side inner panels in the vehicle
(Fig. 1). 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 dashpanel. The hook should support the instrument panel
in its rolled down position about 46 cm (18 inches)
from the dash panel.
(2) With the instrument panel supported in the
roll-down position, reconnect the instrument panel
wire harness connectors to the heater-A/C housing
wire harness connectors.
(3) Remove the temporary hook from the instru-
ment panel and roll the instrument panel up to its
installed position against the dash panel.
(4) Install and tighten the five screws that secure
the top of the instrument panel to the top of the dash
panel. Tighten the screws to 3.2 N´m (28 in. lbs.).
(5) Tighten the right and left instrument panel
cowl side roll-down bracket screws. Tighten the
screws to 11.9 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(6) From under the passenger side of the instru-
ment panel, reconnect the two halves of the radio
antenna coaxial cable connector.
(7) From under the driver side of the instrument
panel, perform the following:
(a) Engage the park brake release handle link-
age rod with the park brake mechanism on the left
Fig. 1 Instrument Panel Assembly Remove/Install
1 - PLASTIC NUT
2 - SCREWS3 - SCREWS
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 107
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)