hood release DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

ary. The rotor of the clockspring, including the turn
signal cancel cam lobes rotate with the steering
wheel.
The turn signal cancel cam is serviced as a unit
with the clockspring and cannot be repaired. If faulty
or damaged, the entire clockspring unit must be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The turn signal cancel cam has two lobes molded
into the lower surface of the clockspring rotor. When
the turn signals are activated by moving the multi-
function switch control stalk to a detent position, a
turn signal cancel actuator is extended from the
inside surface of the multi-function switch housing
toward the center of the steering column and theturn signal cancel cam. When the steering wheel is
rotated during a turning maneuver, one of the two
turn signal cancel cam lobes will contact the turn sig-
nal cancel actuator. The cancel actuator latches
against the cancel cam rotation in the direction oppo-
site that which is signaled. In other words, if the left
turn signal detent is selected, the lobes of the cancel
cam will ratchet past the cancel actuator when the
steering wheel is rotated to the left, but will unlatch
the cancel actuator as the steering wheel rotates to
the right and returns to center, which will cancel the
turn signal event and release the control stalk from
the detent so it returns to the neutral Off position.
UNDERHOOD LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Insert a small flat blade in the access slot
between the lamp base and lamp lens.
(3) Pry the lamp lens upward and remove the
lamp lens (Fig. 31).
(4) Depress the bulb terminal inward (Fig. 32) to
release the bulb.
Fig. 30 Tail, Brake, Turn Signal and Back-up Lamp
Bulb
1 - TAIL LAMP
2 - SCREW
3 - LIGHTING HARNESS
4 - BULB
5 - RETAINING CLIP
6 - RETAINING STUDS
Fig. 31 Underhood Lamp Lens
1 - LAMP
2 - LAMP LENS
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 31
TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM (Continued)

OPERATION
The wiper arms are designed to mechanically
transmit the motion from the wiper pivots to the
wiper blades. The wiper arm must be properly
indexed to the wiper pivot in order to maintain the
proper wiper blade travel on the glass. The socket
formation with internal serrations in the wiper arm
pivot end interlocks with the serrations on the outer
circumference of the wiper pivot driver, allowing pos-
itive engagement and finite adjustment of this con-
nection. The latch plate on the underside of the
wiper arm pivot end locks the wiper arm to the wiper
pivot when in its installed position and, when in its
unlocked position, also serves as a blocker to hold the
spring-loaded wiper arm off of the glass to facilitate
removal and installation. The spring-loaded wiper
arm hinge controls the down-force applied through
the tip of the wiper arm to the wiper blade on the
glass. The hook formation on the tip of the wiper arm
provides a cradle for securing and latching the wiper
blade pivot block to the wiper arm.
REMOVAL
(1) Unlatch and open the hood.
(2) Lift the wiper arm far enough to raise the
wiper blade off of the glass and permit the wiper arm
latch plate to be pulled out to its holding position,
then release the arm (Fig. 5). The wiper arm and
blade will remain off the glass with the latch in this
position.
CAUTION: The use of a screwdriver or other prying
tool to remove a wiper arm may distort it. This dis-
tortion could allow the arm to come off of the wiper
pivot during wiper operation, regardless of how
carefully it is reinstalled.
(3) Using a slight rocking motion, remove the
wiper arm pivot end from the wiper pivot.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Be certain that the wiper motor is in the park
position before attempting to install the wiper arms.Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
move the wiper control knob on the end of the
multi-function switch control stalk to its Off posi-
tion. If the wiper pivots move, wait until they stop
moving, then turn the ignition switch back to the
Off position. The wiper motor is now in its park
position.
(1) The wiper arms must be indexed to the wiper
pivots with the wiper motor in the park position to
be properly installed (Fig. 6). Position the wiper arm
pivot ends onto the wiper pivots so that the lower
edge of the wiper arm tip is on the upper edge of the
lower windshield blackout area   22 millimeters ( 
0.86 inches).
(2) Once the wiper arm is indexed to the wiper
pivot, lift the wiper arm away from the windshield
slightly to relieve the spring tension on the latch
plate, then push the latch plate into the locked posi-
tion. Gently lower the wiper arm until the wiper
blade rests on the glass.
(3) Wet the windshield glass, then operate the wip-
ers. Turn the wiper control knob on the end of the
multi-function switch control stalk to the Off posi-
tion, then check for the correct wiper arm position
and adjust as required.
WIPER BLADE
DESCRIPTION
Each wiper blade is secured by an integral latching
pivot block to the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arms, and rests on the glass near the base of
the windshield when the wipers are not in operation.
The wiper blade consists of the following components:
²Superstructure- The superstructure includes
several stamped steel bridges and links with claw
formations that grip the wiper blade element. Also
included in this unit is the latching, molded plastic
pivot block that secures the superstructure to the
wiper arm. All of the metal components of the wiper
blade have a satin black finish applied.
Fig. 5 Wiper Arm Remove/Install
Fig. 6 Wiper Arm Installation
8R - 12 WIPERS/WASHERSBR/BE
WIPER ARM (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

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)

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)