rims DODGE RAM 2002 Service Repair Manual

INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION........................105
OPERATION..........................106
ASH RECEIVER
REMOVAL............................107
INSTALLATION........................107
CLUSTER BEZEL
REMOVAL............................108
INSTALLATION........................108
CUBBY BIN
REMOVAL............................108
INSTALLATION........................109
CUP HOLDER
REMOVAL............................109
INSTALLATION........................110
GLOVE BOX
REMOVAL
REMOVAL..........................110
DISASSEMBLY - GLOVE BOX...........110
ASSEMBLY - GLOVE BOX................111INSTALLATION........................111
GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL............................111
INSTALLATION........................112
GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL............................112
INSTALLATION........................112
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
REMOVAL............................113
INSTALLATION........................113
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
REMOVAL............................113
INSTALLATION........................114
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL............................114
INSTALLATION........................114
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL............................115
INSTALLATION........................117
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), accessory
switches, 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.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 105