electrical DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the grille onto the grille frame.
(2) Install the six upper nuts.
(3) Install the six lower screws.
GRILLE FRAME
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/GRILLE - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the screws and remove the grille
frame. (Fig. 9)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the grille frame and install the six
screws.
(2) Install the grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/GRILLE - INSTALLATION)
FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the three screws at the fender. (Fig.
10)(2) Remove the electrical connector push pin fas-
tener.
(3) Remove the five inside screws and remove the
splash shield.
Fig. 8 GRILLE
1 - NUTS (6)
2 - HOOD
3 - GRILLE
4 - GRILLE FRAME
5 - SCREWS (6)
Fig. 9 GRILLE FRAME
1 - HOOD
2 - GRILLE FRAME
3 - SCREWS (6)
Fig. 10 FRONT SPLASH SHIELD
1 - FENDER RAIL
2 - FENDER
3 - SCREWS (8)
4 - WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
23 - 40 EXTERIORDR
GRILLE (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the splash shield and position the front
edge into the support bracket on the bumper.
(2) Install the five inner screws.
(3) Install the three screws at the fender.
(4) Install the electrical connector push pin fas-
tener.
REAR WHEELHOUSE SPLASH
SHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screws and remove the shield. (Fig.
11 )
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the splash shield and install the screws.
SIDE VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector and remove
the nuts. (Fig. 12)
(3) Squeeze the electrical connector tabs and
remove the mirror. (Fig. 13)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the mirror onto the door and engage the
electrical connector tabs. (Fig. 13)
(2) Install the nuts and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in.
lbs.).(3) Install the door trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION)
Fig. 11 REAR SPLASH SHIELD
1 - CARGO BOX
2 - SCREWS (3)
3 - SPLASH SHIELD
Fig. 12 SIDE VIEW MIRROR
1 - MIRROR
2 - NUTS (3)
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 13 MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
1 - DOOR
2 - MIRROR STUDS
3 - CONNECTOR TABS
4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
DREXTERIOR 23 - 41
FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD (Continued)

UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the hood latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
HOOD/LATCH - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the radiator and condenser bolts. (Fig.
14)
(3) Remove the bolts and remove the crossmember.
(Fig. 15)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the crossmember and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the radiator and condenser bolts and
tighten to 8 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the hood latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
HOOD/LATCH - INSTALLATION)
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.
Standard Mirror
(1) Position the mirror glass so that it's facing in
toward the vehicle as far as possible. (Fig. 16)
(2) Disengage the rear housing cover retaining
tabs and remove the cover. (Fig. 17)
(3) Disengage the lower glass retaining tab to
motor. (Fig. 18)
(4) Slide glass up and remove from motor.
(5) Disconnect the two heated mirror electrical
connectors, if equipped.
Fig. 14 CONDENSER/RADIATOR FASTENERS
1 - CONDENSER BOLT
2 - RADIATOR BOLT
3 - RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 15 RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
1 - BOLTS (2)
2 - CROSSMEMBER
3 - BOLTS (2)
Fig. 16 STANDARD MIRROR POSITION
1 - RETAINING TABS (2)
2 - MIRROR HOUSING
3 - MIRROR GLASS
23 - 42 EXTERIORDR

Tow Package Mirror
(1) Position the mirror in the out position. (Fig. 19)
(2) Release the retaining clip and separate the
glass.
(3) Disconnect the four heated glass electrical con-
nectors, if equipped. (Fig. 20)
Fig. 17 STANDARD MIRROR HOUSING COVER
1 - MIRROR HOUSING COVER
2 - RETAINING TABS (3)
Fig. 18 STANDARD MIRROR RETAINING TAB
1 - MIRROR ASSEMBLY
2 - MIRROR GLASS LOWER RETAINING TAB
Fig. 19 TOW PACKAGE MIRROR POSITION
1 - MIRROR HOUSING ASSEMBLY
2 - MIRROR GLASS RETAINING CLIP
3 - MIRROR GLASS
Fig. 20 TOW PACKAGE MIRROR GLASS
1 - HEATED GLASS ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS (IF EQUIPPED)
2 - MIRROR GLASS
3 - RETAINING CLIP
DREXTERIOR 23 - 43
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS (Continued)

INSTALLATION
Standard Mirror
(1) Connect the two heated mirror electrical con-
nectors, if equipped. (Fig. 21)
(2) Position the mirror glass mounting holes over
the four feet of the mirror motor and slide down.
(Fig. 22)
(3) Engage the lower glass retaining tab to the
motor. (Fig. 18)
(4) Position the rear housing cover and seat the
retaining tabs fully. (Fig. 17)
Tow Package Mirror
(1) Make sure the retaining clip is seated in the
closed position on the mirror glass.
(2) Connect the heated mirror electrical connec-
tors, if equipped.
NOTE: Pressure must be applied equally over the
center portion of the mirror to engage the mirror
glass retaining clip fully.
(3) Position the glass over the motor mounting and
seat fully. Make sure the retaining clip seats fully.
REAR FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the wheel house splash shield. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/REAR WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the marker lamps electrical connec-
tors.
(3) Remove the tail lamp units. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
TAIL LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the two fender nuts. (Fig. 23)
(5) Remove the rear inner nuts below the tail
lamp. (Fig. 24)
(6) Remove the two bolts at the rear bottom edge.
(7) Remove the two bolts at the front bottom edge.
(8) Remove the four inner nuts front edge. (Fig.
25)
(9) Loosen bolts and loosen the two fender support
brackets. (Fig. 26)
CAUTION: Mask off the surrounding box area to
avoid damage to the painted surfaces.
(10) Lift the fender up off the support brackets
and remove the fender.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Mask off the surrounding box area to
avoid damage to the painted surfaces during instal-
lation.
(1) Carefully position the fender over the support
brackets.
(2) Install the four inner nuts along the front edge
of the fender and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the two inner nuts along the rear edge
of the fender below the tail lamp unit and tighten to
7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(4) Tighten the six support bracket bolts and
tighten to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 21 STANDARD MIRROR INSTALLATION
1 - MIRROR GLASS
2 - UPPER AND LOWER RETAINING CLIPS
3 - HEATED MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS (IF
EQUIPPED)
4 - MIRROR GLASS MOUNTING HOLES (4)
Fig. 22 STANDARD MIRROR ASSEMBLY
1 - HEATED MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS (IF
EQUIPPED)
2 - MIRROR HOUSING
3 - HOUSING COVER LOCKING TABS
4 - MIRROR GLASS MOUNTING FEET (4)
23 - 44 EXTERIORDR
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS (Continued)

(5) Install the bolts along lower edge of the fender
and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(6) Connect the marker lamps electrical connec-
tors.
(7) Install the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/REAR WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install the two nuts from within the tail lamp
opening and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(9) Install the tail lamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 23 TAIL LAMP OPENING
1 - TAIL LAMP OPENING
2 - FENDER NUTS (2)
Fig. 24 LOWER REAR FASTENERS
1 - REAR FENDER NUTS (2)
2 - PICK-UP BOX INNER PANEL
Fig. 25 LOWER FRONT FASTENERS
1 - PICK-UP BOX INNER PANEL
2 - FRONT FENDER NUTS (4)
Fig. 26 SUPPORT BRACKET
1 - FENDER SUPPORT BRACKET (2)
2 - PICK-UP BOX
3 - BOLTS (3 PER BRACKET)
DREXTERIOR 23 - 45
REAR FENDER (Continued)

(2) Remove the top cover. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP
COVER - REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect the headliner harness electrical con-
nector at the a-pillar.
(4) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, from
the notch on the bottom, remove the left side cover.
(Fig. 20)
(5) Remove the steering column. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the two bolts at the column support
bracket. (Fig. 7)
(7) Remove the left cowl trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the instrument panel drivers side
bezel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL DRIVERS SIDE BEZEL -
REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the left side mounting bolts. (Fig. 8)
(10) Disconnect the wire harness electrical connec-
tors above the brake pedal. (Fig. 9)
(11) Loosen the screws and remove the hood
release handle from the bracket.
(12) Disconnect the park brake release handle
actuator rod.
(13) Remove the air bag control module trim cover,
if equipped. (Fig. 20)(14) Remove the floor console, if equipped. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL)
(15) Remove the center bracket bolts. (Fig. 10)
Fig. 7 COLUMN SUPPORT
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER BEZEL
2 - STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT BRACKET
3 - BOLTS
Fig. 8 LEFT SIDE MOUNTING
1 - A-PILLAR
2 - DASH PANEL
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
Fig. 9 WIRE HARNESS CONNECTORS
1 - BULKHEAD CONNECTORS
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL HARNESS CONNECTORS
23 - 54 INSTRUMENT PANELDR
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(16) Disconnect the air bag control module electri-
cal connector.
(17) Remove the right cowl trim cover. (Refer to 23
- BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - REMOVAL)
(18) Disconnect the two electrical connectors. (Fig.
11 )
(19) Disconnect the radio antenna. (Fig. 12)
(20) Remove the one HVAC screw. (Fig. 13)(21) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, from
the notch on the bottom, remove the right end cap.
(Fig. 14)
(22) Remove the right a-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM/GRAB HANDLE
- REMOVAL)
(23) Remove the two right side mounting bolts on
the a-pillar and one right mounting bolt on the cowl
side panel. (Fig. 14)
Fig. 10 CENTER MOUNTING BOLTS
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - BOLTS
Fig. 11 RIGHT WIRE HARNESS CONNECTIONS
1 - COWL SIDE PANEL
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
Fig. 12 ANTENNA CONNECTION
1 - ANTENNA CABLE
2 - RADIO CABLE
Fig. 13 HVAC/INSTRUMENT PANEL MOUNTING
1-HVAC
2 - MOUNTING SCREW
3 - LOWER SURROUND SCREWS
4 - GLOVE BOX OPENING
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 55
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(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, STEERINGCOLUMN, 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.
(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.).
Fig. 14 PASSENGER SIDE MOUNTING
1 - DASH 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 (6)
4 - REARWARD BOLTS (2)
5 - DASH PANEL
Fig. 16 BRAKE RELEASE ROD
1 - PARK BRAKE RELEASE HANDLE
2 - PARK BRAKE RELEASE ROD
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
23 - 56 INSTRUMENT PANELDR
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(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 COULDRESULT 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.
(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.
Fig. 17 HEADLIGHT SWITCH BEZEL
1 - SWITCH BEZEL
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - HEADLIGHT SWITCH
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 57
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY (Continued)