1998 DODGE RAM 1500 fig

(4) Remove the grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/GRILLE - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the hood lamp and ambient tempera-
ture sensor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the hood lamp and ambient temperature
sensor.
(2) Install the grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/GRILLE - INSTALLATION)
(3) Install the hood and install the nuts.
(4) Line up the marks made previously and
tighten the nuts to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(5) Check the hood fit and adjust if required.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Open the hood.
(2) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the latch on the radiator crossmember.
(3) Remove the bolts. (Fig. 3)
(4) Disconnect the hood latch cable and remove the
latch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the hood latch cable.
(2) Install the latch lining up the marks made pre-
viously and install the bolts.
(3) Tighten the bolts to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.).
(4) Check hood fit and adjust if required. (Refer to
23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND FLUSH -
SPECIFICATIONS)
LATCH RELEASE CABLE/
HANDLE ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the hood latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
HOOD/LATCH - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the batter tray. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect the three cable push pin fasteners.
(4) From inside the cab loosen the two handle
screws and disconnect the handle from the instru-
ment panel bracket.
(5) Separate the grommet at the cowl panel and
remove cable through the cab.
INSTALLATION
(1) Route the cable/handle assembly through the
cowl panel and install the grommet.
(2) Position the handle onto the instrument panel
bracket and tighten the screws.
(3) Route the cable along the fender rails and
install the three push pin fasteners.
(4) Install the latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/HOOD/
LATCH - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install the battery tray. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - INSTALLATION)
LATCH STRIKER /
SECONDARY CATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and remove the secondary release
handle. (Fig. 4)
(2) Remove the two bolts and remove the striker/
catch assembly.
Fig. 2 HINGE
1 - A-PILLAR
2 - HINGE
3 - BOLTS (2)
Fig. 3 LATCH
1 - HOOD LATCH
2 - HOOD LATCH CABLE
3 - BOLTS (2)
DRHOOD 23 - 47
HOOD (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the latch striker/secondary catch and
install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the release handle and connect to the
secondary catch.
(4) Check the hood fit and adjust if required.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND
FLUSH - SPECIFICATIONS)
SUPPORT CYLINDER
REMOVAL
NOTE: The support cylinders can be replaced one
at a time.
(1) Open the hood and support.
NOTE: Lift the clips only enough to release the ball
studs. (Fig. 6)
(2) Using a small flat bladed tool, or equivalent,
release the upper retaining clips while pulling the
ball socket away from the ball stud. (Fig. 5)
CAUTION: Do not pull the supports from the middle
while removing.
(3) Pulling at the ends only, remove the support
cylinder.
INSTALLATION
(1) Make sure the retaining clips are seated into
the ball socket fully.
CAUTION: Do not install the support cylinders by
pressing at the center of the cylinder. Press the
ends only.
(2) Install the support cylinder over the ball studs
with the thin end connected to the body side of the
hinge and the retaining clips snapping into place.
Fig. 4 HOOD LATCH STRIKER/SECONDARY CATCH
1 - GRILLE
2 - LATCH STRIKER/SECONDARY CATCH
3 - BOLTS (2)
4 - SECONDARY CATCH RELEASE HANDLE
5 - GRILLE FRAME
Fig. 5 UPPER SUPPORT CYLINDER REMOVAL -
TYPICAL
1 - BALL SOCKET
2 - RETAINING CLIP
3 - FLAT BLADED TOOL
4 - BALL STUD
Fig. 6 UPPER SUPPORT CYLINDER RETAINING
CLIP
1 - RETAINING CLIP
2 - BALL SOCKET
3 - BALL STUD
23 - 48 HOODDR
LATCH STRIKER / SECONDARY CATCH (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CLUSTER BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................49
INSTALLATION.........................49
ASH RECEIVER
REMOVAL.............................50
INSTALLATION.........................51
CUP HOLDER
REMOVAL.............................51
INSTALLATION.........................51
GLOVE BOX
REMOVAL.............................52
INSTALLATION.........................52
GLOVE BOX LATCH
REMOVAL.............................52
INSTALLATION.........................52
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL.............................52
INSTALLATION.........................55
INSTRUMENT PANEL HEADLAMP SWITCH
BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................56
INSTALLATION.........................56INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................57
INSTALLATION.........................57
INSTRUMENT PANEL DRIVER SIDE BEZEL
REMOVAL.............................58
INSTALLATION.........................58
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
REMOVAL.............................58
INSTALLATION.........................59
INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SURROUND
REMOVAL.............................59
INSTALLATION.........................59
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
REMOVAL.............................60
INSTALLATION.........................60
STEERING COLUMN OPENING SUPPORT
BRACKET
REMOVAL.............................60
INSTALLATION.........................60
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL.............................61
INSTALLATION.........................61
CLUSTER 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 COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Remove the headlamp switch bezel. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL SWITCH BEZEL - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the center bezel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
CENTER BEZEL - REMOVAL)(3) Remove the two top screws. (Fig. 1)
(4) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, sepa-
rate the two lower clips.
(5) Disengage the two top attachment bosses 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) Position the cluster bezel over the cluster and
seat the outer bosses over the posts on the left and
right sides.
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 49

(2) Snap the top edge of the bezel into place fully.
(3) Seat the two bottom clips fully.
(4) Install the two top screws.
(5) Install the center bezel (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the headlamp switch bezel. (Refer to 23
- BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL SWITCH BEZEL - INSTALLATION)
ASH RECEIVER
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 COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.(1) Open ash receiver and place hand inside. (Fig.
2)
(2) Apply force with anabruptdownward motion
and roll rearward. (Fig. 3)
(3) Dislodge and roll ash receiver out of panel to
remove.
Fig. 1 CLUSTER BEZEL
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - SCREWS (2)
3 - CLUSTER BEZEL
4 - CLIP FASTENERS (2)
Fig. 2 ASH RECEIVER
1 - ASH RECEIVER
2 - CUP HOLDER
Fig. 3 ASH RECEIVER REMOVAL
1 - LOCKING TABS
2 - CUP HOLDER
3 - ASH RECEIVER
23 - 50 INSTRUMENT PANELDR
CLUSTER BEZEL (Continued)

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) Seat the bottom of the receiver into position.
(2) Pivot the receiver forward and seat the retain-
ing clips fully.
CUP HOLDER
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 COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Remove the center bezel.(Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
CENTER BEZEL - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the airbag control module trim cover.
(Fig. 4)
(3) Open the cupholder and fold down the inner
panel.
(4) Remove the two inner screws. (Fig. 5)
(5) Remove the remaining two top and bottom
screws and remove the cup holder. (Fig. 6)
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.
Fig. 4 INSTRUMENT PANEL COVERS
1 - TOP COVER
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - AIR BAG MODULE COVER
4 - END CAP
Fig. 5 CUPHOLDER - INNER FASTENERS
1 - CUPHOLDER
2 - INNER SCREWS (2)
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 51
ASH RECEIVER (Continued)

(1) Install the cupholder and install the two upper
screws from the left to the right.
(2) Install the lower two screws from the left to
the right.
(3) Fold down the inner cover and install the two
inner screws.
(4) Install the center bezel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install the airbag control module trim cover.
GLOVE BOX
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 COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Partially open the glove box.(2) From the inside of the box press down on the
rearward edge of the bin and lower the glove box
fully past the stops.
(3) Lift the box assembly off of the hinges and
remove.
INSTALLATION
(1) Engage the glove box hinges and partially
close.
(2) From the inside of the box press down on the
rearward edge of the bin and raise the glove box fully
past the stops.
(3) Check for proper glove box operation.
GLOVE BOX LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the glove box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the 11 screws and separate the box
and inner panel from the outer door.
(3) Remove the two latch screws and remove the
latch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the latch and install the two screws.
(2) Install the door inner cover and box and install
the 11 screws.
(3) Install the glove box. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - INSTALLA-
TION)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
ASSEMBLY
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 COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Fig. 6 CUPHOLDER - OUTER FASTENERS
1 - SCREWS (4)
2 - CUPHOLDER
23 - 52 INSTRUMENT PANELDR
CUP HOLDER (Continued)

(1) Remove the left a-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM/GRAB HANDLE
- REMOVAL)
(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)
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 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
Fig. 9 WIRE HARNESS CONNECTORS
1 - BULKHEAD CONNECTORS
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL HARNESS CONNECTORS
DRINSTRUMENT PANEL 23 - 53
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(14) Remove the floor console, if equipped. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL)
(15) Remove the center bracket bolts. (Fig. 10)
(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)
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
23 - 54 INSTRUMENT PANELDR
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY (Continued)