1998 DODGE RAM 1500 vin

INTERIOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INTERIOR
CAUTION.............................62
4WD FLOOR SHIFT BOOT
REMOVAL.............................62
INSTALLATION.........................62
A-PILLAR TRIM/GRAB HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................63
INSTALLATION.........................63
B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................63
INSTALLATION.........................64
B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................64
INSTALLATION.........................64
CARPETS AND FLOOR MATS
REMOVAL.............................65
INSTALLATION.........................65
COAT HOOK
REMOVAL.............................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
COWL TRIM
REMOVAL.............................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
C-PILLAR LOWER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................66
INSTALLATION.........................67
C-PILLAR UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL.............................67
INSTALLATION.........................67
FLOOR CONSOLE
REMOVAL.............................67
INSTALLATION.........................67
HEADLINER
REMOVAL.............................68INSTALLATION.........................68
B-PILLAR GRAB HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................68
INSTALLATION.........................68
REAR CAB BACK PANEL TRIM
REMOVAL.............................68
INSTALLATION.........................69
REAR VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL.............................69
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................70
INSTALLATION - REAR VIEW MIRROR
SUPPORT BRACKET...................70
SUN VISOR
REMOVAL.............................70
INSTALLATION.........................70
SUN VISOR SUPPORT
REMOVAL.............................70
INSTALLATION.........................71
BODY VENT
REMOVAL.............................71
INSTALLATION.........................71
REAR DOOR SILL TRIM COVER
REMOVAL.............................71
INSTALLATION.........................71
LOAD FLOOR
REMOVAL.............................71
INSTALLATION.........................72
LOAD FLOOR SUPPORT CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................72
INSTALLATION.........................72
INTERIOR
CAUTION
CAUTION:: Do not attempt to remove interior trim
panels/moldings without first removing the neces-
sary adjacent panels. To avoid damaging the pan-
els, ensure that all the screws and clips are
removed before attempting to remove an interior
trim panel/molding. Trim panels are somewhat flex-
ible but can be damaged if handled improperly.
4WD FLOOR SHIFT BOOT
REMOVAL
(1) Using a small pry bar or equivalent, remove
the insert, the nut and remove the shifter knob. (Fig.
2)
(2) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, pry up
the boot from the console. (Fig. 1)
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the shift boot over the shifter lever
fully seat onto the console.
23 - 62 INTERIORDR

HEADREST SLEEVE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the headrest. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/HEADREST - REMOVAL)
(2) Grasp the sleeves and pull up and out of the
seat back to remove.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position each headrest sleeve into correct seat
back hole and press into place fully.
(2) Install the headrest. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/HEADREST - INSTALLATION)
SEAT - FRONT
REMOVAL
NOTE: Do not reuse the seat fasteners, always
replace with new ones.
(1) Remove and discard the front bolts. (Fig. 12)
(2) Position the seats forward, remove the rear
bolts and discard.
(3) Disconnect the 12v power supply electrical con-
nector, if equipped. (Fig. 13)
(4) Fold the seat backs forward and roll the seat
assembly back in the vehicle.
(5) Separate the seat assembly by removing and
discarding the three nuts on either the drivers or
passengers seat. (Fig. 14)
(6) Remove each section of the seat assembly from
the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not reuse the seat fasteners, always
replace with new ones.
(1) Position each seat section into the vehicle and
tip back.Fig. 12 FRONT SEAT ASSEMBLY
1 - FRONT SEAT ASSEMBLY
2 - REAR BOLTS (4)
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - FRONT BOLTS (4)
Fig. 13 CENTER SEAT ATTACHMENTS
1 - CENTER SEAT ASSEMBLY
2 - FRONT NUTS (2)
3 - POWER SUPPLY ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - REAR NUTS (4)
5 - 12V POWER SUPPLY HARNESS
Fig. 14 REAR ATTACHMENTS
1 - 12V POWER SUPPLY HARNESS
2 - CENTER SEAT STORAGE BIN
3 - FRONT SEAT TRACKS
4 - REAR NUTS (4)
DRSEATS 23 - 81

(2) Install the three nuts attaching the center seat
section to the other seat, and tighten to 25 N´m (18
ft. lbs.).
(3) Roll the seat assembly forward and install new
rear bolts.
(4) Connect the 12v power supply electrical con-
nector.
(5) Tighten the rear bolts to 40 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(6) Fold the seat backs up and slide the seats to
the rear.
(7) Install new front bolts and tighten to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.).
LUMBAR SUPPORT HANDLE/
BEZEL
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to damage the
handle or bezel surface when removing.
(1) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, pry
the manual lumbar knob out of the bezel surround.
(Fig. 15)
(2) Remove the bezel retaining screws and remove
the bezel. (Fig. 16)
INSTALLATION
(1) Align the bezel to the seat back and install the
screws.
(2) Snap the manual lumbar knob onto the shaft of
the drive mechanism into the bezel surround.
SEAT BACK CUSHION / COVER
- FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the front seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT - FRONT - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the lumbar handle and bezel, if
equipped. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/LUMBAR
SUPPORT HANDLE/BEZEL - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the headrest sleeves. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/SEATS/HEADREST SLEEVE - REMOVAL)
(4) Unzip the zip strip at the lower end of the seat
back and remove the seat back cover and cushion.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the seat back cushion and cover onto
the seat frame assembly.
(2) Connect the zip strip at the bottom of the seat
back.
(3) Install the headrest sleeves. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/SEATS/HEADREST SLEEVE - INSTALLA-
TION)
(4) Install the lumbar bezel and handle, if
equipped. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/LUMBAR
SUPPORT HANDLE/BEZEL - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install the seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT - FRONT - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 15 MANUAL LUMBAR KNOB
Fig. 16 MANUAL LUMBAR BEZEL
1 - LUMBAR SHAFT
2 - SCREWS
3 - BEZEL
23 - 82 SEATSDR
SEAT - FRONT (Continued)

STATIONARY GLASS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BACKLITE
REMOVAL.............................86
INSTALLATION.........................86
BACKLITE VENT GLASS
REMOVAL.............................87
INSTALLATION.........................87WINDSHIELD
WARNING
WINDSHIELD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.....88
REMOVAL.............................88
INSTALLATION.........................88
BACKLITE
REMOVAL
It is difficult to salvage the backlite during the
removal operation. The backlite is part of the struc-
tural support for the roof. The urethane bonding
used to secure the glass to the fence is difficult to cut
or clean from any surface. Since the molding is set in
urethane, it is unlikely it would be salvaged. Before
removing the backlite, check the availability from the
parts supplier.
The backlite is attached to the window frame with
urethane adhesive. The urethane adhesive is applied
cold and seals the surface area between the window
opening and the glass. The primer adheres the ure-
thane adhesive to the backlite.
(1) Roll down door glass.
(2) Remove headliner. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTE-
RIOR/HEADLINER - REMOVAL).
(3) On standard cab models remove the upper
b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PIL-
LAR UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL)
(4) On quad cab models remove the upper c-pillar
trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/C-PILLAR
UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL)
(5) Bend backlite retaining tabs (Fig. 1) inward
against glass.
(6) Disconnect the rear window defogger electrical
connector, if equipped.
(7) Using a suitable pneumatic knife from inside
the vehicle, cut urethane holding backlite frame to
opening fence.
(8) Separate glass from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean urethane adhesive from around backlite
opening fence.
(2) If necessary, apply black-out primer to outer
edge of replacement backlite frame.(3) If black-out primer was pre-applied on backlite,
clean bonding surface with Isopropyl alcohol and
clean lint free cloth. Allow 3 minutes for drying time.
(4) Apply black-out primer to backlite opening
fence.
(5) Apply a 13 mm (0.5 in.) bead of urethane
around the perimeter of the window frame bonding
surface (Fig. 2).
(6) Set glass on lower fence and move glass for-
ward into opening (Fig. 3).
(7) Firmly push glass against rear window glass
opening fence.
(8) Bend tabs around edges of backlite opening
fence to retain glass.
(9) Clean excess urethane from exterior with
MOPARt, Super Clean or equivalent.
(10) Allow urethane to cure at least 24 hours (full
cure is 72 hours).
(11) Water test to verify repair before returning
vehicle to service.
(12) Connect the rear window defogger electrical
connector, if equipped.
Fig. 1 Backlite Tabs
1 - BACKLITE
2-TAB
23 - 86 STATIONARY GLASSDR

WINDSHIELD
WARNING
WINDSHIELD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE
WITHIN 24 HOURS OF WINDSHIELD INSTALLATION.
IT TAKES AT LEAST 24 HOURS FOR URETHANE
ADHESIVE TO CURE. IF IT IS NOT CURED, THE
WINDSHIELD MAY NOT PERFORM PROPERLY IN
AN ACCIDENT.
²URETHANE ADHESIVES ARE APPLIED AS A
SYSTEM. USE GLASS CLEANER, GLASS PREP
SOLVENT, GLASS PRIMER, PVC (VINYL) PRIMER
AND PINCH WELD (FENCE) PRIMER PROVIDED BY
THE ADHESIVE MANUFACTURER. IF NOT, STRUC-
TURAL INTEGRITY COULD BE COMPROMISED.
²DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT RECOMMEND
GLASS ADHESIVE BY BRAND. TECHNICIANS
SHOULD REVIEW PRODUCT LABELS AND TECHNI-
CAL DATA SHEETS, AND USE ONLY ADHESIVES
THAT THEIR MANUFACTURES WARRANT WILL
RESTORE A VEHICLE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF
FMVSS 212. TECHNICIANS SHOULD ALSO INSURE
THAT PRIMERS AND CLEANERS ARE COMPATIBLE
WITH THE PARTICULAR ADHESIVE USED.
²BE SURE TO REFER TO THE URETHANE MAN-
UFACTURER'S DIRECTIONS FOR CURING TIME
SPECIFICATIONS, AND DO NOT USE ADHESIVE
AFTER ITS EXPIRATION DATE.
²VAPORS THAT ARE EMITTED FROM THE URE-
THANE ADHESIVE OR PRIMER COULD CAUSE
PERSONAL INJURY. USE THEM IN A WELL-VENTI-
LATED AREA.
²SKIN CONTACT WITH URETHANE ADHESIVE
SHOULD BE AVOIDED. PERSONAL INJURY MAY
RESULT.
²ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND HAND PROTECTION
WHEN WORKING WITH GLASS.
CAUTION: Protect all painted and trimmed surfaces
from coming in contact with urethane or primers.
Be careful not to damage painted surfaces when
removing moldings or cutting urethane around
windshield.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove inside rear view mirror. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/REAR VIEW MIRROR -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove cowl grill. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL).(3) Remove the a-pillar weatherstrip retainer.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/A-
PILLAR WEATHERSTRIP RETAINER - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the a-pillar trim panels. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the headliner and from the inside of
the vehicle, cut the upper urethane bonding from
around windshield upper edge using a suitable sharp
cold knife (C-4849). A pneumatic cutting device can
be used but is not recommended. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER - REMOVAL)
(6) From the outside of the vehicle, cut urethane
bonding from the remaining sides of the windshield
using a suitable sharp cold knife (C-4849). A pneu-
matic cutting device can be used but is not recom-
mended.
(7) Separate windshield from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: Allow the urethane at least 24 hours to
cure before returning the vehicle to use.
CAUTION: Roll down the left and right front door
glass and open the rear glass slider (if available)
before installing windshield to avoid pressurizing
the passenger compartment if a door is slammed
before urethane is cured. Water leaks can result.
The windshield fence should be cleaned of most of
its old urethane bonding material. A small amount of
old urethane, approximately 1-2 mm in height,
should remain on the fence. Do not grind off or com-
pletely remove all old urethane from the fence, the
paint finish and bonding strength will be adversely
affected.
(1) Place replacement windshield into windshield
opening and position glass in the center of the open-
ing against the support spacers. Mark the outside
surface of the glass at the support spacers with a
grease pencil or pieces of masking tape and ink pen
to use as a reference for installation. Remove replace-
ment windshield from windshield opening (Fig. 5).
(2) Position the windshield inside up on a suitable
work surface with two padded, wood 10 cm by 10 cm
by 50 cm (4 in. by 4 in. by 20 in.) blocks, placed par-
allel 75 cm (2.5 ft.) apart (Fig. 6).
(3) Clean inside of windshield with MOPAR Glass
Cleaner and lint-free cloth.
(4) Apply clear glass primer 25 mm (1 in.) wide
around perimeter of windshield and wipe with a new
clean and dry lint- free cloth.
(5) Apply black-out primer onto the glass using the
windshield molding as a guide. The primer should be
15 mm (5/8 in.) wide on the top and sides of the glass
23 - 88 STATIONARY GLASSDR

DOOR OPENING SEAL
REMOVAL
FRONT DOOR SEAL
(1) Remove the cowl trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the lower b-pillar trim panel. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL)
(3) Separate the door opening seal from the door
opening flange. (Fig. 1)
REAR DOOR SEAL
(1) Remove the lower b-pillar trim panel. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the lower c-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/C-PILLAR TRIM - REMOVAL)
(3) Separate the door opening seal from the door
opening flange. (Fig. 1)
INSTALLATION
FRONT DOOR SEAL
(1) Position the seal to the bottom of the door
opening, with bulb facing outboard, starting the
installation at the center of the lower flange. Press
the seal onto the sill flange and work around the
perimeter of the door opening until fully seated.
Work in one direction, smoothing the seal to avoid
puckers or wrinkles.
(2) Install the lower b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
INSTALLATION)
(3) Install the cowl trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM - INSTALLATION)
(4) When installing a new weatherstrip on the
front door opening, remove the tear strip starting at
the splice and moving around the front of the door to
the back of the opening.
REAR DOOR SEAL
(1) Position the seal to the bottom of the door
opening, with bulb facing outboard, starting the
installation at the center of the lower flange. Press
the seal onto the sill flange and work around the
perimeter of the door opening until fully seated.
Work in one direction, smoothing the seal to avoid
puckers or wrinkles.
(2) Install the lower c-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/C-PILLAR TRIM - INSTALLA-
TION)
(3) Install the lower b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
INSTALLATION)(4) When installing a new weatherstrip on the rear
door opening, remove the tear strip starting at the
splice and moving around the back of the door to the
front of the opening.
DRIP RAIL WEATHERSTRIP
RETAINER
REMOVAL
(1) Separate the drip rail weatherstrip from the
weatherstrip retainer. (Fig. 1)
(2) Remove the seven screws and remove the
retainer.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the weatherstrip retainer and install
the seven screws.
(2) Position the weatherstrip over the retainer
flange and seat fully.
FRONT DOOR GLASS RUN
WEATHERSTRIP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the door glass. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/DOOR GLASS - REMOVAL)
(2) Separate the weatherstrip out of the door
frame and remove through the window opening. (Fig.
2)
INSTALLATION
NOTE: A mixture of soap and water may be used to
aid installation of the weatherstrip into the corners.
(1) Position the glass run weatherstrip into the
door through the window opening.
(2) Position the weatherstrip into the upper cor-
ners and seat firmly.
(3) From back to front, seat the weatherstrip
between the corners and then down the sides firmly
(4) Install the door glass. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/DOOR GLASS - INSTALLATION)
FRONT DOOR OUTER BELT
MOLDING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screw and separate the belt mold-
ing from the door flange from the back to the front.
(Fig. 2)
23 - 92 WEATHERSTRIP/SEALSDR

Condition Possible Causes Correction
The low side pressure is too
low, and the high side
pressure is too high.1. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the refrigerant lines.1. See Liquid, Suction, and Discharge Line in this
group. Inspect the refrigerant lines for kinks, tight
bends or improper routing. Correct the routing or
replace the refrigerant line, if required.
2. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the fixed orifice tube.2. See A/C Orifice Tube in this group. Replace
the liquid line, if required.
3. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the condenser.3. See A/C Condenser in this group. Replace the
restricted condenser, if required.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATER
PERFORMANCE TEST
Review Safety Warnings and Cautions before per-
forming this procedure (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION).
Check the coolant level, drive belt tension, vacuum
line connections, radiator air flow and fan operation.
Start engine and allow to warm up to normal tem-
perature.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE RADIATOR CAP
WHEN ENGINE IS HOT, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
If vehicle has been run recently, wait 15 minutes
before removing cap. Place a rag over the cap andturn it to the first safety stop. Allow pressure to
escape through the overflow tube. When the system
stabilizes, remove the cap completely.
MAXIMUM HEATER OUTPUT: TEST AND ACTION
Engine coolant is provided to the heater system by
two heater hoses. With the engine idling at normal
operating temperature, set the temperature control
to maximum heat, the mode control to the floor posi-
tion, and the blower in the highest speed position.
Using a test thermometer, check the temperature of
the air being discharged from the floor outlets. Com-
pare the test thermometer reading to the Tempera-
ture Reference chart.
TEMPERATURE REFERENCE CHART
Ambient Air Temperature15.5É C
(60É F)21.1É C
(70É F)26.6É C
(80É F)32.2É C
(90É F)
Minimum Air Temperature at
Floor Outlet62.2É C
(144É F)63.8É C
(147É F)65.5É C
(150É F)67.2É C
(153É F)
Both of the heater hoses should be HOT to the
touch (coolant return hose should be slightly cooler
than the supply hose). If the coolant return hose is
much cooler than the supply hose, locate and repair
the engine coolant flow obstruction in the heater sys-
tem. If both heater hoses are cool to the touch,
inspect the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
OBSTRUCTED COOLANT FLOW Possible loca-
tions or causes of obstructed coolant flow are as fol-
lows:
²Pinched or kinked heater hoses.
²Improper heater hose routing.
²Plugged heater hoses or supply and return ports
at the cooling system connections.
²Plugged heater core.If proper coolant flow through the cooling system is
verified, and heater outlet air temperature is insuffi-
cient, a mechanical problem may exist.
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS Possible causes of
insufficient heat due to mechanical problems are as
follows:
²Obstructed cowl air intake.
²Obstructed heater system outlets.
²Blend door not functioning properly.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
If the heater outlet air temperature cannot be
adjusted with the temperature control knob on the
A/C-heater control, the following could require ser-
vice:
²Blend door binding.
²Faulty blend door motor.
24 - 6 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGDR
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

(5) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor and blower wheel are located in
the passenger side end of the HVAC housing, below
the glove box. The blower motor controls the velocity
of air flowing through the HVAC housing by spinning
a squirrel cage-type blower wheel within the housing
at the selected speed. The blower motor and wheel
can be removed from the housing inside the vehicle
without removing the instrument panel or HVAC
housing.
OPERATION
The blower motor will only operate with the igni-
tion switch in the On position and the A/C-heater
mode control switch in any position, except Off. The
blower motor receives a fused battery feed circuit
through a fuse in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC) whenever the ignition switch is in the On posi-
tion. Blower motor speed is controlled by regulating
the ground path through or around the blower motor
resistor block and through the A/C-heater blower
motor switch.
The blower motor and blower motor wheel are ser-
viced only as a unit and cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE
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.
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring, diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, further details on wire
harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
BLOWER MOTOR ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
Refer to the Blower Motor Electrical Diagnosis
chart for basic checks of the blower motor circuit
(Fig. 3).
BLOWER MOTOR NOISE OR VIBRATION
Refer to the Blower Motor Noise/Vibration Diagno-
sis chart for basic checks of the blower motor when a
vibration or noise is present (Fig. 4).
24 - 28 DISTRIBUTIONDR
BLEND DOOR (Continued)