2001 DODGE RAM open hood

(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)

cowl side inner panel. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/PARK-
ING BRAKE/RELEASE - INSTALLATION).
(b) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the park brake switch on the park
brake mechanism.
(c) Reconnect the three connectors (one from the
body wire harness, and two from the headlamp and
dash wire harness) to the three connector recepta-
cles located closest to the dash panel on the back of
the Junction Block (JB).
(d) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness to instrument panel wire harness bulkhead
connector and tighten the screw in the center of
the connector. Tighten the screw to 3.5 N´m (31 in.
lbs.).
(e) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
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, reconnect the Infinity wire
harness connector to 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) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the stop lamp switch.
(h) Reconnect the heater-A/C housing vacuum
harness connector to the heater-A/C control vac-
uum harness connector located near the left end of
the heater-A/C housing.
(8) Reinstall the steering column into the vehicle.
Be certain that the steering wheel was locked and
secured from rotation to prevent the loss of clock-
spring centering. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COL-
UMN - INSTALLATION).
(9) If the vehicle is so equipped, reconnect the
overdrive lockout switch pigtail wire connector to the
instrument panel wire harness connector near the
instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(10) Reconnect the clockspring pigtail wire connec-
tor to the instrument panel wire harness connector
at the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(11) Position the inside hood latch release handle
to the instrument panel lower reinforcement.
(12) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the inside hood latch release handle to the instru-
ment panel lower reinforcement. Tighten the screws
to 2.8 N´m (25 in. lbs.).
(13) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(14) Reinstall the trim onto the left and right cowl
side inner panels. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/
COWL TRIM COVER - INSTALLATION).(15) Reinstall the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
and bracket onto the floor panel transmission tunnel.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/AIRBAG
CONTROL MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(16) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
ASH RECEIVER
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Open the instrument panel ash receiver.
(3) From the open position, close the ash receiver
slightly and pull it straight back far enough to disen-
gage it from the pivot pins in the lower instrument
panel.
(4) Remove the three screws that secure the ash
receiver flame shield to the lower instrument panel
(Fig. 2).
(5) Pull the ash receiver flame shield out from the
instrument panel far enough to disengage the two
retaining tabs on the top of the shield from the
mounting holes in the instrument panel.
(6) Lower the flame shield from the instrument
panel far enough to access the ash receiver lamp and
hood.
(7) Squeeze the ash receiver lamp and hood
bracket to disengage the unit from the mounting hole
in the flame shield.
(8) Remove the ash receiver flame shield from the
instrument panel.
23 - 108 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)

INSTALLATION
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.
(1) Position the ash receiver flame shield to the
instrument panel (Fig. 2).
(2) Squeeze the ash receiver lamp and hood
bracket and engage the unit to the mounting hole in
the flame shield.
(3) Insert the two retaining tabs on the top of the
ash receiver flame shield into the mounting holes in
the instrument panel, then push the shield forward
to engage the tabs with the instrument panel.
(4) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the ash receiver flame shield to the instrument
panel. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Align the pivot receptacles on each side of the
ash receiver with the pivot pins in the lower instru-
ment panel.(6) Push the ash receiver forward onto the pivot
pins in the instrument panel until the open ash
receiver snaps into place.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
CLUSTER BEZEL
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, turn the ignition switch to the Off posi-
tion (not Lock), set the parking brake, and place the
automatic transmission gear selector lever in the
Low position.
(3) If the vehicle is so equipped, set the tilt steer-
ing column in its lowest position.
(4) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry around the perimeter of
the cluster bezel to disengage the snap clips from
their receptacles in the instrument panel (Fig. 3).
Fig. 2 Instrument Panel Ash Receiver Remove/
Install
1 - SCREW
2 - ASH RECEIVER
3 - FLAME SHIELD
Fig. 3 Cluster Bezel Remove/Install
1 - CLUSTER BEZEL
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 109
ASH RECEIVER (Continued)

cles equipped with a manual transmission have a
lighted storage bin installed on the instrument panel
in place of the fold-down cup holder.
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Unlatch and fold the cup holder down from the
instrument panel to its open position.
(4) Remove the six screws that secure the cup
holder to the instrument panel (Fig. 5).(5) Pull the cup holder away from the instrument
panel far enough to access the illumination lamp and
hood unit.
(6) Disengage the illumination lamp and hood
retainer clip from the back of the instrument panel
cup holder unit.
(7) Remove the cup holder unit from the instru-
ment panel.
INSTALLATION
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
have a lighted fold-down cup holder installed on the
instrument panel just inboard of the glove box. Vehi-
cles equipped with a manual transmission have a
lighted storage bin installed on the instrument panel
in place of the fold-down cup holder.
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.
(1) Position the cup holder unit near the instru-
ment panel.
(2) Engage the illumination lamp and hood
retainer clip to the back of the instrument panel cup
holder unit.
(3) Position the cup holder unit onto the instru-
ment panel (Fig. 5).
(4) Install and tighten the six screws that secure
the cup holder to the instrument panel. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 5 Instrument Panel Cup Holder
1 - SCREW
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - CUP HOLDER
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 111
CUP HOLDER (Continued)

bezel on each side of the steering column away from
the instrument panel far enough to disengage the
snap clip retainers from their receptacles in the
instrument panel.
(4) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
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.
(1) Position the steering column opening cover to
the instrument panel (Fig. 10).
(2) Align the snap clip retainers on the steering
column opening cover with their receptacles in the
instrument panel.
(3) Press firmly and evenly on the steering column
opening cover over the snap clip locations until each
of the snap clips is fully engaged in its receptacle.
(4) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the lower edge of the steering column opening cover
to the lower instrument panel reinforcement. Tighten
the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
have a lighted fold-down cup holder installed on the
instrument panel just inboard of the glove box. Vehi-
cles equipped with a manual transmission have a
lighted storage bin installed on the instrument panel
in place of the fold-down cup holder.
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the top of
the storage bin to the instrument panel (Fig. 11).
(4) Lower the top of the storage bin away from the
instrument panel far enough to access the illumina-
tion lamp and hood unit.
(5) Disengage the illumination lamp and hood
retainer clip from the back of the instrument panel
storage bin unit.
(6) Remove the storage bin unit from the instru-
ment panel.
INSTALLATION
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
have a lighted fold-down cup holder installed on the
instrument panel just inboard of the glove box. Vehi-
cles equipped with a manual transmission have a
lighted storage bin installed on the instrument panel
in place of the fold-down cup holder.
Fig. 11 Instrument Panel Storage Bin Remove/Install
1 - SCREWS
2 - STORAGE BIN (RAISED)
3 - STORAGE BIN (LOWERED)
23 - 116 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER (Continued)

UNDER HOOD
INSPECTION - HOOD LATCH/SAFETY CATCH
(1) Check operation of hood latch (Fig. 2) and
safety catch (Fig. 3) adjust as required.
NOTE: The safety catch prevents the hood from
going to full open position until it is manually
released. To test the safety catch, unlock the hood
with the interior release, then try to raise the hood
without operating the safety catch.
INSPECTION - FLUID LEVELS
ENGINE OIL
CAUTION: Use only oil that meets the specified
requirements.
NOTE: If oil level is low, inspect for oil leaks.
(1) Check engine oil level. The oil should be in the
safe range or between the minimum and maximum
marks.
²If the oil level is at the minimum mark, add oil
that meets specifications, (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES - DESCRIPTION).
²The best time to check the oil is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed-up engine is turned off, or
before starting the engine after it has been off over-
night.²For the most accurate readings, the vehicle
should be on level ground.
²Wipe up any excess oil that may have spilled, or
the customer could mistakenly perceive this as the
result of a leak.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION: Only use fluid that meets the vehicle's
specific requirement.
NOTE: Mopar ATF Plus contains special additives
not found in Mercon and Dexron II fLuids. Use of
fluid other than Mopar Plus (when specified) could
result in an upshift shudder in some applications.
Transmission fluid check procedures are specific to
each vehicle line. Refer to the appropriate service
information for correct procedure.
CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER
CAUTION: only use brake fluid that meets specified
requirements (DOT 3 and MVSS 116).
Check the clutch master cylinder fluid level. Add
fluid to the proper level if necessary.
Fig. 2 HOOD LATCH
Fig. 3 HOOD SAFETY CATCH
30 - 4 NEW VEHICLE PREPARATIONBR/BE