2001 DODGE RAM tailgate

LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove tailgate latch handle escutcheon (Refer
to 23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAIL-
GATE/HANDLE ESCUTCHEON - REMOVAL).
(2) Open tailgate.
(3) Disengage linkage rod from latch handle.
(4) Remove screws attaching latch to tailgate (Fig.
4).
(5) Separate latch from tailgate.
(6) Pull latch and linkage rod from tailgate (Fig.
5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position latch and linkage rod in tailgate.
(2) Install upper screw attaching latch to tailgate.
(3) Install lower screw attaching check cable and
latch to tailgate.
(4) Engage linkage rod to latch handle.
Fig. 4 Tailgate Latch
1 - SPACER
2 - CHECK CABLE
3-LATCH
4 - LINKAGE ROD5 - HANDLE ESCUTCHEON
6 - LATCH HANDLE
Fig. 5 Tailgate Latch and Linkage Rod
1 - SILENCER
2 - LATCH ASSEMBLY
3 - LINKAGE ROD
23 - 64 DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATEBR/BE

(5) Install tailgate latch handle escutcheon (Refer
to 23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAIL-
GATE/HANDLE ESCUTCHEON - INSTALLATION).
LATCH HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove tailgate latch handle escutcheon (Refer
to 23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAIL-
GATE/HANDLE ESCUTCHEON - REMOVAL).
(2) Disengage clips holding linkage rods to latch
handle.
(3) Separate linkage rods from handle.
(4) Remove screws attaching latch handle to tail-
gate (Fig. 6).
(5) Separate latch handle from tailgate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position latch handle in tailgate.
(2) Install screws attaching latch handle to tail-
gate.
(3) Install linkage rods to latch handle.
(4) Engage clips to linkage rods.
(5) Install tailgate latch handle escutcheon.
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Open tailgate.
(2) Mark outline of striker on cargo box jamb to
aid installation.
(3) Using a Torx drive wrench, remove striker and
washer from cargo box (Fig. 7).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position striker and washer on jamb using
alignment outline as reference and install with Torx
drive wrench.
Fig. 6 Tailgate Latch Handle
1 - SCREW
2 - TAILGATE
3 - HANDLE ASSEMBLYFig. 7 Tailgate Striker
1 - TAILGATE STRIKER
2 - CARGO BOX
BR/BEDECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE 23 - 65
LATCH (Continued)

SLAM BUMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Open tailgate.
(2) Remove screw holding slam bumper to cargo
box (Fig. 8).
(3) Separate slam bumper from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position slam bumper on vehicle.
(2) Install screw holding slam bumper to cargo
box.
(3) Close tailgate and verify operation.
TAILGATE
REMOVAL
(1) Open tailgate.
(2) Disconnect tailgate marker light harness, if
equipped.
(3) Remove tailgate check cables (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
CHECK CABLE - REMOVAL).
(4) Close tailgate until the notch in the right hand
collar aligns with the pivot pin.
(5) Slip tailgate hinge collar from pivot pins.
(6) Slide tailgate to the right and separate left
hand collar from the pivot pin.
(7) Separate tailgate from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position tailgate collar on left hand pivot pin
and slide tailgate to the left.
(2) Raise tailgate until the notch in the right hand
collar aligns with the pivot pin.
(3) Install tailgate check cables (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
CHECK CABLE - INSTALLATION).
(4) Connect tailgate marker light harness, if
equipped.
Fig. 8 Tailgate Slam Bumper
1 - CARGO BOX
2 - SLAM BUMPER
3 - TAILGATE
23 - 66 DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATEBR/BE

INSTALLATION - WHEEL COVERS
(1) Install cover on wheel by hand only (Fig. 20).
(2) Install and torque wheel nuts to 135 N´m (100
lb. ft.).
(3) Install nut caps, if equipped using lug wrench,
do not over tighten.
(4) Remove release liner from removal instructions
label and install label next to jacking instructions
label. Surface must be clean and flat for proper adhe-
sion of label.
EXTERIOR
INSPECTIONÐBODY SEALING
Visually inspect the following seals during the nor-
mal recommended wash. Look for areas where water
may have entered the vehicle.
²Door and window seals
²Windshield
²Backlight
INSPECTION - FIT AND FINISH
(1) Remove all protective coatings/covers.
²Remove protective film from body moldings.
(2) Make sure body is free from paint chips,
scratches, sags, run, dirt or corrosion. Touch up any
minor paint chips and scratches as required.
(3) Ensure that moldings and stripes are aligned
properly.
²Ensure that moldings and stripes are present
and securely fastened to the body.NOTE: Painted-on accent strips require a unique
paint for touch-ups.
(4) Check that the door panels have even gaps and
fit well with adjacent body panels (Fig. 21).
(5) Check that the tailgate has even gaps and fits
well with adjacent panels (Fig. 22).
Fig. 20 WHEEL COVER
Fig. 21 DOOR ALIGNMENT
Fig. 22 TAILGATE ALIGNMENT
30 - 10 NEW VEHICLE PREPARATIONBR/BE
UNDER VEHICLE (Continued)

(6) Check that the hood panel has even gaps and
fits well with adjacent panels (Fig. 23).
(7) Ensure that the body is free from dents and
dings.
INSPECTION - KEYLESS ENTRY
Check operation of keyless entry system and pro-
gram the transmitter/receiver if necessary.
INSPECTION - DOORS AND DOOR LOCKS
(1) Check operation of doors and locks, keyless
entry, security alarm, and tailgate. Adjust strikers
(Fig. 24) and latches (Fig. 25) as required.
(2) Remove any protective covers from the door
sills.
NOTE: Windows should be in the full up position
during these tests (except for the lock tests).
²Open each door (inside and out) to check the
release mechanism and ease of operation.
²Partially close the door to check the open-door
detent.
²Close the door to check the latches and striker.
²Open the door, lower the window depress the
lock plunger and close the door to check the lock.
²Unlock each door (using both keys) to check lock
and key operation.
NOTE: Child proof door locks should be disabled
when delivered to the customer.
Fig. 23 HOOD ALIGNMENT
Fig. 24 DOOR STRIKER
Fig. 25 DOOR LATCH
BR/BENEW VEHICLE PREPARATION 30 - 11
EXTERIOR (Continued)

SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, KEY-IN
IGNITION............................19-9
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, LUMBAR
CONTROL..........................8N-17
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, MIRROR........8G-3
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, MULTI-
FUNCTION..........................8L-23
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, OVERDRIVE . . . 21-385,
21-578,21-732
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, OVERDRIVE
OFF ..............................21-215
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, PASSENGER
AIRBAG ON/OFF.....................8O-23
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, PASSENGER
POWER SEAT.......................8N-19
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, PASSENGER
SEAT HEATER .......................8G-13
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, POWER LOCK . . . 8N-8
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, POWER
MIRROR...........................8N-12
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, POWER
WINDOW...........................8N-24
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, PTO..........14-48
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, SEAT BELT.....8O-28
SWITCH - DESCRIPTION, WASHER
FLUID LEVEL.........................8R-7
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS & TESTING, DOOR
CYLINDER LOCK......................8N-5
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS & TESTING,
DRIVER POWER SEAT................8N-16
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS & TESTING,
HEATED SEAT...................8G-14,8G-8
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS & TESTING,
PASSENGER POWER SEAT.............8N-19
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
A/C HIGH PRESSURE.................24-20
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
A/C LOW PRESSURE..................24-21
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
BLOWER MOTOR....................24-25
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
BRAKE LAMP........................8L-5
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
DOOR AJAR.........................8L-34
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
HEADLAMP.........................8L-18
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
HEATED MIRROR.....................8G-3
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
HORN..............................8H-5
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
IGNITION...........................19-11
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
MULTI-FUNCTION....................8L-25
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION......21-237,21-408,
21-583,21-755
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
POWER LOCK........................8N-8
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
POWER WINDOW....................8N-24
SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
SEAT BELT .........................8O-28
SWITCH - INSPECTION, NEUTRAL
SAFETY............................30-19
SWITCH - INSTALLATION..............8P-13
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, A/C HIGH
PRESSURE.........................24-21
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, A/C LOW
PRESSURE.........................24-22
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, BRAKE LAMP . . . 8L-5
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, DOOR AJAR . . . 8L-35
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, DOOR
CYLINDER LOCK......................8N-6
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, DRIVER
POWER SEAT.......................8N-17
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, DRIVER SEAT
HEATER.............................8G-9
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, GLOVE BOX
LAMP..............................8L-35
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, HEADLAMP
....8L-20
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, IGNITION
......19-12
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, MULTI-
FUNCTION
..........................8L-28
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, OVERDRIVE
. . 21-386,
21-579,21-733
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, OVERDRIVE
OFF
..............................21-215SWITCH - INSTALLATION, PARK/
NEUTRAL POSITION.....21-238,21-408,21-583,
21-755
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, PASSENGER
AIRBAG ON/OFF.....................8O-25
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, PASSENGER
POWER SEAT.......................8N-20
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, PASSENGER
SEAT HEATER .......................8G-16
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, POWER
MIRROR...........................8N-13
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, POWER
WINDOW...........................8N-26
SWITCH - INSTALLATION, WASHER
FLUID LEVEL.........................8R-8
SWITCH - OPERATION................8P-12
SWITCH - OPERATION, A/C HIGH
PRESSURE.........................24-20
SWITCH - OPERATION, A/C LOW
PRESSURE.........................24-21
SWITCH - OPERATION, BLOWER MOTOR . . 24-25
SWITCH - OPERATION, BRAKE LAMP......8L-4
SWITCH - OPERATION, CLUTCH PEDAL
POSITION...........................6-22
SWITCH - OPERATION, DOOR CYLINDER
LOCK...............................8N-5
SWITCH - OPERATION, DRIVER POWER
SEAT ..............................8N-16
SWITCH - OPERATION, DRIVER SEAT
HEATER.............................8G-7
SWITCH - OPERATION, HEADLAMP......8L-18
SWITCH - OPERATION, HORN...........8H-5
SWITCH - OPERATION, IGNITION........19-11
SWITCH - OPERATION, LUMBAR
CONTROL..........................8N-18
SWITCH - OPERATION, MIRROR.........8G-3
SWITCH - OPERATION, MULTI-FUNCTION . 8L-24
SWITCH - OPERATION, OVERDRIVE....21-385,
21-579,21-732
SWITCH - OPERATION, OVERDRIVE OFF . 21-215
SWITCH - OPERATION, PASSENGER
AIRBAG ON/OFF.....................8O-24
SWITCH - OPERATION, PASSENGER
POWER SEAT.......................8N-19
SWITCH - OPERATION, PASSENGER
SEAT HEATER .......................8G-14
SWITCH - OPERATION, POWER LOCK.....8N-8
SWITCH - OPERATION, POWER MIRROR . . 8N-12
SWITCH - OPERATION, POWER WINDOW . 8N-24
SWITCH - OPERATION, PTO......14-104,14-48
SWITCH - OPERATION, SEAT BELT.......8O-28
SWITCH - OPERATION, WASHER FLUID
LEVEL..............................8R-7
SWITCH - REMOVAL..................8P-13
SWITCH - REMOVAL, A/C HIGH
PRESSURE.........................24-21
SWITCH - REMOVAL, A/C LOW
PRESSURE.........................24-21
SWITCH - REMOVAL, BLOWER MOTOR . . . 24-25
SWITCH - REMOVAL, BRAKE LAMP.......8L-5
SWITCH - REMOVAL, DOOR AJAR.......8L-35
SWITCH - REMOVAL, DOOR CYLINDER
LOCK...............................8N-6
SWITCH - REMOVAL, DRIVER POWER
SEAT ..............................8N-17
SWITCH - REMOVAL, DRIVER SEAT
HEATER.............................8G-9
SWITCH - REMOVAL, GLOVE BOX LAMP . . 8L-35
SWITCH - REMOVAL, HEADLAMP........8L-19
SWITCH - REMOVAL, IGNITION.........19-12
SWITCH - REMOVAL, LUMBAR
CONTROL..........................8N-18
SWITCH - REMOVAL, MULTI-FUNCTION . . . 8L-27
SWITCH - REMOVAL, OVERDRIVE......21-386,
21-579,21-733
SWITCH - REMOVAL, OVERDRIVE OFF . . . 21-215
SWITCH - REMOVAL, PARK/NEUTRAL
POSITION.......21-238,21-408,21-583,21-755
SWITCH - REMOVAL, PASSENGER
AIRBAG ON/OFF.....................8O-24
SWITCH - REMOVAL, PASSENGER
POWER SEAT
.......................8N-20
SWITCH - REMOVAL, PASSENGER SEAT
HEATER
............................8G-15
SWITCH - REMOVAL, POWER MIRROR
. . . 8N-12
SWITCH - REMOVAL, POWER WINDOW
. . 8N-25
SWITCH - REMOVAL, WASHER FLUID
LEVEL
..............................8R-8SWITCH AND KEY LOCK CYLINDER -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING, IGNITION.....19-10
SWITCHES - DESCRIPTION, REMOTE.....8A-15
SWITCHES - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING,
REMOTE...........................8A-16
SWITCHES - INSPECTION, LIGHTS.......30-12
SWITCHES - OPERATION, REMOTE......8A-15
SYMBOLS - DESCRIPTION,
INTERNATIONAL....................Intro.-6
SYMBOLS - DESCRIPTION,
INTERNATIONAL.......................0-3
SYSTEM AIRFLOW - DESCRIPTION,
HVAC..............................24-31
SYSTEM CHARGE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE, REFRIGERANT............24-46
SYSTEM CLEANING/REVERSE FLUSHING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE, COOLING......7-16
SYSTEM DIESEL ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING, COOLING................7-12
SYSTEM EVACUATE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE, REFRIGERANT............24-45
SYSTEM FLOW - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L ENGINE
- DESCRIPTION, COOLING...............7-1
SYSTEM FLOW - 5.9L DIESEL -
DESCRIPTION, COOLING.................7-1
SYSTEM GAS ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING, COOLING.....................7-7
SYSTEM LEAKS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING, COOLING.....................7-5
SYSTEM LEAKS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING, REFRIGERANT...............24-43
SYSTEM PARTS - STANDARD
PROCEDURES, CLEANING FUEL...........14-57
SYSTEM PRESSURE - GAS ENGINES -
SPECIFICATIONS, FUEL.................14-4
SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE -
STANDARD PROCEDURE, FUEL..........14-3
SYSTEM PRESSURES, DIESEL ENGINES
- FUEL.............................14-58
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS -
DESCRIPTION, COOLING................24-1
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE,
REFRIGERANT.......................24-44
SYSTEM SERVICE PORT - DESCRIPTION,
REFRIGERANT........................24-1
SYSTEM SERVICE PORT - OPERATION,
REFRIGERANT........................24-2
SYSTEM, SPECIAL TOOLS - DIESEL
FUEL..............................14-59
SYSTEM, SPECIAL TOOLS - FUEL . . . 14-36,14-4
SYSTEM, SPECIFICATIONS - STARTING . . . 8F-38
SYSTEMS - DESCRIPTION, MONITORED . . 25-15
SYSTEMS, SPECIAL TOOLS - AUDIO......8A-4
SYSTEMS, SPECIAL TOOLS - OVERHEAD
CONSOLE...........................8M-8
SYSTEMS, SPECIAL TOOLS - POWER
DISTRIBUTION....................8W-97-2
TABLE, SPECIFICATIONS - A/C
APPLICATION........................24-8
TACHOMETER - DESCRIPTION..........8J-30
TACHOMETER - OPERATION............8J-31
TAIL LAMP - DESCRIPTION............8L-29
TAIL LAMP - INSTALLATION............8L-30
TAIL LAMP - OPERATION..............8L-29
TAIL LAMP - REMOVAL................8L-29
TAIL LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION.......8L-30
TAIL LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL...........8L-30
TAILGATE - INSTALLATION.............23-66
TAILGATE - REMOVAL.................23-66
TAILPIPE - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L - INSPECTION . . 11-11
TAILPIPE - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L -
INSTALLATION.......................11-12
TAILPIPE - 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L - REMOVAL....11-11
TAILPIPE - 5.9L DIESEL - INSPECTION....11-12
TAILPIPE - 5.9L DIESEL - INSTALLATION . . 11-12
TAILPIPE - 5.9L DIESEL - REMOVAL.....11-12
TAILPIPE - 5.9L HEAVY DUTY/8.0L -
INSPECTION........................11-12
TAILPIPE - 5.9L HEAVY DUTY/8.0L -
INSTALLATION.......................11-12
TAILPIPE - 5.9L HEAVY DUTY/8.0L -
REMOVAL..........................11-12
TANK - DESCRIPTION, DIESEL FUEL
.....14-78
TANK - DESCRIPTION, FUEL
............14-19
TANK - INSTALLATION, FUEL
...........14-20
TANK - OPERATION, FUEL
..............14-19
TANK - REMOVAL, FUEL
...............14-19
34 INDEXBR/BE
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