2001 DODGE RAM climate control

²Clockspring- The clockspring is located near
the top of the steering column, directly beneath the
steering wheel.
²Driver Airbag- The driver airbag is located in
the center of the steering wheel, beneath the driver
airbag trim cover.
²Driver Knee Blocker- The driver knee blocker
is a molded plastic structural unit secured to the
back side of and integral to the instrument panel
steering column opening cover.
²Passenger Airbag- The passenger airbag is
located on the instrument panel, beneath the passen-
ger airbag door on the instrument panel above the
glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle.
²Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch- The pas-
senger airbag on/off switch is located in a dedicated
opening in the upper right corner of the instrument
panel cluster bezel, to the right of the center panel
outlets of the climate control system.
²Passenger Knee Blocker- The passenger knee
blocker is a structural reinforcement that is integral
to and concealed within the glove box door.
The ACM and the EMIC each contain a central
processing unit and programming that allow them to
communicate with each other using the Chrysler Col-
lision Detection (CCD) data bus network. This
method of communication is used for control of the
airbag indicator on all models. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION).
Hard wired circuitry connects the airbag system
components to each other through the electrical sys-
tem of the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are
integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed
throughout the vehicle and retained by many differ-
ent methods. These circuits may be connected to each
other, to the vehicle electrical system, and to the air-
bag system components through the use of a combi-
nation of soldered splices, splice block connectors,and many different types of wire harness terminal
connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information. The wiring information includes
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair
procedures, further details on wire harness routing
and retention, as well as pin-out and location views
for the various wire harness connectors, splices and
grounds.
OPERATION
The airbag system is referred to as a supplemental
restraint system because it was designed and is
intended to enhance the protection for the front seat
occupants of the vehicleonlywhen used in conjunc-
tion with the seat belts. It is referred to as a passive
system because the vehicle occupants are not
required to do anything to make it work. The pri-
mary passenger restraints in this or any other vehi-
cle are the standard equipment factory-installed seat
belts. Seat belts are referred to as an active restraint
because the vehicle occupants are required to physi-
cally fasten and properly adjust these restraints in
order to benefit from them. The vehicle occupants
must be wearing their seat belts in order to obtain
the maximum safety benefit from the factory-in-
stalled airbag system.
The airbag system electrical circuits are continu-
ously monitored and controlled by a microprocessor
and software contained within the Airbag Control
Module (ACM). An airbag indicator in the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) lights for about
seven seconds as a bulb test each time the ignition
switch is turned to the On or Start positions. Follow-
ing the bulb test, the airbag indicator is turned on or
off by the ACM to indicate the status of the airbag
system. If the airbag indicator comes on at any time
other than during the bulb test, it indicates that
there is a problem in the airbag system electrical cir-
cuits. Such a problem may cause the airbags not to
deploy when required, or to deploy when not
required.
The clockspring on the top of the steering column
allows a continuous electrical circuit to be main-
tained between the stationary steering column and
the driver airbag inflator, which rotates with the
steering wheel. The passenger airbag on/off switch
allows the passenger side airbag to be disabled when
circumstances necessitate that a child, or an adult
with certain medical conditions be placed in the front
passenger seating position. Refer to the owner's man-
ual in the vehicle glove box for specific recommenda-
tions concerning the specific circumstances where the
passenger airbag on/off switch should be used to dis-
able the passenger airbag.
Fig. 1 SRS Logo
8O - 2 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
RESTRAINTS (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

hook formations on the lower edge of the glove box
door are engaged with and pivot on three hinge pins
integral to the lower edge of the instrument panel
support structure. The glove box door also serves as
the passenger side knee blocker. A honeycomb struc-
ture between the inner and outer glove box door pan-
els helps to absorb the impact load and distribute it
to the instrument panel structure.
²Steering Column Opening Cover- The steer-
ing column opening cover serves as the driver side
knee blocker. This molded plastic cover has an inte-
gral ribbed plastic liner concealed behind it, for
increased strength and integrity. The steering column
opening cover transfers impact loads to the instru-
ment panel structural support.
²Top Cover- The instrument panel top cover or
base trim is the molded, grained, and color impreg-
nated plastic outer skin of the instrument panel
structural support.
Hard wired circuitry connects the electrical compo-
nents on the instrument panel to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system
and to the instrument panel components through the
use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block
connectors and many different types of wire harness
terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes complete circuit diagrams, proper wire
and connector repair procedures, further details on
wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-
out and location views for the various wire harness
connectors, splices, and grounds.
OPERATION
The instrument panel serves as the command cen-
ter of the vehicle, which necessarily makes it a very
complex unit. The instrument panel is designed to
house the controls and monitors for standard and
optional powertrains, climate control systems, audio
systems, safety systems, and many other comfort or
convenience items. When the components of the
instrument panel structural support are properly
assembled and secured in the vehicle they provide
superior instrument panel stiffness and integrity to
help reduce buzzes, squeaks, and rattles. This type of
construction also provides improved energy absorp-
tion which, in conjunction with the dual airbags and
seat belts, helps to improve occupant protection.
The instrument panel is also designed so that all of
the various controls can be safely reached and the
monitors can be easily viewed by the vehicle operator
when driving, while still allowing relative ease ofaccess to each of these items for service. Modular
instrument panel construction allows all of the
gauges and controls to be serviced from the front of
the panel. In addition, most of the instrument panel
electrical components can be accessed without com-
plete instrument panel removal. However, if neces-
sary, the instrument panel can be removed from the
vehicle as an assembly.
The steering column opening cover with its inte-
gral knee blocker located on the driver side of the
instrument panel works in conjunction with the air-
bag system in a frontal vehicle impact to keep the
driver properly positioned for an airbag deployment.
In addition, removal of this component provides
access to the steering column mounts, the steering
column wiring, the Junction Block (JB) (removal of a
snap-fit fuse access panel on the left end of the
instrument panel allows access to the fuses and cir-
cuit breakers), the Central Timer Module (CTM), the
Infinity speaker filter choke and relay unit, much of
the instrument panel wiring, and the gear selector
indicator cable (automatic transmission).
In a frontal collision, the glove box door on the pas-
senger side of the instrument panel provides the
same function for the front seat passenger as the
knee blocker does for the driver. The glove box door
also incorporates a recessed latch handle. Removal of
the glove box provides access to the passenger airbag,
the glove box lamp and switch, the radio antenna
coaxial cable, the heating and air conditioning vac-
uum harness connector, and additional instrument
panel wiring.
Removal of the instrument panel cluster bezel
allows access to the headlamp switch, instrument
cluster, radio, passenger airbag on-off switch, heated
seat switches (if equipped), and the heating and air
conditioning control. Removal of the instrument clus-
ter allows access to the cluster illumination and indi-
cator bulbs, and more of the instrument panel
wiring. Complete instrument panel removal is
required for service of most components internal to
the heating and air conditioning system housing,
including the heater core and the evaporator.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the components and systems mounted on or
in the instrument panel.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 105
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)

(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to fused battery feed. There should be bat-
tery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 30 at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the fuse in the PDC as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is not
used in this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal cavity (87) is
connected to the compressor clutch coil. There should
be continuity between this cavity and the A/C com-
pressor clutch relay output circuit cavity of the com-
pressor clutch coil wire harness connector. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit as
required.
(4) The relay coil battery terminal (86) is con-
nected to the fused ignition switch output (run/start)
circuit. There should be battery voltage at the cavity
for relay terminal 86 with the ignition switch in the
On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the
open circuit to the fuse in the junction block as
required.
(5) The coil ground terminal cavity (85) is switched
to ground through the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). There should be continuity between this cav-
ity and the A/C compressor clutch relay control cir-
cuit cavity of the PCM wire harness connector C
(gray) at all times. If not OK, repair the open circuit
as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 17).(3) Refer to the label on the PDC for compressor
clutch relay identification and location.
(4) Unplug the compressor clutch relay from the
PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the compressor clutch relay by aligning
the relay terminals with the cavities in the PDC and
pushing the relay firmly into place.
(2) Install the PDC cover.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
(4) Test the relay operation.
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
Both the heater-only and a/c heater systems use a
combination of electrical and vacuum controls. These
controls provide the vehicle operator with a number
of setting options to help control the climate and
comfort within the vehicle. Refer to the owner's man-
ual in the vehicle glove box for more information on
the features, use, and suggested operation of these
controls.
OPERATION
The heater-only or a/c heater control panel is
located to the right of the instrument cluster on the
instrument panel. The control panel contains a rota-
ry-type temperature control knob, a rotary-type mode
control switch knob, and a rotary-type blower motor
speed switch knob. On models with the optional
heated mirror system, a momentary push button
switch and indicator lamp are located near the bot-
Fig. 16 COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 17 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
1 - COVER
2 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
24 - 18 CONTROLSBR/BE
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY (Continued)