2002 DODGE RAM ECU

SHUTFACE HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove cargo door trim panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - CARGO/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Peel back waterdam.
(3) Disengage upper and lower latch release rods
from shutface handle (Fig. 14).
(4) Disengage cargo door release cable.
(5) Remove screws attaching shutface handle to
cargo door (Fig. 15).
(6) Separate handle from cargo door.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position handle in cargo door.
(2) Install screws attaching shutface handle to
cargo door (Fig. 15).
(3) Engage cargo door release cable.
CAUTION: When engaging upper and lower latch
release rods to shutface handle, ensure the upper
latch rod is pushed all the way up and the lower
latch rod is pushed all the way down before engag-
ing into the shutface handle.
(4) Engage upper and lower latch release rods to
shutface handle.
(5) Cycle the shutface handle and verify operation.
(6) Reposition waterdam.
(7) Install cargo door trim panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - CARGO/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION).
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screws attaching the cargo door
pull cup to the cargo door (Fig. 16).
(2) Remove the screw attaching the inside release
handle to the cargo door.
NOTE: The cargo door trim panel is secured to the
cargo door with spring clips and push-in fasteners
(Fig. 17).
(3) Using a trim panel removal tool, remove the
push-in fasteners attaching the trim panel to the
cargo door.
Fig. 13 Shutface Door Handle
1 - RELEASE CABLE
2 - SHUTFACE DOOR HANDLE
Fig. 14 Cargo Door Latch Rods
1 - UPPER LATCH ROD
2 - SHUTFACE HANDLE
3 - LOWER LATCH ROD
Fig. 15 Shutface Handle
1 - CARGO DOOR RELEASE CABLE
2 - CARGO DOOR
3 - SHUTFACE DOOR HANDLE
BR/BEDOOR - CARGO 23 - 83
RELEASE CABLE (Continued)

2(4) Pull the trim panel outward to disengage the
spring clips.
(5) Separate the trim panel from the cargo door.
(6) Disengage the cargo door release cable from
the inside release handle (Fig. 18).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: When replacing door trim panel, installer
must replace the X-mas tree style pins.
(1) Engage the cargo door release cable to the
inside release handle (Fig. 18).
(2) Position the trim panel on the cargo door.
(3) Align all fasteners and starting at the top of
the panel, push into place to secure.
(4) Install the screw attaching the inside release
handle to the cargo door.
(5) Install the screws attaching the cargo door pull
cup to the cargo door (Fig. 16).
Fig. 16 Cargo Door Trim Panel
1 - CARGO DOOR
2 - PUSH-IN FASTENER
3 - SPRING CLIP
4 - CARGO DOOR TRIM
5 - PULL CUP
6 - INSIDE HANDLEFig. 17 Cargo Door Trim Panel Fasteners
1 - CARGO DOOR TRIM PANEL
2 - SPRING CLIPS
3 - PUSH-IN FASTENERS
4 - INSIDE RELEASE HANDLE
Fig. 18 Cargo Door Release Cable
1 - CARGO DOOR RELEASE CABLE
2 - CARGO DOOR RELEASE HANDLE
23 - 84 DOOR - CARGOBR/BE
TRIM PANEL (Continued)

LEFT FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove air cleaner from wheelhouse (DIESEL
ONLY).
(3) Remove coolant overflow bottle (V-10 ONLY).
(4) Remove battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove screws attaching power distribution
center to left wheelhouse (Fig. 14).
(6) Disengage wire harness tie-downs from wheel-
house.
(7) Disconnect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(8) Disconnect wiring harness to airbag sensor and
remove airbag sensor from wheelhouse.
(9) Remove bolts attaching anti-lock brake control-
ler to wheelhouse (Fig. 14), if equipped.
(10) Disengage windshield washer tubing tie-
downs from wheelhouse (Fig. 14).
(11) Remove bolts attaching front fender to cowl
reinforcement (Fig. 15).
(12) Remove bolts attaching front fender to radia-
tor closure panel (Fig. 16).
(13) Remove bolts attaching bottom of front fender
to rocker panel lower flange.
(14) Open left door.
(15) Remove bolt attaching front fender to hinge
pillar mounting bracket.
(16) Remove bolts attaching top of fender to radia-
tor closure panel.
(17) Separate left front fender from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position left front fender on vehicle.
(2) Install bolts attaching top of fender to radiator
closure panel.
(3) Install bolt attaching front fender to hinge pil-
lar mounting bracket.
(4) Install bolts attaching bottom of front fender to
rocker panel lower flange.
(5) Install bolts attaching front fender to radiator
closure panel.
(6) Install bolts attaching front fender to cowl rein-
forcement.
(7) Secure windshield washer tubing tie-downs to
wheelhouse.
(8) Install anti-lock brake controller to wheel-
house, if equipped.
(9) Install airbag sensor to wheelhouse and con-
nect wiring harness to airbag sensor.
(10) Connect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
Fig. 14 Left Front Fender Access Components
1 - ABS CONTROLLER
2 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
3 - BATTERY
4 - FENDER
5 - WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR
6 - BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
Fig. 15 Fender to Cowl ReinforcementÐTypical
1 - BOLT
2 - FENDER
3 - FENDERÐTOÐCOWL REINFORCEMENT
BR/BEEXTERIOR 23 - 93

(11) Secure wire harness tie-downs to wheelhouse.
(12) Install power distribution center to wheel-
house.
(13) Install battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(14) Install coolant overflow bottle (V-10 ONLY).
(15) Install air cleaner (DIESEL ONLY).
(16) Install front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
INSTALLATION).
RIGHT FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.
(3) Remove auxiliary battery and tray on right
side, if equipped.
(4) Disengage wire harness tie-downs from wheel-
house.
(5) Disconnect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(6) Disconnect wiring harness to airbag sensor and
remove airbag sensor from wheelhouse.
(7) Remove front wheelhouse liner (Fig. 13) (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT END SPLASH
SHIELDS - REMOVAL).
(8) Disengage air conditioning tubing from inner
fender clips.
(9) Remove bolts attaching front fender to cowl
reinforcement (Fig. 15).
(10) Remove bolts attaching front fender to radia-
tor closure panel.(11) Remove bolts attaching bottom of front fender
to rocker panel lower flange (Fig. 17).
(12) Open right door.
(13) Remove bolt attaching front fender to hinge
pillar mounting bracket (Fig. 17).
(14) Remove bolts attaching top of fender to radia-
tor closure panel (Fig. 17).
(15) Separate right front fender from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fender on vehicle.
(2) Install bolts attaching top of fender to radiator
closure panel.
(3) Install bolt attaching front fender to hinge pil-
lar mounting bracket.
(4) Install bolts attaching bottom of front fender to
rocker panel lower flange.
(5) Install bolts attaching front fender to radiator
closure panel.
(6) Install bolts attaching front fender to cowl rein-
forcement.
(7) Secure air conditioning tubing to inner fender
clips.
(8) Install front wheelhouse liner (Refer to 23 -
BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT END SPLASH SHIELDS
- INSTALLATION).
(9) Install airbag sensor and connect wiring har-
ness to airbag sensor.
(10) Connect wiring harness to headlamp connec-
tor.
(11) Secure wire harness tie-downs to wheelhouse.
(12) Install auxiliary battery tray and battery on
right side, if equipped.
(13) Connect battery negative cable.
(14) Install front bumper (Refer to 13 - FRAMES
& BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT BUMPER -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 16 Left Fender to Radiator Closure Panel
Fasteners
1 - LEFT FENDER
2 - RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL
Fig. 17 Right Front Fender
1 - RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL
2 - RIGHT FENDER
23 - 94 EXTERIORBR/BE
LEFT FRONT FENDER (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION........................105
OPERATION..........................106
ASH RECEIVER
REMOVAL............................107
INSTALLATION........................107
CLUSTER BEZEL
REMOVAL............................108
INSTALLATION........................108
CUBBY BIN
REMOVAL............................108
INSTALLATION........................109
CUP HOLDER
REMOVAL............................109
INSTALLATION........................110
GLOVE BOX
REMOVAL
REMOVAL..........................110
DISASSEMBLY - GLOVE BOX...........110
ASSEMBLY - GLOVE BOX................111INSTALLATION........................111
GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL............................111
INSTALLATION........................112
GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL............................112
INSTALLATION........................112
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
REMOVAL............................113
INSTALLATION........................113
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
REMOVAL............................113
INSTALLATION........................114
STORAGE BIN
REMOVAL............................114
INSTALLATION........................114
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL............................115
INSTALLATION........................117
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), accessory
switches, 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.
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 105

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
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 of
access 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.
23 - 106 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)

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) 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. 1).
(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.
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 ash receiver flame shield to the
instrument panel (Fig. 1).
(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 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.
Fig. 1 Instrument Panel Ash Receiver Remove/
Install
1 - SCREW
2 - ASH RECEIVER
3 - FLAME SHIELD
BR/BEINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 107

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) 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. 2).
(5) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel.
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 to the instrument
panel (Fig. 2).
(2) Align the snap clips on the cluster bezel with
the receptacles in the instrument panel.
(3) Press firmly on the cluster bezel over each of
the snap clip locations until each of the snap clips is
fully engaged in its receptacle.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
CUBBY BIN
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) 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 three screws that secure the cubby
bin to the instrument panel (Fig. 3).
(4) Remove the cubby bin from the instrument
panel.
Fig. 2 Cluster Bezel Remove/Install
1 - CLUSTER BEZEL
23 - 108 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMBR/BE