2003 DODGE RAM hood latch

REMOVAL
REMOVAL - EXCEPT V-10 OR DIESEL ENGINE
(1) Unlatch and open the hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the fasteners securing the coolant
recovery container or the coolant pressure container
to the top of the cooling module and move the con-
tainer aside. It is not necessary to open or drain the
engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER -
REMOVAL) or (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
COOLANT RECOVERY PRESSURE CONTAINER -
REMOVAL).
(4) Disconnect the reservoir washer hose from the
barbed nipple of the inline fitting at the engine com-
partment washer hose in the right headlamp and
dash wire harness and allow the washer fluid to
drain from the reservoir into a clean container for
reuse (Fig. 15).(5) Disconnect the right headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer fluid level switch
from the switch connector receptacle.
(6) Disconnect the right headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer pump/motor unit
from the motor connector receptacle.
(7) Grasp the bottom of the washer reservoir
firmly with both hands and pull the unit sharply
upward to disengage the locking feature on the
washer reservoir from the depression in the radiator
shroud.
(8) Continue lifting the washer reservoir upward
far enough to disengage the three mounting tabs (one
at the top and two at the bottom) from the channel-
like slot at the top and the two slots at the bottom of
the radiator shroud.
(9) Remove the washer reservoir from the right
side of the engine compartment.
REMOVAL - V-10 OR DIESEL ENGINE
(1) Unlatch and open the hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Disengage the reservoir washer hose from the
integral routing clips on the top of the radiator fan
shroud (Fig. 16).
Fig. 15 Washer Reservoir Remove/Install
1-TOPTAB
2 - RADIATOR SHROUD
3 - TOP SLOT
4 - RIGHT HEADLAMP & DASH WIRE HARNESS
5 - ENGINE COMPARTMENT WASHER HOSE
6 - BOTTOM SLOT (2)
7 - RESERVOIR WASHER HOSE
8 - BOTTOM TAB (2)
9 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
10 - WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
11 - WASHER RESERVOIR
12 - LOCK FEATURE
Fig. 16 Washer Reservoir Connections - V-10 &
Diesel Engine
1 - WIRE HARNESS
2 - WASHER RESERVOIR
3 - WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
4 - WASHER HOSE
5 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
8R - 16 WIPERS/WASHERSDR
WASHER RESERVOIR (Continued)

(4) Disconnect the reservoir washer hose from the
barbed nipple of the inline fitting at the engine com-
partment washer hose in the right headlamp and
dash wire harness and allow the washer fluid to
drain from the reservoir into a clean container for
reuse.
(5) Disconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer fluid level switch
from the switch connector receptacle.
(6) Disconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer pump/motor unit
from the motor connector receptacle.
(7) Remove the two screws that secure the washer
reservoir to the left vertical member of the radiator
support (Fig. 17).
(8) Remove the washer reservoir from the left side
of the engine compartment.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - EXCEPT V-10 OR DIESEL
ENGINE
(1) Position the washer reservoir into the right
side of the engine compartment.
(2) Align and insert the three mounting tabs (one
at the top and two at the bottom) into the two slots
at the bottom and the channel-like slot at the top of
the radiator shroud (Fig. 15).
(3) Place both hands on the top of the washer res-
ervoir and push the unit downward far enough for
the locking feature on the washer reservoir to snap
into the depression in the radiator shroud.(4) Reconnect the right headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer pump/motor unit to
the motor connector receptacle.
(5) Reconnect the right headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer fluid level switch to
the switch connector receptacle.
(6) Reconnect the reservoir washer hose to the
barbed nipple of the inline fitting at the engine com-
partment washer hose in the right headlamp and
dash wire harness.
(7) Reposition the coolant recovery container or the
coolant pressure container to the top of the cooling
module and reinstall the fasteners that secure it
there. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT
RECOVERY CONTAINER - INSTALLATION) or
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT RECOV-
ERY PRESSURE CONTAINER - INSTALLATION).
(8) Refill the washer reservoir with the washer
fluid drained from the reservoir during the removal
procedure.
(9) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(10) Close and latch the hood.
INSTALLATION - V-10 OR DIESEL ENGINE
(1) Position the washer reservoir into the left side
of the engine compartment (Fig. 17).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the washer reservoir to the left vertical member of
the radiator support. Tighten the screws to 10 N´m
(85 in. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer pump/motor unit to
the motor connector receptacle (Fig. 16).
(4) Reconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer fluid level switch to
the switch connector receptacle.
(5) Reconnect the reservoir washer hose to the
barbed nipple of the inline fitting at the engine com-
partment washer hose in the right headlamp and
dash wire harness.
(6) Engage the reservoir washer hose into the inte-
gral routing clips on the top of the radiator fan
shroud.
(7) Refill the washer reservoir with the washer
fluid drained from the reservoir during the removal
procedure.
(8) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(9) Close and latch the hood.
Fig. 17 Washer Reservoir Remove/Install - V-10 &
Diesel Engine
1 - RESERVOIR WASHER HOSE
2 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - WASHER RESERVOIR
DRWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 17
WASHER RESERVOIR (Continued)

²Motor- The wiper motor features an integral
die cast bracket to which the wiper module bracket is
secured with a stamped steel clamp and two screws
near the top and which has two rubber insulated
mounting ears at the bottom. This die casting also
serves as the wiper motor transmission housing from
which the wiper motor output shaft exits. A nut
secures the wiper motor crank arm to the motor out-
put shaft. The two-speed permanent magnet wiper
motor features an integral transmission, an internal
park switch, and an internal automatic resetting cir-
cuit breaker.
²Pivots- The two front wiper pivots are secured
within the die cast pivot brackets on the outboard
ends of the wiper module main member. The lever
arms that extend from the center of the pivot shafts
each have a ball stud on their end. The upper end of
each pivot shaft where the wiper arms will be fas-
tened each has a serrated driver with a keyway. The
lower ends of the pivot shafts are installed through
lubricated bushings in the pivot brackets and are
secured with snap rings.
The wiper module cannot be adjusted or repaired.
If any component of the module is faulty or damaged,
the entire wiper module unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper module operation is controlled by the
battery current inputs received by the wiper motor
through the wiper on/off and wiper high/low relays.
The wiper motor speed is controlled by current flow
to either the low speed or the high speed set of
brushes. The park switch is a single pole, single
throw, momentary switch within the wiper motor
that is mechanically actuated by the wiper motor
transmission components. The park switch alter-
nately opens and closes the wiper park switch sense
circuit to ground, depending upon the position of the
wipers on the glass. This feature allows the motor to
complete its current wipe cycle after the wiper sys-
tem has been turned Off, and to park the wiper
blades in the lowest portion of the wipe pattern. The
automatic resetting circuit breaker protects the
motor from overloads. The wiper motor crank arm,
the two wiper linkage members, and the two wiper
pivots mechanically convert the rotary output of the
wiper motor to the back and forth wiping motion of
the wiper arms and blades on the glass.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove both wiper arms from the wiper pivots.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARM - REMOVAL).
(2) Unlatch and open the hood.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4) Remove the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
from over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the wiper motor from the
motor pigtail wire connector (Fig. 26).
(6) Remove the two screws that secure the wiper
module to the top of the cowl plenum panel at the
pivot brackets.
(7) Remove the two screws that secure the wiper
module to the bottom of the cowl plenum panel.
(8) Remove the wiper module from the cowl ple-
num panel as a unit.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wiper module into the cowl ple-
num as a unit (Fig. 26).
(2) Install the two screws that secure the wiper
module to the top of the cowl plenum panel at the
pivot brackets. Tighten the screw on the driver side,
followed by the screw on the passenger side. Tighten
the screws to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(3) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
wiper module to the bottom of the cowl plenum
panel. Tighten the screw on the passenger side, fol-
lowed by the screw on the driver side. Tighten the
screws to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the wiper motor to the motor
pigtail wire connector.
(5) Reinstall the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(7) Close and latch the hood.
(8) Reinstall both wiper arms onto the wiper piv-
ots. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARMS - INSTALLATION).
DRWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 23
WIPER MODULE (Continued)

BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE . . . 2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BODY
LUBRICATION.........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING . . 3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUZZ, SQUEAK
& RATTLE...........................11
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE..............12SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY..............................14
TAILGATE..............................15
DOOR - FRONT.........................18
DOORS - REAR.........................28
EXTERIOR.............................36
HOOD.................................46
INSTRUMENT PANEL.....................50
INTERIOR..............................63
PAINT.................................74
SEATS................................76
STATIONARY GLASS.....................86
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS...................91
BODY STRUCTURE......................95
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE AN OSHA APPROVED BREATHING
FILTER WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN
A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
²AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL ± BASED CLEANING
SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT STAND UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE
THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: When holes must be drilled or punched
in an inner body panel, verify depth of space to the
outer body panel, electrical wiring, or other compo-
nents. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible
material on the interior of vehicle is removed from
the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can
result.
²Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use
when welding.
²Disconnect the negative (-) cable clamp from
the battery when servicing electrical components
that are live when the ignition is OFF. Damage to
electrical system can result.²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds
on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result.
²Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning sol-
vents on painted or upholstered surfaces. Damage
to finish or color can result.
²Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel
when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can
break.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing,
improper body component alignment, body seam
porosity, missing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Cen-
trifugal and gravitational force can cause water to
drip from a location away from the actual leak point,
making leak detection difficult. All body sealing
points should be water tight in normal wet-driving
conditions. Water flowing downward from the front of
the vehicle should not enter the passenger or luggage
compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment during high pres-
sure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi-
tions. Overcompensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After completing
a repair, water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
DRBODY 23 - 1

ROAD TESTING WIND NOISE
(1) Drive the vehicle to verify the general location
of the wind noise.
(2) Apply 50 mm (2 in.) masking tape in 150 mm
(6 in.) lengths along weatherstrips, weld seams or
moldings. After each length is applied, drive the vehi-
cle. If noise goes away after a piece of tape is applied,
remove tape, locate, and repair defect.
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF WIND NOISE
²Moldings standing away from body surface can
catch wind and whistle.
²Gaps in sealed areas behind overhanging body
flanges can cause wind-rushing sounds.
²Misaligned movable components.
²Missing or improperly installed plugs in pillars.
²Weld burn through holes.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BODY LUBRICATION
All mechanisms and linkages should be lubricated
when necessary. This will maintain ease of operation
and provide protection against rust and excessive
wear. The weatherstrip seals should be lubricated to
prolong their life as well as to improve door sealing.
All applicable exterior and interior vehicle operat-
ing mechanisms should be inspected and cleaned.
Pivot/sliding contact areas on the mechanisms should
then be lubricated.
(1) When necessary, lubricate the operating mech-
anisms with the specified lubricants.
(2) Apply silicone lubricant to a cloth and wipe it
on door seals to avoid over-spray that can soil pas-
senger's clothing.
(3) Before applying lubricant, the component
should be wiped clean. After lubrication, any excess
lubricant should be removed.
(4) The hood latch, latch release mechanism, latch
striker, and safety latch should be lubricated period-
ically.
(5) The door lock cylinders should be lubricated
twice each year (preferably autumn and spring).
²Spray a small amount of lock cylinder lubricant
directly into the lock cylinder.
²Apply a small amount to the key and insert it
into the lock cylinder.
²Rotate it to the locked position and then back to
the unlocked position several times.
²Remove the key. Wipe the lubricant from it with
a clean cloth to avoid soiling of clothing.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING
(1) Remove trim panel.(2) Bend or move the trim panel components at
the heat staked joints. Observe the heat staked loca-
tions and/or component seams for looseness.
(3) Heat stake the components.
(a) If the heat staked or component seam loca-
tion is loose, hold the two components tightly
together and using a soldering gun with a flat tip,
melt the material securing the components
together. Do not over heat the affected area, dam-
age to the exterior of the trim panel may occur.
(b) If the heat staked material is broken or miss-
ing, use a hot glue gun to apply new material to
the area to be repaired. The panels that are being
heat staked must be held together while the apply-
ing the glue. Once the new material is in place, it
may be necessary to use a soldering gun to melt
the newly applied material. Do not over heat the
affected area, damage to the exterior of the trim
panel may occur.
(4) Allow the repaired area to cool and verify the
repair.
(5) Install trim panel.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR
There are many different types of plastics used in
today's automotive environment. We group plastics in
three different categories: Rigid, Semi-Rigid, and
Flexible. Any of these plastics may require the use of
an adhesion promoter for repair. These types of plas-
tic are used extensively on DaimlerChrysler Motors
vehicles. Always follow repair material manufactur-
er's plastic identification and repair procedures.
Rigid Plastics:
Examples of rigid plastic use: Fascias, Hoods,
Doors, and other Body Panels, which include SMC,
ABS, and Polycarbonates.
Semi-Rigid Plastics:
Examples of semi-rigid plastic use: Interior Panels,
Under Hood Panels, and other Body Trim Panels.
Flexible Plastics:
Examples of flexible plastic use: Fascias, Body
Moldings, and upper and lower Fascia Covers.
Repair Procedure:
The repair procedure for all three categories of
plastics is basically the same. The one difference is
the material used for the repair. The materials must
be specific for each substrate, rigid repair material
for rigid plastic repair, semi-rigid repair material for
semi-rigid plastic repair and flexible repair material
for flexible plastic repair.
DRBODY 23 - 3
BODY (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
A-pillar trim/grab handle bolts 6 Ð 55
Body Isolator/cab bolts 81 60 Ð
Cargo box bolts 108 80 Ð
Cargo box tie down/cleat bolts 34 25 Ð
Center seat assembly nuts*25 18 Ð
Center seat cushion/hinge bolts*20 15 Ð
Center seat back hinge to storage bin bolts*25 18 Ð
Center seat back free pivot hinge bolt*25 18 Ð
Center seat back inertia hinge pivot bolt*10 Ð 89
Center seat inertia hinge to seat back bolts*25 18 Ð
Fender bolts - front lower 9 Ð 80
Fender bolts - lower inside 17 13 Ð
Fender to hinge support bolts 11 8 Ð
Fender to upper fender rail bolts 9 Ð 80
Footmans loop bolts 12 9 Ð
Front center seat nuts*25 18 Ð
Front door glass lift plate nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door hinge to a-pillar nuts 28 21 Ð
Front door hinge to door nuts/bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door inside handle bolt 9 Ð 80
Front door latch adjustment screw 3 Ð 30
Front door latch assembly bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Front door regulator bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door regulator stabilizer nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door remote handle actuator nuts 10 Ð 89
Front door run channel screws 10 Ð 89
Front seat assembly front bolts*28 30 Ð
Front seat assembly rear bolts*40 30 Ð
Front seat track nuts*25 18 Ð
Fuel fill door bolts 9 Ð 80
Hood hinge to fender rail bolts 20 15 Ð
Hood latch bolts 11 8 Ð
Hood latch striker/safety catch bolts 11 8 Ð
Hood hinge to hood nuts 23 17 Ð
Instrument panel center bracket bolts 12 9 Ð
Instrument panel column support bolts 14 10 Ð
Instrument panel side mounting bolts 12 9 Ð
23 - 12 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the hood latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
HOOD/LATCH - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the radiator and condenser bolts. (Fig.
14)
(3) Remove the bolts and remove the crossmember.
(Fig. 15)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the crossmember and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the radiator and condenser bolts and
tighten to 8 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the hood latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
HOOD/LATCH - INSTALLATION)
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS
REMOVAL
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND HAND PRO-
TECTION WHEN SERVICING THE MIRROR ASSEM-
BLY. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS
MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY FROM BRO-
KEN GLASS.
Standard Mirror
(1) Position the mirror glass so that it's facing in
toward the vehicle as far as possible. (Fig. 16)
(2) Disengage the rear housing cover retaining
tabs and remove the cover. (Fig. 17)
(3) Disengage the lower glass retaining tab to
motor. (Fig. 18)
(4) Slide glass up and remove from motor.
(5) Disconnect the two heated mirror electrical
connectors, if equipped.
Fig. 14 CONDENSER/RADIATOR FASTENERS
1 - CONDENSER BOLT
2 - RADIATOR BOLT
3 - RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 15 RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
1 - BOLTS (2)
2 - CROSSMEMBER
3 - BOLTS (2)
Fig. 16 STANDARD MIRROR POSITION
1 - RETAINING TABS (2)
2 - MIRROR HOUSING
3 - MIRROR GLASS
23 - 42 EXTERIORDR

HOOD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................46
INSTALLATION.........................46
HOOD
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47LATCH RELEASE CABLE/HANDLE ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
LATCH STRIKER / SECONDARY CATCH
REMOVAL.............................48
INSTALLATION.........................48
SUPPORT CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................48
INSTALLATION.........................49
HINGE
REMOVAL
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the hood to
replace one or both hinges. The hinges can be
replaced one at a time.
(1) Remove the cowl grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
EXTERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL)
(2) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the
position of the hinge on the hood.
(3) Remove the fender support bolt. (Fig. 1)
(4) Remove the support cylinder. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/HOOD/SUPPORT CYLINDER - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the hood nuts.
(6) Remove the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(7) From inside the fender, remove the two hinge
bolts. (Fig. 2)
(8) Slide the hinge forward and remove from the
fender rail.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the hinge and slide back into position
on the fender rail.
(2) From inside the fender, install the two hinge
bolts and tighten to 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the hood nuts and line up the marks
made previously.
(4) Tighten the nuts to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the support cylinder. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/HOOD/SUPPORT CYLINDER - INSTALLA-
TION)(6) Install the fender support bolt and tighten to
11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.).
(7) Check hood fit and adjust if required. (Refer to
23 - BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND FLUSH -
SPECIFICATIONS)
(8) Install the cowl grille. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install the wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 1 HINGE/FENDER BOLT
1 - FENDER
2 - FENDER SUPPORT BOLT
3 - HINGE
23 - 46 HOODDR