2003 DODGE RAM ECU

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)

should be stripped of paint and freed from wax and
oil. Scuff surfaces around repair area with 360 grit
wet/dry sandpaper, or equivalent, to assure adhesion
of repair materials.
PATCHING PANELS
An panel that has extensive puncture type damage
can be repaired by cutting out the damaged material
(Fig. 7). Use a suitable reciprocating saw or cut off
wheel to remove the section of the panel that is dam-
aged. The piece cut out can be used as a template to
shape the new patch. It is not necessary to have
access to the back of the panel to install a patch.
Bevel edges of cutout at 20 degrees to expose a larger
bonding area on the outer side. This will allow for an
increased reinforcement areas.
PANEL PATCH FABRICATIONS
A patch can be fabricated from any rigid fiberglass
panel that has comparable contour with the repair
area. Lift gates and fenders can be used to supply
patch material. If existing material is not available
or compatible, a patch can be constructed with adhe-
sive and reinforcement mesh (dry wall tape). Perform
the following operation if required:
(1) Cover waxed paper or plastic with adhesive
backed nylon mesh (dry wall tape) larger than the
patch required (Fig. 8).
(2) Tape waxed paper or plastic sheet with mesh to
a surface that has a compatible contour to the repair
area.
(3) Apply a liberal coat of adhesive over the rein-
forcement mesh (Fig. 8). If necessary apply a second
or third coat of adhesive and mesh after firs coat has
cured. The thickness of the patch should be the same
as the repair area.(4) After patch has cured, peel waxed paper or
plastic from the back of the patch.
(5) If desired, a thin film coat of adhesive can be
applied to the back of the patch to cover mesh for
added strength.
PANEL PATCH INSTALLATION
(1) Make a paper or cardboard pattern the size
and shape of the cutout hole in the panel.
(2) Trim 3 mm (0.125 in.) from edges of pattern so
patch will have a gap between connecting surfaces.
(3) Using the pattern as a guide, cut the patch to
size.
(4) Cut scrap pieces of patch material into 50 mm
(2 in.) squares to use as patch supports to sustain
the patch in the cutout.
(5) Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.) in
from edge of cutout hole (Fig. 7).
(6) Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.)
away from edge of patch across from holes drilled
around cutout.
(7) Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support
squares 13 mm (0.5 in.) from the edge in the center
of one side.
(8) Scuff the backside of the body panel around the
cutout hole with a scuff pad or sandpaper.
(9) Mix enough adhesive to cover one side of all
support squares.
(10) Apply adhesive to cover one side of all support
squares.
(11) Using number 8 sheet metal screws, secure
support squares to back side of body panel with
adhesive sandwiched between the panel and squares
(Fig. 9).
(12) Position patch in cutout against support
squares and adjust patch until the gap is equal along
all sides (Fig. 10).
Fig. 7 DAMAGED PANEL CUTOUT AND PATCH
1 - CUTOUT
2 - DAMAGED BODY PANEL
3-4MM(0.160 IN.) HOLES
4 - PATCH CUT TO SIZE
Fig. 8 FABRICATED PANEL
1 - STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE
2 - FIBERGLASS CLOTH OR FIBERGLASS MESH TAPE
3 - WIDTH OF V-GROOVE
4 - WAXED PAPER
23 - 8 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

(13) Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support
squares through the pre-drilled holes in the patch.
(14) Apply a coat of adhesive to the exposed ends
of the support squares (Fig. 11).
(15) Install screws to hold the patch to support
squares (Fig. 12). Tighten screws until patch surface
is flush with panel surface.
(16) Allow adhesive to cure, and remove all screws.
(17) Using a 125 mm (5 in.) 24 grit disc grinder,
grind a 50 mm (2 in.) to 75 mm (3 in.) wide and 2
mm (0.080 in.) deep path across the gaps around the
patch (Fig. 13). With compressed air, blow dust from
around patch.
(18) Apply adhesive backed nylon mesh (dry wall
tape) over gaps around patch (Fig. 14).
(19) Mix enough adhesive to cover the entire patch
area.
(20) Apply adhesive over the mesh around patch,
and smooth epoxy with a wide spreader to reduce fin-
ish grinding. Use two to three layers of mesh and
adhesive to create a stronger repair (Fig. 15).
Fig. 9 SECURE SUPPORT SQUARES TO BODY
PANEL
1 - SUPPORT SQUARES
2 - SCREWS
3 - DAMAGED BODY PANEL
Fig. 10 POSITION PATCH IN CUTOUT AND ALIGN
1 - CUTOUT
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
Fig. 11 APPLY ADHESIVE TO SUPPORT SQUARES
1 - APPLICATOR
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
3 - ADHESIVE
DRBODY 23 - 9
BODY (Continued)

TAILGATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHECK CABLE
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
COVER
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................16INSTALLATION.........................16
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
RELEASE HANDLE/LATCH REMOTE
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
TAILGATE
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
CHECK CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open tailgate.
(2) Pry lock tab outward to clear stud head on
cargo box (Fig. 1).
(3) Push cable end forward until stud head is in
clearance hole portion of cable end.
(4) Separate cable end from stud.
(5) Remove screw attaching cable to tailgate. (Fig.
2)
(6) Separate check cable from tailgate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position check cable on tailgate.
(2) Install bolt attaching small end of cable to tail-
gate.
(3) Tighten tailgate check cable bolt to 23 N´m (17
ft. lbs.).
(4) Position large end of cable onto stud head and
slide downward to secure lock tab.
Fig. 1 Tailgate Check
1 - TAILGATE STRIKER
2 - SCREW DRIVER
3 - TAILGATE CHECK CABLE
4 - LOCK TAB
Fig. 2 LATCH HANDLE - LATCH
1 - EXTERIOR HANDLE
2 - CONTROL ASSEMBLY
3 - NUTS (2)
4 - TAILGATE
5-LATCH
6 - CHECK CABLE
7 - CHECK/LATCH BOLT
8 - LATCH BOLT
DRTAILGATE 23 - 15

(4) Install the screws near the inside handle and
at the mirror flag.
(5) Install the interior handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the window crank, if equipped.
WATERDAM
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Do not allow the waterdam or adhesive
to become contaminated with dirt or other foreign
substances.
Do not damage the waterdam during removal and
installation.If the waterdam becomes contaminated or dam-
aged, replace the waterdam.
(1) Remove the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/AUDIO/SPEAKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Separate the waterdam from the inner door
panel and off of the latch linkages.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not allow the waterdam or adhesive
to become contaminated with dirt or other foreign
substances.
Do not damage the waterdam during removal and
installation.
If the waterdam becomes contaminated or dam-
aged, replace the waterdam.
(1) Position the wire harness and actuator rods
through the holes in the waterdam.
(2) Secure the waterdam to the inner door panel.
(3) Install the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/SPEAKER - INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
WINDOW REGULATOR -
POWER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the window switch from the door trim
panel and reconnect it to the door harness.
(3) Raise the window to the position shown and
remove the nuts. (Fig. 14)
(4) Disengage the door glass from the regulator lift
plate and position into the full up position.
(5) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(6) Lower the regulator.
(7) Remove the stabilizer nuts.
(8) Remove the forward regulator bolt and loosen
the other two. (Fig. 15)
(9) Slide the regulator up and out of the keyhole
slots in the door panel.
(10) Disconnect the electrical connector and
remove the regulator.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the regulator through the door panel
opening and connect the electrical connector.
Fig. 12 TRIM PANEL ASSEMBLY
1 - SCREW INSERT (2)
2 - SCREWS (2)
3 - DOOR TRIM PANEL
4 - LOWER SCREWS (3)
5 - ATTACHMENT HOOKS
Fig. 13 WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
1 - WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
2 - WINDOW CRANK
DRDOOR - FRONT 23 - 25
TRIM PANEL (Continued)

(2) Position the regulator bolts into the keyhole
slots and slide into place.
(3) Install the forward bolt and tighten all three to
10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).(4) Position the stabilizer, install the nuts and
tighten to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(5) Raise the regulator to the position shown in
(Fig. 14).
(6) Remove the glass support and connect to the
regulator lift plate.
(7) Install the glass nuts and tighten to 10 N´m
(89 in. lbs.).
(8) Disconnect the window switch and install into
the door trim panel.
(9) Install the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - INSTALLATION)
WINDOW REGULATOR -
MANUAL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Reinstall the window handle and raise the win-
dow to the position shown and remove the nuts. (Fig.
14)
(3) Disengage the door glass from the regulator lift
plate and position into the full up position.
(4) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(5) Lower the regulator.
(6) Remove the stabilizer nuts.
(7) Remove the two lower and loosen the two
upper bolts. (Fig. 16)
(8) Slide the regulator up and out of the keyhole
slot.
(9) Remove the regulator from the door panel
opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the regulator through the hole in the
inner door panel.
(2) Position the regulator and slide the upper bolts
into the keyhole slots.
(3) Install the lower two bolts.
(4) Tighten the regulator bolts to 10 N´m (89 in.
lbs.).
(5) Position the stabilizer, install the nuts and
tighten to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(6) Using the window handle raise the regulator to
the position shown in (Fig. 14).
(7) Remove the glass support and connect to the
regulator lift plate.
(8) Install the glass nuts and tighten to 10 N´m
(89 in. lbs.).
(9) Remove the window handle and install the
waterdam.
Fig. 14 DOOR GLASS POSITIONING
1 - SIGHT WINDOW
2 - WIDOW REGULATOR
3 - SIGHT WINDOW
4 - REGULATOR STABILIZER
Fig. 15 WINDOW REGULATOR - POWER
1 - REGULATOR STABILIZER
2 - INNER DOOR PANEL
3 - STABILIZER NUTS (2)
4 - REGULATOR
5 - FORWARD BOLT
6 - WIRE HARNESS
7 - BOLTS (2)
23 - 26 DOOR - FRONTDR
WINDOW REGULATOR - POWER (Continued)

DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the glass run channels. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the glass support and place the glass
into the bottom of the door.
(3) Separate the glass run weatherstrip from the
rear of the window opening.
(4) Remove the inner belt molding. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR
INNER BELT WEATHERSTRIP - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the glass from the window opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the glass through the window opening
and pace the glass into the bottom of the door.
(2) Install the inner belt molding. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR
INNER BELT WEATHERSTRIP - INSTALLATION)
(3) Stuff the glass run weatherstrip into the win-
dow frame.
(4) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(5) Install the glass run channels. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL -
INSTALLATION)
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the front glass run channel. (Refer to
23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL
- REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the latch actuator rod. (Fig. 2)
(3) Remove the nuts and remove the handle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the latch and install the nuts.
(2) Connect the latch actuator rod.
(3) Install the front glass run channel. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOORS - REAR/GLASS RUN CHANNEL -
INSTALLATION)
GLASS RUN CHANNEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the window regulator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/WINDOW REGULATOR -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the bottom screws and loosen the top
screws from bolt channels. (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4)(3) Slide the channels up to disengage from the
keyhole slots.
(4) Separate the glass run weatherstrip from the
channel and remove the channels.
Fig. 2 EXTERIOR HANDLE
1 - LATCH ACTUATOR ROD
2-LATCH
3 - NUTS (2)
Fig. 3 FRONT RUN CHANNEL
1 - BOLTS
2 - FRONT RUN CHANNEL
23 - 30 DOORS - REARDR

WATERDAM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/AUDIO/SPEAKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Separate the waterdam from the inner door
panel and off of the latch linkages.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wire harness and actuator rods
through the holes in the waterdam.
(2) Secure the waterdam to the inner door panel.
(3) Install the speaker. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/SPEAKER - INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the inside handle actuator. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/INSIDE HANDLE ACTUA-
TOR - INSTALLATION)
WINDOW REGULATOR -
POWER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the window switch from the door trim
panel and reconnect it to the door wire harness.
(3) Raise the window to the position shown and
remove the two nuts attaching the glass to the win-
dow regulator. (Fig. 11)
(4) Remove the stabilizer nut.(5) Disengage the door glass from the regulator lift
plate and position into the full up position.
(6) Secure the glass in the up position using a
wood wedge or equivalent.
(7) Lower the regulator.
(8) Disconnect the electrical connector. (Fig. 12)
(9) Remove the lower regulator bolt and loosen the
upper two. (Fig. 12)
(10) Slide the regulator up and out of the keyhole
slots in the door panel.
(11) Remove the regulator through the hole in the
inner door panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the regulator through the hole in the
inner door panel.
(2) Position the regulator bolts into the keyhole
slots and slide into place.
(3) Install the lower regulator bolt and tighten all
three to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect the electrical connector.
(5) Position the stabilizer, install the nut and
tighten to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(6) Raise the regulator to the position shown in
(Fig. 11).
(7) Remove the glass support and connect to the
regulator lift plate.
(8) Install the glass nuts and tighten to 10 N´m
(89 in. lbs.).
(9) Disconnect the window switch and install into
the door trim panel.
(10) Install the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/WATERDAM - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 10 WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
1 - WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
2 - WINDOW CRANK
Fig. 11 GLASS POSITIONING
1 - SIGHT WINDOW
2 - STABILIZER NUT
3 - GLASS LIFT PLATE
23 - 34 DOORS - REARDR
TRIM PANEL (Continued)