RAM 1500 Van V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (2001)
Steering Column Cover: Service and Repair
STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. 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.
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. If the vehicle is so equipped, move the tilt steering column to the fully raised position.
3. Remove the end cap from the left end of the instrument panel.
Fig. 13
4. Remove the three screws that secure the lower edge of the steering column opening cover to the knee blocker (Fig. 13).
5. Remove the two screws that secure the outboard end of the steering column opening cover to the left instrument panel end bracket.
6. Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-bladed tool, gently pry the upper edge of the steering column opening cover away from the
instrument panel just below the cluster bezel to release the four snap clip retainers that secure the cover to the instrument panel.
7. Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
1. Position the steering column opening cover to the instrument panel (Fig. 13).
2. Align the four snap clip retainers on the steering column opening cover with the receptacles in the instrument panel.
3. Using hand pressure, press firmly on the steering column opening cover over the snap clip locations until each of the snap clips is fully engaged in
its receptacle.
4. Install and tighten the two screws that secure the outboard end of the steering column opening cover to the left instrument panel end bracket.
Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
5. Install and tighten the three screws that secure the lower edge of the steering column opening cover to the knee blocker. Tighten the screws to 2
N.m (20 in. lbs.).
6. Reinstall the end cap onto the left end of the instrument panel.
7. Reconnect the battery negative cable.
