How to Remove an Instrument Bezel & Panel on a 2003 Dodge RAM 2500

Dodge introduced the D-Series pickup in 1961 and changed the naming system in 1981 to RAM for two-wheel-drive and Power RAM for four-wheel-drive trucks, while retaining the D-Series nomenclature to denote size. The two-wheel-drive 1/2-ton RAM was a D-150 and the 3/4-ton RAM was a D-250. Dodge changed the naming system in 1993 when the aerodynamic body style was introduced. The D-150 became the RAM 1500 and the D-250 became the RAM 2500.

Instructions

Park the RAM on a level surface and set the parking brake. If you have an automatic transmission, shift the gear selector into Low. If you have a tilt steering wheel, tilt it down.

Carefully pry out the headlight switch bezel with a plastic trim stick or flat-head screwdriver wrapped with masking tape. It is held in with clips. Push in the tab on the electrical connector and unplug it from the switch. Set the bezel and switch aside.

Open the ashtray and remove the exposed screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Carefully pry around the center panel with the trim tool or screwdriver. Pull back the panel and disconnect the electrical connectors. Set the panel aside.

Remove the two screws from the top of the instrument panel bezel with a Phillips screwdriver. Use the trim stick or screwdriver to push up on the clips on each side of the bottom of the bezel and pull the bezel away from the instrument panel. Set the bezel aside.

Remove the four screws from the instrument panel with a Phillips screwdriver or ratchet and socket. Pull back the panel and disconnect the electrical connectors from the back of the panel.

Plug the electrical connectors into the back of the instrument panel. Mount the panel onto the dash. Install the screws and use an inch-pound torque wrench and socket to torque the screws to 31 inch-pounds.

Mount the instrument panel bezel onto the dash. Make sure the bottom clips snap into place. Install and tighten the two screws in the top of the bezel. Connect the electrical connectors to the back of the center panel and push it onto the dash. Install and tighten the screw.

Plug the electrical connector onto the headlight switch and push the bezel onto the dash.