Dash Pad

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the dashboard pad (upper instrument panel cover) on a 2007 Ram 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Dashboard pad (upper instrument panel cover) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Dash pad retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait at least 2 minutes
3. Remove keys from ignition
4. Adjust steering column to lowest position and fully extended
5. Organize small parts and fasteners in labeled containers to prevent loss during the lengthy procedure

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove A-pillar trim panels
   On both driver and passenger sides, carefully pull the A-pillar trim panels away from the windshield pillar starting at the top. These are held by clips only. Work your way down gently to release all clips without breaking them. Set panels aside in a safe location.
2. 2

   Remove instrument cluster bezel
   Open the driver door for access. Remove any retaining screws at the instrument cluster bezel (verify count and type against the FSM for this vehicle, as many are clip-retained), then gently release the bezel. Gently pull the bezel away from the dash, starting at the bottom and working upward. Disconnect the headlight switch connector and any other electrical connectors behind the bezel. Remove bezel completely.
3. 3

   Remove center bezel and radio assembly
   Remove the ash tray or storage bin from the center stack. Remove all visible screws securing the center bezel and release the retaining clips (verify the exact fastener count against the FSM for this vehicle). Carefully pull the bezel away from the dash and disconnect the climate control connectors, hazard switch connector, and any other electrical connections. If equipped with factory radio, remove the mounting screws and pull radio forward to access and disconnect antenna cable and wiring harness. Set radio aside.
4. 4

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open glove box and remove contents. Remove the screws securing the glove box to the instrument panel (verify the exact count against the FSM for this vehicle). Carefully pull glove box assembly out and disconnect the glove box light connector if equipped. Remove glove box completely from vehicle.
5. 5

   Remove instrument cluster
   With the bezel already removed, locate and remove the screws securing the instrument cluster to the dash (verify the exact count against the FSM for this vehicle). Carefully pull the cluster forward. Reach behind and depress the tabs on the wiring harness connectors while pulling them away from the cluster. Note the positions of multiple connectors. Remove cluster and set aside in a safe, padded location.
6. 6

   Remove steering column covers
   Remove the screws securing the upper and lower steering column covers (verify the exact count against the FSM for this vehicle). Separate the two halves and remove them from around the steering column. This provides access to dash mounting points behind the column.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side knee bolster
   Locate and remove all screws securing the lower passenger side panel (knee bolster) beneath the glove box area. Verify the exact number of retaining screws for this panel against the FSM for this vehicle. Pull panel away carefully and set aside. This exposes additional dash pad mounting fasteners.
8. 8

   Remove speaker grilles
   On both driver and passenger sides, remove the defroster grille/speaker grilles from the top of the dash. These are typically held by clips and possibly screws. Use a trim tool to carefully pry upward starting at one end. Work slowly to avoid breaking the clips. Some models have screws accessible from underneath.
9. 9

   Disconnect remaining electrical connectors
   Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors attached to the dash pad including: ambient light sensor (on top of dash if equipped), any temperature sensors in the defroster vents, and any speaker connectors if speakers are mounted in the dash pad. Label connections with tape if needed.
10. 10

    Remove dash pad mounting fasteners
    Locate all dash pad mounting screws and bolts. Typical locations include: two bolts on each side where A-pillars meet the dash (accessed with A-pillar trim removed), multiple screws along the top edge near the windshield (accessed through speaker grille openings), screws in the center stack area (accessed with radio removed), and fasteners in the instrument cluster cavity. Remove all fasteners and keep organized by location.
11. 11

    Remove dashboard pad
    With all fasteners removed, carefully lift the dashboard pad starting from one end. Work slowly and check for any remaining fasteners or connectors. The pad is large and somewhat flexible. You may need to angle it to clear the windshield and steering column. Lift it up and toward the rear of the vehicle, then maneuver it out through the passenger door opening for easiest removal. Inspect the old pad for any clips or hardware that need to transfer to the new pad.
12. 12

    Prepare and install new dashboard pad
    Transfer any clips, retainers, or mounting hardware from the old dash pad to the new one. Inspect all mounting points on the dash structure for damage. Clean any debris from mounting surfaces. Position the new dash pad by inserting it through the passenger door, angling it over the steering column and into approximate position. Align all mounting holes carefully before installing any fasteners.
13. 13

    Install dash pad fasteners
    Install all dash pad mounting screws and bolts in reverse order of removal. Start with center fasteners first, then work outward to the sides. Do not fully tighten fasteners until all are started to ensure proper alignment. Once all fasteners are in place, tighten them evenly working from the center outward. Verify all mounting points are secure and the pad sits flush against the windshield and pillar areas.
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the dash pad including ambient light sensor, temperature sensors, and any speaker connections. Ensure all connectors click firmly into place and wiring is routed properly without pinch points.
15. 15

    Reinstall all trim components
    Reinstall all components in reverse order of removal: speaker grilles, instrument cluster with all electrical connections, steering column covers, glove box assembly with light connector, radio and center bezel with all climate and switch connections, instrument cluster bezel with headlight switch connection, passenger knee bolster, and A-pillar trim panels on both sides. Ensure all clips seat properly and all screws are tightened. Verify all electrical connections are secure before reconnecting battery.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Ensure no tools or parts are left inside the dash cavity
3. Verify all trim panels are properly clipped and secured before reconnecting battery
4. Reconnect negative battery cable and verify that all dashboard functions operate correctly
5. Test all switches, controls, instrument cluster, and radio to ensure proper operation

Verification

• Check that dash pad is seated flush against windshield with no gaps or misalignment
• Verify all trim panels fit properly with consistent gaps and are secure
• Test all instrument cluster gauges and warning lights for proper operation
• Verify headlight switch, climate controls, radio, and all other dash-mounted controls function correctly
• Check that glove box opens and closes smoothly and light operates if equipped
• Confirm no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster after a brief drive
• Listen for any rattles or loose components while driving on rough road surfaces

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