Headliner

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the interior headliner panel in a 2007 Ram 3500 crew cab, including removal of all trim pieces, grab handles, and overhead console components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headliner panel with backing board × 1 — Use OEM specification for crew cab configuration
• Headliner adhesive spray × 2 — 3M Super 77 or equivalent automotive headliner adhesive
• Trim panel retaining clips × 1 — Assorted replacement clips as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface in a clean, well-lit work area with adequate overhead clearance
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes before proceeding
3. Remove all personal items from vehicle interior
4. Open all four doors fully and secure them in the open position
5. Lay out blankets or cardboard to protect seats and interior surfaces
6. Photograph trim piece locations and wire routing for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front sun visors and mounts
   Flip down each sun visor. Remove the vanity mirror cover clips if equipped. Remove the screws securing each visor arm to the roof mount (verify fastener type and count against factory service manual; typically 1-2 screws per visor). Pull visor arms free from mounts. Remove the T20 Torx screws securing the roof-mounted pivot brackets (1-2 screws per bracket) and remove brackets from headliner.
2. 2

   Remove overhead console assembly
   Release the overhead console retaining clips and remove any securing screws (verify fastener type and count against factory service manual; console typically snaps down after removing 2 screws or releasing clips). Carefully pull the console down from the headliner. Disconnect all electrical connectors including dome lights, map lights, and any auxiliary switches or displays. Remove the console completely from the vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove all grab handles and coat hooks
   Pop off the plastic trim covers on each grab handle using a trim removal tool. Remove the T20 Torx screws beneath the covers (typically 2-3 screws per handle). Pull grab handles free from the headliner. Remove any coat hooks by prying off covers and removing mounting screws. Note the location of metal reinforcement plates behind mounting points.
4. 4

   Remove A-pillar trim panels
   Carefully pull the A-pillar trim panels away from the windshield starting at the top. These are retained by clips. Work slowly to avoid breaking clips. Disconnect any speaker wiring if tweeter speakers are mounted in the A-pillars. Remove both left and right A-pillar trims completely.
5. 5

   Remove B-pillar and C-pillar upper trim
   On crew cab models, remove the upper B-pillar trim by pulling firmly to release retaining clips. Remove seatbelt height adjuster if equipped by removing mounting bolt. Remove C-pillar upper trim panels in similar fashion. These panels overlap the headliner edge and must be removed to free the headliner.
6. 6

   Remove rear cargo light and third brake light
   If a rear dome or cargo lamp is present in the headliner, remove it by releasing clips and disconnecting the wiring. Note: on a pickup the CHMSL is exterior-mounted on the cab and is not part of the headliner assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector. If a rear cargo lamp is present in the headliner, remove it by releasing clips and disconnecting wiring.
7. 7

   Separate headliner from windshield and rear glass
   Carefully pull the front edge of the headliner down from the windshield area. It is retained by tucking under the upper windshield trim. Work the edges free without pulling excessively. At the rear, separate the headliner from the rear window trim area. The headliner may have adhesive or clips along these edges.
8. 8

   Release headliner side trim channels
   Along both side rails above the doors, locate the trim channels or weatherstrip retainers that capture the headliner edges. Carefully pull these down or to the side to release the headliner. The headliner fabric typically tucks into these channels. Work along the entire length on both sides.
9. 9

   Remove headliner assembly from vehicle
   With an assistant, carefully maneuver the headliner panel downward and angle it to remove through the largest available door opening (rear doors on crew/quad cab, or front doors on regular cab). Flex the board gently if necessary but avoid creasing or cracking. Feed one corner out first, then carefully work the entire panel through the door opening. This is the most critical step requiring patience and two people.
10. 10

    Prepare new headliner or repair existing
    If replacing fabric on the existing board, lay the old headliner face-down on a clean surface. Carefully peel away the old fabric and remove all old adhesive from the backing board using a plastic scraper and adhesive remover. Clean the board thoroughly. If installing a new complete headliner assembly, unpack carefully and inspect for damage. Apply headliner adhesive spray to the backing board in sections according to adhesive manufacturer instructions. Position new fabric starting from the center and work outward, smoothing carefully to eliminate wrinkles. Allow adhesive to cure per manufacturer specifications.
11. 11

    Install headliner assembly into vehicle
    With an assistant, carefully feed the headliner panel back through the rear door opening using the reverse procedure of removal. Angle and flex the board gently as needed. Once inside, position the headliner up into the roof area. Ensure all mounting points and trim channels align properly before fully seating.
12. 12

    Secure headliner edges and install overhead console
    Tuck the headliner edges into the side trim channels along both door rails, working from front to rear. Ensure the front edge tucks properly under the windshield trim area and the rear edge seats correctly at the rear window. Route all wiring for overhead console, dome lights, and other components through the appropriate holes in the headliner. Reconnect all electrical connectors and install the overhead console, securing with T15 Torx screws.
13. 13

    Reinstall grab handles and trim pieces
    Reinstall grab handle backing plates in their original positions. Install grab handles and secure with T20 Torx screws, then snap the trim covers back in place. Reinstall all coat hooks. Ensure all fasteners are snug but do not overtighten as this can crush the headliner board.
14. 14

    Reinstall pillar trims and sun visors
    Reinstall C-pillar and B-pillar upper trim panels by aligning clips and pressing firmly until seated. Reinstall A-pillar trims, reconnecting any speaker wiring first, then pressing clips into place. Install sun visor mounting brackets with T20 Torx screws, then attach sun visor arms with T20 Torx screws. Replace vanity mirror covers if equipped.
15. 15

    Reinstall rear lighting and final connections
    Reinstall the center high-mounted stop lamp and any rear cargo lamps, reconnecting electrical connectors and securing with mounting hardware. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Test all overhead lights, map lights, and any switches or displays in the overhead console to verify proper function.

Reassembly

1. Verify all trim panels are fully seated and clips are engaged properly
2. Check that all grab handles are secure and do not pull free from mounting points
3. Ensure headliner is not sagging or loose in any areas, particularly around console and visor mounts
4. Verify no gaps exist between headliner edges and trim channels or weatherstripping

Verification

• Test all dome lights, map lights, and overhead console functions to ensure proper electrical connections
• Visually inspect headliner for uniform appearance with no wrinkles, sags, or bubbles
• Check that all sun visors operate smoothly and stay in position when flipped up or down
• Verify grab handles are securely mounted and can support weight without movement
• Inspect all pillar trims and overhead trim pieces for proper fitment and secure attachment
• Close all doors and verify headliner edges remain properly tucked in trim channels with no interference

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