Seat Cover

This procedure covers the removal and installation of seat covers on the front and rear seats of a 2007 Ram 3500.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Seat cover kit (specify front or rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Hog rings × 1 — Use OEM specification
• J-clips (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes if working on power seats
3. Move seat to full forward position for rear access, then full rearward for front access
4. Adjust seat height to lowest position for easier access
5. Protect surrounding interior surfaces with towels or blankets

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat from vehicle (if necessary)
   For easier access, remove the seat assembly. Ensure the negative battery terminal has been disconnected and the required discharge time observed, then disconnect any electrical connectors under the seat (power, heating, airbag if equipped). Remove the seat mounting bolts (typically four) securing the seat tracks to the floor; verify exact fastener size and count for your seat configuration before ordering tools. Carefully lift seat out of vehicle with assistance due to weight.
2. 2

   Remove headrest and headrest guides
   Press the release buttons on the headrest guides and pull the headrest straight up and out. Remove plastic trim covers from headrest guide sleeves if present. On some models, use a small screwdriver to depress release tabs to remove the headrest guide sleeves from the seat back.
3. 3

   Separate seat back from seat base
   Locate the hinge bolts or Torx fasteners connecting the seat back to the seat base at the rear hinge points; verify the exact fastener type and size for your seat before removal. Remove these fasteners and carefully separate the seat back from the base. Note the position of any spacers or washers for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove plastic trim panels and side shields
   Remove any plastic trim panels on the sides and back of the seat using trim removal tools or flat blade screwdriver. These are typically held by clips or small Torx screws. Remove side airbag shields if equipped, noting their orientation and fastener locations.
5. 5

   Access and remove hog rings from seat back
   Flip the seat back over to access the bottom/rear surface. Locate all hog rings securing the cover to the seat frame. Use hog ring pliers to compress and remove each ring. Work systematically around the perimeter, then remove rings securing foam padding and lumbar support areas. Count rings as you remove them for reference during reinstallation.
   ⚠Hog rings have sharp ends that can cause cuts; handle carefully and dispose of old rings properly
6. 6

   Remove seat back cover
   Once all hog rings are removed, carefully peel the cover away from the foam padding. Note how the cover tucks into seams and creases in the foam. Remove any J-clips or plastic fasteners securing the cover at specific points. Pull the cover over the top of the seat back, being careful not to tear the foam.
7. 7

   Access and remove hog rings from seat cushion
   Flip the seat base upside down to access the underside. Remove hog rings securing the seat cushion cover using hog ring pliers. Pay special attention to rings around the perimeter and along any seam channels in the cushion foam.
   ⚠Note the routing of any heating element wires or occupant sensors before removing cushion cover
8. 8

   Remove seat cushion cover
   Disconnect any electrical connectors for seat heaters or occupant sensors if equipped. Carefully pull the cover away from the foam, noting how it fits into channels and around bolster areas. Remove the cover completely from the seat base.
9. 9

   Install new seat cushion cover
   Position the new seat cushion cover over the foam, ensuring proper orientation (check tags or markings). Work the cover into channels and around bolsters, pulling evenly to avoid wrinkles. Reconnect any heating element or sensor wiring. Starting at the front center, install new hog rings to secure the cover to the frame, working outward and maintaining even tension. Use 3-4 inch spacing between rings.
10. 10

    Install new seat back cover
    Slip the new seat back cover over the seat back frame from the top, aligning seams with foam contours. Work the cover down and around the bolsters, ensuring fabric is not twisted. Tuck material into seam channels and around lumbar support areas. Install new hog rings starting from the center bottom and working outward, maintaining even tension to prevent wrinkles or sagging.
11. 11

    Reinstall trim panels and side shields
    Reinstall all plastic trim panels, side shields, and airbag covers in reverse order of removal. Ensure all clips are fully seated and any Torx screws are tightened securely. Verify that side airbag panels (if equipped) are properly aligned and secured.
12. 12

    Reattach seat back to seat base
    Align the seat back hinge points with the seat base mounting points. Install the hinge bolts or Torx fasteners with any spacers or washers in their original positions. Tighten fasteners evenly but do not overtighten, as this can damage the seat frame.
13. 13

    Reinstall headrest guides and headrest
    Install the headrest guide sleeves into the seat back, ensuring they click into place. Install any trim covers over the guides. Insert the headrest posts into the guides until the release buttons click, securing the headrest at the desired height.
14. 14

    Reinstall seat in vehicle
    If seat was removed, carefully lift seat assembly back into vehicle and align mounting holes with floor brackets. Install the four mounting bolts and tighten securely. Reconnect all electrical connectors under the seat (power, heating, airbag). Ensure all connectors are fully seated and locked.

Reassembly

1. Verify all hog rings are properly installed and seat covers have no wrinkles or excessive looseness
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully engaged and locked
3. Check that seat adjustment controls (manual or power) function properly through full range of motion
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal if disconnected

Verification

• Inspect seat covers for proper fit with no wrinkles, sagging, or misaligned seams
• Test all seat adjustment functions: fore/aft, recline, height adjustment, and lumbar if equipped
• For power seats, verify all motors operate correctly and there are no unusual noises
• Check that headrest releases and adjusts properly
• Verify seat heaters function if equipped (warning light illuminates and heat is felt after 2-3 minutes)
• Confirm airbag warning light is not illuminated on instrument cluster after reconnecting battery

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