Dash replacement for Dodge Ram 1500 trucks is not as complicated as many DIYs make it out to be. The process is straightforward and can quickly be done within a couple of hours.
All it takes is the ability to remove some nuts and hex head screws, pinch numerous clips to remove them, and use a trim tool to pry the parts off.
Most of the pieces are held with clips in the back, but before yanking on anything, check to see if all the bolts are removed. Otherwise, you may end up breaking things you do not want to be broken.
There are a couple of reasons why the Dodge Ram 1500 dashboard replacement would need to be completed.
The sun is probably the biggest reason because it can crack even the best dashboard. The cracks can become unsightly and even start to crumble if let go long enough.
The other reason the task may be scheduled is to upgrade the original to a newer, more eye-appealing, functional dash.
When installing an upgraded infotainment system, the panel may be able to be replaced but to keep everything matching, it is better to change it all at once.
You may have reasons other than these two, such as wanting to change the color or the quality of the dash.
Many trucks’ original dashboards are made from cheap plastic that cracks and breaks easily.
If any preventative measures can be taken, such as replacing it with a higher quality one, it should be done if the truck stays in the driveway for any length of time.
Preparation For Dashboard Removal in The Dodge Ram 1500
Preparing to start on a Dodge Ram 1500 dashboard replacement is imperative if you want the project to go smoothly.
Good preparation is the key to any job, especially when it is as in-depth as removing a dashboard from a pickup truck.
Lay the tools that will be needed for the job and have some small jars or containers to put the nuts, bolts, screws, and clips into. It is always a good idea to have a couple so the different sizes can be kept separated Have the replacement parts or upgrades available and close by set aside a day to complete the task. It may only take a couple of hours, but it is always better to have more time than you need. Otherwise, the truck may sit unfinished until the next day off
Once the task is started, a few precautions must be followed. If not, some serious injuries can occur, as well as damage to the truck’s interior.
Remove the negative cable from the battery under the hood before touching anything. This removes the power from all the electrical components, including the airbags and the auto headlight sensor. The airbags in the truck can go off and cause some severe issues.
After you take the battery cable off, let the truck sit for about half an hour. This allows the capacitors to drain, removing the chance of accidental airbag deployment.
Many of the parts on a Dodge Ram are secured into place with clips, and these can be loosened with a trim removal tool or by pulling them until they snap out.
Be careful when doing this to prevent any breaking of the parts or clips. If the piece does not come out without a ton of effort, double-check to see if a bolt or bracket was missed. If yes, remove them first. If not, keep working at it but slowly and evenly.
With that being said, it is time to move on to the task of the dash replacement for the Dodge Ram 1500 that you are working on.
Of course, if a helper is available, that could be beneficial. If not, work slowly and steadily and keep safety in mind. If something is too heavy or too hard to get off, ask someone for help.
Replace The Dash with a Dodge Ram 1500
Everything should be ready to go now that you are prepared and informed about some of the safety aspects of the task that you need to know about.
Take your time and do things right the first time; otherwise, broken parts will need to be replaced, and electrical connectors need to be spliced in.
So now roll the sleeves up and get to the Dodge Ram 1500 Dashboard replacement.
Start with the center console if the truck has one. Now the infotainment center needs to come out. Next is the stereo, which needs to come out. Take the glove box out.
The passenger side trim piece on the side of the dashboard needs to be removed with a trim removal tool. Now you need to remove the driver’s side trim piece on the side of the dashboard with a trim removal tool.
The emergency brake release’s access panel needs to be removed with a trim removal tool. Take the panel off underneath the steering wheel. Remove the A-Pillar on each side (the trim pieces along the edge of the door above the dashboard).
The cubby above the glovebox (if it has one) comes off next. Now the panel underneath the infotainment center area will need to be removed unless you had a center console that had been pulled out already.
Disconnect the parking brake using the quick-release latch on the back of the handle on the dash. Pull the handle off. The gauge cluster above the steering wheel comes off next.
After that, remove the starter switch by taking out the four screws and pulling it down and out of the way. There is no need to remove it from the wiring harness. Take the light switch cluster off and set it aside.
Find the access panels along the top of the dash by the windshield and remove them with a trim removal tool. The speakers underneath need to be removed by removing the bolts.
Remember to unplug the wiring before completely removing them. Now you need t remove the automatic headlight sensor by pushing in on the clip and dropping it down from the access panel.
Take note that under the middle access panel, a bolt will hold the dash in place. It will need to be removed when the time comes. The airbag unit on the passenger side under the dash must be removed carefully.
Drop the steering wheel down so it sits on the seat. Decide if you are taking the entire dash out or just the skin and remove the bolts to pull it out.
That is all that there is to the process of a dash replacement in a Dodge Ram 1500. When installing the new one, simply read the directions in reverse.
Once again, go slow and make sure you plug everything in when you need to, and tighten the bolts down as required.
Tools Needed
The only tools needed will be ones that should already be lying around the shop. Depending on the year and make of the truck being worked on, these are the tools you will need to get the job done.
- Socket wrench7mm socket8mm socket10mm socket13mm socket Hex wrench setTrim removal tool Needle nose pliers
That is all the tools that will be needed. Set them out on the bench so they are easy to get to before starting the task of removing the dash in the truck.
Time Required To Remove
The time required to remove the dashboard will depend mainly upon the person removing it. Some people who have never taken one out have claimed it takes 6 to 8 hours to remove it.
Others can do it within a couple of hours when they know what they are doing. The time it takes to complete the job is not as important as getting it done correctly.
What is The Average Cost of a Dashboard and Accessories
The average cost of the dashboard will depend upon the type and style being purchased.
The range is so far that it is impossible to give an estimate without knowing the details of the truck being worked upon.
However, it is still possible to provide a ballpark figure that will allow a budget to be made for the project.
- High-end consoles can go for $2000 or more. Low-end consoles can be bought for around $200A high-end infotainment centers will run about $4000A low-end infotainment centers will cost a couple of hundred dollars. A high-end digital instrument cluster will cost around $1000A low-end digital console will only be about $300
The combination of aftermarket and original parts can be found on sites across the internet for various prices.
The local shops and auto stores will even be different than the ones online, but this will give an idea of how much cash will need to be forked out for the style you are going for in your Dodge Ram 1500.
Do it Yourself Or Take it To a Mechanic
If you do it yourself, the average cost of a dashboard removal for essential replacements will run you under $1000.
This does not count the time it takes because when you do the job, there is no paycheck for you.
If a mechanic is in the future for the task, it can cost between $2000 and $3000 for the labor and essential parts.
The thing is, though, that it will give you the time to do other things unless you like working on vehicles. If that is the case, forget the mechanic and dig out the tools.
Tips For Removing The Dashboard From a Dodge Ram 1500
A Dodge Ram 1500 dashboard removal is only as hard as you make it.
If there are any doubts about getting the job done correctly, the best advice that can be given is to bite the bullet and take it to a trusted and honest mechanic.
If it is a task that can be done at home, put some time aside and get it down.
- Go step by step. Take your time. Double-check to ensure there are no bolts, screws, or clips you missed before tugging on the piece to remove it. Have the replacement parts ready to go always remove the negative battery cable and give the truck half an hour for the airbag condenser to release its charge
The best thing to do is to have a buddy or family member help with the project because some lifting and pulling will be involved.
It is much easier to handle the dash once it is ready to come out with a helper.
Plus, they can get the extra tools needed without climbing out of the truck when under the dash fighting with a nut.
People Also Ask For
How Do You Remove The Center Console on a Dodge Ram 1500?
You will need to start by removing the negative battery cable to cut off any power going to the electrical components.
From there, climb under the dash and remove the covers on each side of the console.
Remove the four bolts, two in front and two in back, and slide the console forward. Remove the wiring harness from the back and pull the console out.
How Do I Remove The Radio in a Dodge Ram 1500?
You cannot get to the radio without removing the console that it is inside of. Look for the two bolts in the little object holder above it on the dash.
Remove them. The truck may also have a bolt in the holder under the passenger side vent of the console. If it does, remove it. Pull on the console until it unclips, and pull evenly on all sides.
Now you will have access to the stereo, which will come out when the four bolts holding it comes out. Remove the wiring from the back, and you are done.
How Do I Replace The Dash Speakers in a Dodge Ram 1500?
Dodge actually made this an easy task. Get a trim removal tool or a tiny pick and remove the vents next to the windshield on top of the dash.
They will pop up and reveal the speakers underneath. Remove the bolts holding them down and pull them up out of the hole.
Remove the wiring and reverse the process to install the new ones. Make sure they are the same size; otherwise, they will not fit into the designed holes.
Can I Replace The Basic Infotainment Center With an Upgraded One?
Yes, you can. All you need to do is remove the cluster where it is and plug in the new one, as long as it is compatible with your year and style of truck.
If you are adding a camera system in as well, make sure to wire it into the wiring harness that is already present.
You will have to make your own harness to make it work or replace your current harness with an aftermarket one.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the dashboard on a Dodge ram 1500 may seem like a challenge, which it can be if the proper preparation and steps are not followed.
The replacement parts must also be the right type for the truck being worked on, or a big headache must be dealt with.
That is not to say that a conversion to a bigger and more techie dashboard is not possible because it is.
The thing will be to replace the wiring harnesses with parts from online or get one from a truck sitting in a junkyard that will work for the job.
Richmond is a dedicated automotive enthusiast, offering expertise in all things cars. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, he’s your go-to expert for all your automotive inquiries.