Dodge Repair: 2002 dodge 1500 radio removal, negative battery cable, airbag deployment


Question
Just wanting to know how to remove the centre part of the dash where the radio is. I am not sure if there are screws or just clips.

Answer
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: When removing and installing the center bezel, use tape or other suitable material to protect the cupholder and ash receiver from damage.

Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
Remove the steering column opening cover. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL)
Open the ashtray and cup holder.
Remove the one center bezel retaining screw (CENTER BEZEL).
CAUTION: Extreme care must be taken not to scratch the ashtray door while removing the instrument panel center bezel. Apply masking tape to the ashtray door if the center bezel is not being completely removed from the instrument panel.

Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, gently pry the center bezel free from the instrument panel.
Working behind the center bezel, disconnect all electrical connectors and remove the bezel.