2001 Dodge Dakota - How To Remove The Dash Cowl

Showing the steps to take out the dashboard cowl on my 2001 Dodge Dakota...enjoy :-)

[@charleswhite7612]

Excellent video: informative and concise.👌 A friend borrowed my 2001 and PRIED the ashtray open and broke the little “push to open/push to close” toggle lever . Ugh! So now it won’t stay closed. I’ll have to remove the upper cowel, then the entire ashtray assy to attempt a fix. Thanks for the help.🙏👍😉

[@dobenland]

Great video on removing and reinstalling the dashboard cowl. One caveat ... if your Dakota only has 2 doors, then there will be a passenger airbag on/off switch in the cowl. I recommend disconnecting the battery and turning the headlights on to discharge any capacitors before disconnecting or reconnecting the airbag switch. Thanks again for the video.

[@RozetRides]

Perfect. Quick Nd simplistic. Thanks for not running your mouth for hours like other guys do.

[@angelx1431]

Thanks!! I’m replacing my stereo soon and this video answers all my questions perfectly!!!

[@TheTexasCoder]

That is awesome! Have fun, Dakotas are amazing little trucks!

[@tokill922]

Thanks man, just got a new stereo for my birthday now i don't have to spend a ridiculous amount on getting it installed =D

[@exalteduser]

awesome i never imagined id find a video when i googled for how to take this off!

[@jamesmcneely5124]

Nice video, very informative. It seems simple, but then again, everything is simple - IF YOU KNOW HOW - Thank you for taking the time to make this video and posting on KZbin.

[@knarfggor]

Great video, very helpful. I couldn't help but stare at your GMT Rolex in the process!

[@zingozongo]

Thanks TexasCoder! Very helpful! I replaced CD player in my 2004 Dakota. Manual trans, no tilt wheel, it was a bit of a struggle to get the panel clear of the top of the steering wheel but it can be done. Also the clips were a bit snug and I had to tug sort of hard to pop them loose. On the light switch to the left, the connector is locked on with a red tab that needs to be pushed down. The other connector was locked on with a tab that needs to be held in while the plug is pulled off.

[@andrewzb]

thanks man. this really helped. i have a 99 but its pretty identical. now i can change the stereo out myself

[@jimbob1692]

Grate video. I just wanted to add that if any one is going to be messing with the electrical on any car, truck ect. that they should unhook the positive cable from the battery. This makes it less likely to pop any fuses or burn out any wires.

[@JoeSwartz94]

Im replacing my stereo and this is exactly what I needed to help figure out how to get the cowl out! It was a great vid!

[@nhart189]

Great video, very helpful. Thanks for posting!

[@Chezgee7]

Nice job, very clear instructions--thanks.

[@TheTexasCoder]

Awesome! Thank you for the comment and for watching, I am glad the video helped!

[@MandrewG]

Thanks for showing this. I'm getting ready to replace the same stereo you have because it shuts off when driving and it actually changes stations on corners! lol....Prob. a short somewhere but if I'm gonna pull it out then I'm gonna just replace it.....Thanks again!

[@TheTexasCoder]

@Exalteduser Thank you for the comment and for watching. I am glad the video helped, it was one of the reason I made the video, I figured someone else out there might be in the same spot I was in, and I could not find a video. Thanks again for watching!

[@TheTexasCoder]

@xXJoeSwartzXx Outstanding! Thank you for the comment, I am glad the video helped!

[@johnwilburn]

Thanks for posting! My 2004 Dakota's instrument bulbs burnt out one at a time and I was concerned about breaking a hidden clip somewhere. I will pull that piece and replace them tomorrow.

[@gnarlee4250]

I have the same problem on my 04 Dakota. Are the lights easy to replace?

[@TheTexasCoder]

@Chezgee7 Thank you! I am glad the video helped. All of my videos are made from the fact that noone else on KZbin has the info I was looking for. So I figured, heck, since I am going to tear into it, might as well share the knowledge! Thanks for watching!

[@158mollie]

Thanks for showing how to remove the dash.I got the same Dakota 01 4.7

[@kevingeola]

Thanks a lot!

[@TheTexasCoder]

@curtguy0001 Thanks for the questions, to answer you, no not on the 2001 model, you can leave the bottom kick panels attached.

[@fthrcast]

I was just going to say , that ANYTIME you are removing anything where there are electricals or electronics connected - you should remove the negative battery cable. The Chrysler service manuals all begin the procedure there. And you CAN still shift the transmission into low while there isn't any power connected. All it would take is 1 wire to touch ground , and you could be working for days to fix a computer or module that got blown or damaged.

[@TheTexasCoder]

@tokill922 Awesome! I am glad the video helped! Installing a stereo is pretty straight forward, and you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself. Thanks again for watching and for commenting!

[@timbutler5690]

I want to change the light dash board,can't see it at night, need a flashlight to see it. Great video

[@TheTexasCoder]

Abslutely, it should work on 2001 - 2004 dakota and durango models, and some 2000 models that were mid year and were built with the new 2001 design.

[@garypope9349]

Hi TheTexasCoder. I have a 01 Durango and was wondering if the same procedure would be to replace my HVAC unit. The manual states I have to pretty much remove the entire dash panel, side kick panels and evacuating the refrigerant. That seems a bit too extreme for me, lol.

[@TheTexasCoder]

@jthornbloom Thanks for watching! I am glad the video helped!

[@TheTexasCoder]

@mwb2112 Thank you for the kind words. Your defrost issue may be with the blend door motor that controls the air flow from floor to vent to defrost. I am experiencing the same issue with mine, except my air flow will not go to the floor. Let me know what you find, and when I get a chance I will try and get a video of what I find with mine. Thanks again for watching!

[@TheTexasCoder]

@andrewzb Thanks for watching and for the comment! I am glad the video helped!

[@mjgost9704]

Thank you!

[@marvinmcgill]

Want to ask as I see how u took this off u have the same light switch as I do I'm the 3rd owner now does that switch light up?

[@TheTexasCoder]

That's a tough call, my gut tells me yes, but I have never actually removed one from a Durango. Give it a shot, and if you spot anything different please post back so we all know what to look for. Thanks again for the comment!

[@imdo301]

Thanks

[@TheTexasCoder]

@cfreevette1 Thanks for watching and for the comment. You are absolutely correct, and thank you for posting this. ALWAYS - ALWAYS - ALWAYS disconnect your battery before performing ANY electrical work in your car. I regret not covering that in this video, and it is something I started getting shots of when working on other items, like my rockford fosgate amp install and so on. Thanks again for posting that and watching, I am glad you liked the video!

[@RickHawkDavison]

TheTexasCoder ; coincidently my speedometer stopped working when I replaced stereo, is there a speedo connection I could have unplugged by doing this????

[@BornTV]

I cannot get the havoc controller of the left side. It has some clip action I can't figure out. Any clues? Thanks!

[@zingozongo]

Also do you know how to clean the cabin air ducts? My Dakota has bad BO and I was looking for a cabin air filter but apparently there isn't one. How do I clean the fan and air intake ducts? Any suggestions? Thanks

[@bradhartsoe9128]

The light on the controller for flow of air ( large knob closest to AC button) has gone out, do you know if this is the procedure to gain access to change the bulbs? Or can gain access from under side of panel? Thank you.

[@johnptinis5966]

thank you

[@madgodzilla12465]

Do you have to remove the dash cowl if you wanted to install a new stereo receiver?

[@cfreevette1]

This is a great video for stereo removal and working on the guages. HOWEVER, I notice the you point out to block the tires so the vehicle won't roll for saftey. How about basic auto 101..ALWAYS disconnect the battery when doing any electric work, and yes disconnecting wires is electric work. These wires are hot because the ignition is on so you can get the shifter out of the way. Dangerous situation and potential expensive damage especially for novices on a DIY weekend. Otherwise a big help.

[@cfreevette1]

@TheTexasCoder Disconnecting battery also eliminates that annoying beeping warning, haha. I did notice most of the video your odometer and warning lights are lit. Not sure how long this took but it can't be good to leave the ignition on with the truck not running for any length of time. Helpful video, just trying to assist. I learned the hard/expensive way too many times. Thanks for posting

[@maltadutchie2430]

Very helpful video, that's half of my problem I'm afraid. My Infinity radio just went dead on my 2001 Dodge Dakota Sport. Checked fuses,disconnected and reconnected battery,no go. Treble and base bottoms are still blinking. Any ideas ? Thanks in advance. Cheers, Fred

[@Dodge01owner]

Hey u have a question. I gave the same year Dakota as yours. Mine is ext. cab to. My air flow through the vents is poor. Like putting it on high seems like its on medium. What do you suggest I do.

[@jayatwood5856]

hi guys I just got my first dodge which is an 01 ram 2500--- I am wanting to install a pioneer and replace the outdate Panasonic that came with the truck (the stereo) my dodge is set up differently but I heard it is hell to take out this radio because you have to remove the top dash board and the ash tray as well as the cowl.. is there a short cut for this install and removal to my truck? if so can you or anyone else post a link for me ?thanks.

[@tonyjohnson7432]

how do I get my head lights an dash lights to come back on a 2004 dakota

[@SwitchhVII]

so in order to change to an aftermarket radio you need to remove the dash?

[@sig1164]

first off thanx for the great instructional video. Thinking about replacing the factory radio on my 2002 Dodge Durango because the stations come in and out or most of the times it is nothing but static. Has anybody out there had these issues and if so is it something simple or am I gonna have to replace the radio?

[@richardschaffling9882]

Good video were did you get that plastic tool

[@brownranchcustoms1651]

same proses for an '01 Durango slt?

[@Brewticus]

hey do you have to remove the bottom kick panels at all?

[@TheTexasCoder]

@Iloveher6241 Thanks for the comment, I would love to help, and I will do my best to answer your questions. Just shoot me a private message, with your questions, via KZbin and I will do what I can for you.

[@MrJake81283]

Is it the same procedure on a 02 Dakota?

[@mwb2112]

thanks for another great video. i am going in to put new guages in and to try to find out why my defroster isnt working

[@superassassin47]

this should be basically the same for a 99 right?

[@mdog333333]

Did you have to disable the airbags?

[@jefris]

thanks dude!

[@malthus1041]

is it tha same for a dodge durango 2001?

[@richardschaffling9882]

I just bought a 2004 and half the dash lights are out I guess it will be the same way to get to them

[@jadenceder4783]

are the lights for the hvac replaceable, and if so how-thanks

[@austinketchum1062]

U have to replace the entire HVAC panel

[@trippleal4913]

how do i get to the heater core on it?? do i need to pull the engine or just the dash?

[@trippleal4913]

Just the dash

[@jimjimslimjim387]

Tripp Leal c how people are be hind. Glove box I can fix any. Think on the road don't need no. Computer I know what to do. Just ask me Jim Jim

[@jimjimslimjim387]

No be hind glove box 4 hour job

[@92clintonr]

@@jimjimslimjim387 Not behind glove box in Dakota's. Post a video of your 4 hour changeover!

[@vincentgranado1356]

Still answering people questions

[@sdeaton26]

Yep

[@BornTV]

I. Can get the left havoc controller of my dodge dakota 2001

[@jimjimslimjim387]

I don't tell me were the dAME ASH TRAY LIGHT IS AT DAME

[@richardschaffling9882]

Has anybody done one with the air bag lock out

[@dobenland]

Great video on removing and reinstalling the dashboard cowl. One caveat ... if your Dakota only has 2 doors, then there will be a passenger airbag on/off switch in the cowl. I recommend disconnecting the battery and turning the headlights on to discharge any capacitors before disconnecting or reconnecting the airbag switch.

[@jakedean7340]

I’ve never had so many Fucking issues putting a dash back together for this truck I’ve been sitting here for 2 hour and can’t get it back in

[@BornTV]

Lol I mean HVAC. Autocorrect strikes again,

[@mmike422]

there are two philips head screws under dash uses flat head lol

[@Dodge01owner]

I ment I have. My bad

[@melodytoinvent]

...really?

[@ryandavis930]

Who cares dodge a dodge!

[@StephenMcClure-nd6lg]

Do u know the type/screw size for the first 2 screws