2006 Dodge Ram 1500: Removing the overhead console

In this video, I removed the overhead console on a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 so that I could replace a burned out bulb. This process should be the same for all 3rd generation Ram pickups from 2002-2008 for 1500 models, and 2003-2009 for 2500/3500 models.
Time required: about 5 mins to remove console. 15-30mins if replacing bulbs.
Tools needed: T-20 torx screwdriver, flat head screwdriver, plastic trim tool.
Map light: 578 bulb
Overhead module illumination light: a.co/bgqcI1J or Radio Shack P/N 272-1092
I created this video with the KZbin Video Editor ( / editor )

[@alexromeu979]

Thank you for this video...saved me time, money, and a headache of breaking things!!

[@acd6374]

Thank you. You got my upvote.

[@xmrnateswagx8317]

Thank you sir, I broke half the thing trying to pull it out, wish I found this sooner.

[@mikeglutek3903]

Nice video sir! I am looking at hardwiring a dash cam and need both constant and switched power (for parked mode) and ground. My hardwire kit has a 12V to 5V with a low voltage cutoff. I was thinking of using the overhead console to tap into these. Do you think I should be able to hook into all these in this O/H console? Thx.

[@AKJeeper]

I don't recall how the lights on these trucks are switched on and off. I want to say that the BCM (body control module) switches the lights on and off on the ground side of the circuit, meaning that the bulbs always have 12v+ at them at all times. I believe the overhead console itself has a switched 12v+ source. You'll have to probe with a multimeter and see if this is the case. As long as your dash cam doesn't draw too much current, I could see using the 12v+ signal at the console as a source for power, and you could easily just tap into the sheetmetal for a ground signal (assuming the BCM doesn't switch the 12v+ side of the wiring). I hope this helps!

[@wkdemt6556]

Would anyone know why the compass stopped navigating? It's stuck on E (east).

[@AKJeeper]

You might have to try recalibrating the compass. To calibrate the compass manually proceed as follows: (1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If the compass/temperature data is not currently being displayed, momentarily depress and release the C/T push button to reach the compass/temperature display. (2) Depress the RESET push button and hold the button down until "CAL" appears in the display. This takes about ten seconds, and appears about five seconds after "VAR" is displayed. (3) Release the RESET push button. (4) Drive the vehicle on a level surface, away from large metal objects and power lines, through three or more complete turns at between 3 and 5 miles-per-hour in not less than 48 seconds. The "CAL" message will disappear from the display to indicate that the compass is now calibrated.

[@88NX250]

Thanks for the clear and helpful video.

[@davidcatlette9697]

Great video thank you !!!! I have a question my light on the right side is coming on while I drive down the road and goes out ! All this is with out touching it ? The two pins that hold the clear lens in are broken , and I will replace that is that the cause of the light coming on ????

[@tjmmcd1]

I have a 2004 and suddenly, both of my overhead 'map' lights would push all the way in. Turns out that the external housing cracked and could no longer hold the on-off push button in place. I'm sure Dodge used the same, (since discontinued), plastic that they used on the dash that is known to easily crack and shatter, for these Dodge Ram 1500 model years. Also, why the hell does Dodge use torx screws instead of normal phillip's screws to attach the map light housing? Also, Dodge keeps calling me about an airbag recall, but won't take responsibility to replace these KNOWN plastic moulding defects! These same years also have a problem with the air conditioning diverter; another KNOWN problem that they REFUSE to replace. THANK YOU so much for taking the time to help out a brother in need, my friend!

[@ArmorOfGod7]

Those little tabs that the lens clips onto broke on mine so I have to replace the whole overhead console. I couldn't tell for sure in the video, the wire harness that goes to it, is it just a couple of plugs that pull out easily, or am I going to have to cut/splice all of the wires?

[@AKJeeper]

No cutting or splicing necessary to remove the overhead console. The harness that goes to it has plugs that remove fairly easily.

[@ArmorOfGod7]

@@AKJeeper thanks!

[@declary]

Great video, really good light and clear audio & video..I need to repair both map lights..thanks.

[@codylopez7336]

So I got the white clipped removed But it’s still connected the the black clip . How do I remove the black clip to remove the whole console

[@AKJeeper]

I'm assuming you're talking about the black clips that hold the rear half of the console to the ceiling. At the 1:02 mark, I show the torx screws that hide behind the lenses for the map lights. I remove these screws, so there's no need to pull the black clips out from the bracket on the ceiling. You risk damaging both the bracket as well as the overhead console if you go by the factory method of just pulling the console down.

[@ranjanty9302]

thanks for the video. I just bought a 99 2500 and the overhead trip computer does not light up. After watching this I hope the light bulbs are just burnt out. Im not sure yet if it has a fuse somewhere in the circuit.

[@RedDragonProtection]

Thank you. This video is exactly what I need. Do you know if it is the same light bulb in the drop down cup holder assembly?

[@AKJeeper]

I believe the bulb for the in-dash cup holder/ashtray assembly is a 194 bulb. It has been a while since I've had to replace one of these bulbs so I'm not 100% on the bulb number.

[@WagnerBeskow]

Thanks a lot !!!

[@beebeebearbear]

thanks for the info. My dash lights and my overhead dome lights stopped working on my 06 Ram. Any ideas what is happening.

[@User39842D]

hey im shopping for a 3rd gen dodge ram 1500 and wanted to know what years/trims included an overhead console.

[@AKJeeper]

As far as I remember any trim level SLT or above will have the overhead console as standard. There was also a lighting package available on the ST models which would have included the console as well.

[@User39842D]

@@AKJeeper ok thanks

[@joemandarino9818]

Do you know where I could get those clips that the screw goes into?

[@williesmith2011]

I will my 2004 1500 next.!! TKS.!!

[@Noah-fk9uy]

Is it the same way for a 99 dodge ram

[@brandonmorales7412]

What are those little bulbs called ?

[@AKJeeper]

brandon morales they are called map light bulbs. The bulb number is #578

[@AKJeeper]

brandon morales unless you’re talking about the backlighting for the compass/temperature module - those bulbs are illumination bulbs. I find that Honda clock bulbs (see video description) work fine for this application.

[@brandonmorales7412]

AKJeeper I’m talking about the little black ones because they are out and I have trouble finding them and I need them to see how many miles per gallon I’m getting

[@vietnamvet6474]

Do you know where I can get the wiring harness for the consol? I have a 2004 but it looks just like that one.

[@AKJeeper]

I would look for one at a wrecking yard. Many of the parts for these trucks have been discontinued, so no longer available from a dealership parts department.

[@daviddavis8881]

Where do you get them type bulbs and what are they called??

[@AKJeeper]

I posted the information in the video description. Here's an Amazon link: a.co/bgqcI1J​ Some vehicles (like Hondas) use the same bulb to provide backlighting to accessories like the clock.

[@maxmorrison9195]

Hey brother I know this is an old video but do you know if they sell the housing for the console? I ask because the little pointed piece of plastic that holds the dome light lens in place broke off mine, so now I only have one lens in.

[@AKJeeper]

That's the unfortunate part about the use of plastic on vehicles. If that happened to me, I would be looking for used ones online or perhaps at my local salvage yard. A dealer might still have the housing available, but these things are often very expensive there. Maybe you could drill a hole where the peg was, and use a tiny screw as the new pivot point for the lens?

[@jamesbaker7287]

Max Morrison , I had the same exact thing happen to me lol. Glad I'm not alone there

[@jakerescue9686]

Iv had my 03 Ram 1500 Quad Cab for 5 or 6 years now and for the past 3-3.5 years iv had paracord, folded up paper and even tape with super glue hold my broken lens on... I know that I am a year late to this but hell them cheap plastic lenses can be pricey! 2018 prices for 1 lens $16-$20 and for 2 lenses new they can be anywhere from $25-$40 online yet they only cost 13 annoying jiggly penny's... 13 Cents to just to produce for 2 in China....

[@initialisms2970]

4 years later but what I did is I found a screw and mechanic trimmed it, and got the right size so it hold the lens. Hope this helps

[@johnwetson7365]

would you know how to remove the overhead console in a 2017 ram. I'm trying to tap 12v for a radar

[@AKJeeper]

If the 2017 is the same as a 2016, there's snap fit clips at the rear corners and middle sides of the console. Pull down the rear half first, then the middle. The front half hooks into the headliner so you don't want to pull from the front. Once the rear and middle has been unclipped, tilt and pull the console rearward. Be careful...a bit of force may be necessary to get the snap fit clips to unsnap.

[@anjodanoite9039]

Thank you

[@joecable39nc]

does the steering wheel like where cruise control do they have lights you can change mine does not light up I am not sure if it is supposed to or not is why I am asking. If yes you have any idea how to change the bulbs

[@AKJeeper]

Joe Cable No - the steering wheel switches on these trucks do not light up like others such as Fords.

[@joecable39nc]

Thanks I had no idea if the bulb could be bad. I had to change all three where the heater knobs are they were easy

[@417cameron]

Do you know If a console with a garage opener would work if you plugged it in to this one

[@Klb818]

Sorry it’s a year later, but yes it work. Not sure if it will connect to a garage door as mine is a manual door, but the temp autre and compass work the same. Still have to test the MPG

[@ccannady9]

What is the little bulbs size?

[@AKJeeper]

Chris Cannady I never measured the size of the bulb. If you’re looking for a replacement bulb, I put that info in the video description.

[@blh3741]

thanks for the console removal... I need to install a microphone+cable for a new stereo and it worked perfect.

[@aidanmontgomery9772]

Thanks, I need to fix a broken light which for some reason wasn't fixed by replacing the bulb.

[@fitlyfenutrition6224]

What size are those screws under the light

[@AKJeeper]

kam h They are a T20 torx.

[@chadmaine4919]

20 Hex I believe

[@juanchy07]

beautiful, thank you so much!!

[@rompecucas2563]

Thanks for the video.. 👋

[@AKJeeper]

You're very welcome!

[@VICTORTACCO]

Thanks!

[@AKJeeper]

You're welcome. Glad this video could help you!

[@cbl4556]

I broke my peg off trying to put it back on the second time I had to fix it. I was impatient the second time and tried to somewhat force it big mistake and I will be mad at it for a long time to come... very badly designed.

[@Roamin_AZ]

Same😭, were u able to fix it or did you have to buy a new console?

[@chilltime4878]

Shit man, I just did the same!! Son of a bitch!!!!!!!!

[@hughchristian1976]

Great video, thanks.