Please help. I need to remove the dash from my durango. My earring fell into the driver side defroster vent and I need to get it out ASAP.

 

Welcome to the forum.

I pulled my dash a few months back on my 2000 Durango to replace my core and evap. It was not too bad if you are mechanically inclined. It took me a total of about 10 hours to remove and replace, and this was with some prior knowledge. Anyway, I would try a few other things first.

1. Go to an auto parts store and buy a long magnetic probe or make one yourself. Get some relatively stiff wire from a hardware store and attach a magnet to the end. First try going down the defroster vent, but it depends on how far down the duct work the earring fell.
2. If no luck, the bezel that is around the dash pops straight off. Remove it to expose a clear shot at the vents in the dash. Turn the car on and switch the air to come out the dash vents, then try the magnet. This may work if it fell into the HVAC box.
3. If I remeber right, but don't hold me to it, I believe the defrost vent is connected by a black flexible duct (maybe 2 to 3" in diameter) to the hvac plenum. This duct is partially accessible from under the dash. Hopefully you can picture this: The duct comes from the defrost vent relatively straight down and then turns into the hvac plenum at the bottom of the dash. My guess is this is where the earring is, where the duct work takes the bend. I think you will be able to see this bend in the duct work form under the dash, on the drivers side. If you can shake the duct and verify that that is where it is, you should be able to cut a small hole in it and get it out. Patch the hole with - you guessed it - duct tape (I actually prefer foil tape).
4. If all else fails, the dash can come out, but I would try the above first.

OK, but I cannot end this without asking, how did the earring get there any way?
Good luck.

 

Any luck? I just put my entire dash back together this weekend if you still need help.

 

ya get it?


as jeff foxwothy would say, HOW DID THAT HAPPEN!?

 

would have to be gold for me to take the dash apart

 

i need help is there any other way getting ctm out from under the dash with out taking the dash apart my ctm is under the dash to the right of the glove box i cant take out the glove box cuz of a braket please any other ideas

 

http://www.mediafire.com/?jimqy4dmyzh

the directions for getting the ctm out are in there for the 98-00 durangos, the 2002 service manual is available in the FAQ thread and will show you how to do it on an 01-03 durango

 

Are you talking about a transmission module or a Central Timing Module (CTM).

 

based on his other post asking the same question, i answered it twice for him with the PDF with the removal instructions, he has a 98 durango which does NOT HAVE a tcm, so it must the ctm which is off the side and behind the glove box

 

How did the post go from, Help how to remove a dash to. Do i need to remove the dash to remove a CTM. Sharp is right, Unless you have a 4.7 engine,the TCM would be under the hood. All 5.2 and 5.9 engine the PCM is also the TCM. Here is information on the CTM and it maybe the same as sharp and hydrashocker have said and posted.
CENTRAL TIMER MODULE
Two versions of the Central Timer Module (CTM) are available on this vehicle, a base version and a high-line version. The base version of the CTM is used on base models of the vehicle. The base version of the CTM combines the functions of a chime/buzzer module, an intermittent wipe module, an illuminated entry module and an ignition lamp time delay relay in a single unit.

The high-line version of the CTM is used on high-line vehicles. The high-line CTM provides all of the functions of the base version CTM, but also is used to control and integrate many of the additional electronic functions and features included on the high-line models. The high-line version of the CTM contains a central processing unit and interfaces with other modules in the vehicle on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network.

The CCD data bus network allows the sharing of sensor information. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity, reduce internal controller hardware, and reduce component sensor current loads. At the same time, this system provides increased reliability, enhanced diagnostics, and allows the addition of many new feature capabilities.

One of the features that the high-line CTM supports and controls is the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) In the VTSS, the CTM receives hard-wired inputs from the door and liftgate ajar, door and liftgate lock cylinder, and ignition switches. The programming in the CTM allows it to process the information from these inputs and send control outputs to energize or de-energize the headlamp (or security) relay, horn relay, and the security lamp. The CTM also sends CCD data bus messages to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to control the engine no-run feature of the VTSS

The high-line CTM also contains the receiver and control logic for the power lock and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) systems, which are integrated into the arming, disarming, and triggering functions of the VTSS.

Both versions of the CTM are mounted under the passenger side end of the instrument panel, outboard of the instrument panel glove box opening. Refer to Central Timer Module in the Removal and Installation section of Instrument Panel Systems for the service procedures.

For diagnosis of the high-line version of the CTM or of the CCD data bus, a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are recommended. The CTM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.