One dropped bolt in a RAM turned a simple oil change into a full interior teardown

A simple oil change on a RAM truck turned into a major repair after an apprentice mechanic carried out a full dashboard removal to recover a dropped bolt.

The job, expected to take less than an hour, became an all-day teardown.

Stripped to its frame, with wiring and panels scattered across the shop floor, the truck’s interior was unrecognizable.

The video documenting the scene spread quickly online and drew strong reactions.

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From oil change to overhaul

The clip was posted by shop owner Norm from TikTok’s mechanicofthestars.

In the video, the RAM truck’s dashboard had already been removed, and the apprentice was working inside the exposed cabin.

Norm explained that the vehicle was only booked for an oil change, not a full interior disassembly.

Removing a dashboard is a lengthy process.

It means disconnecting electronics, unbolting the steering column, and removing vents and panels.

Depending on the model, it can take six hours or more.

Normally, such work is done for major repairs, not for an oil change.

The dismantled RAM truck drew immediate attention on social media.

Some users saw humor in the extreme response, while others focused on the effort the apprentice put into fixing the mistake.

Several questioned how a bolt could have ended up behind the dash during an oil change in the first place.

Training and workshop pressure

The dashboard removal also prompted discussion about how apprentices are trained in workshops.

Dropping a bolt during an oil change is a common mishap, and mechanics often use tools such as magnetic pickups or borescopes to recover them without taking apart a vehicle.

Automotive forums reflected mixed opinions.

Some posters said the approach was unnecessary, while others respected that the apprentice tried to resolve the situation rather than ignore it.

For auto shops, the outcome still carries costs.

A 30-minute oil change that extends into a day of dashboard removal reduces efficiency and isn’t ideal for customers.

Balancing mistakes with practical solutions remains part of the apprenticeship process.

The video of the RAM truck continues to circulate.

For mechanics and drivers alike, it has become a memorable example of how quickly routine work can escalate when a small error is made.

@mechanicofthestars Never a dull moment when working with apprentices! @gabs @Charlie B #mechaniclife #oktirestalbert #ram #heaters ♬ original sound – Norm G

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