airbag disable DODGE NEON 1999 Service Repair Manual

RESTRAINT SYSTEM
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS............ 1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE............... 1
CLOCKSPRING.......................... 2
DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE . . 2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AIRBAG SYSTEM TEST................... 3
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CLEANUP PROCEDURE................... 3HANDLING AIRBAG MODULE.............. 3
MAINTENANCE INSPECTION............... 4
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM)......... 4
CLOCKSPRING.......................... 8
DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE................. 9
PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE............. 9
STEERING WHEEL...................... 10
ADJUSTMENTS
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING PROCEDURE.... 11
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: THIS SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COM-
PLEX ELECTRO±MECHANICAL UNIT. DISCONNECT
AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE
BEFORE BEGINNING AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPO-
NENT REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURES.
THIS WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAIL-
URE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
FOR TWO MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING AIRBAG
COMPONENTS.
DO NOT PLACE AN INTACT UNDEPLOYED AIR-
BAG FACE DOWN ON A SOLID SURFACE, THE AIR-
BAG WILL PROPEL INTO THE AIR IF
ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOYED AND COULD RESULT
IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN CARRYING OR HAN-
DLING AN UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULE, THE
TRIM SIDE OF THE AIRBAG SHOULD BE POINTING
AWAY FROM THE BODY TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY
OF INJURY IF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT
OCCURS.
REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS WITH
MOPARTREPLACEMENT PARTS. SUBSTITUTE
PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT
INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFE-
RIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, RUBBER GLOVES,
AND LONG SLEEVES CLOTHING WHEN CLEANING
POWDER RESIDUE FROM VEHICLE AFTER AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT. SODIUM HYDROXIDE POWDER
RESIDUE EMITTED FROM A DEPLOYED AIRBAGCAN CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. FLUSH AFFECTED
AREA WITH COOL WATER IF IRRITATION IS EXPE-
RIENCED. IF NASAL OR THROAT IRRITATION IS
EXPERIENCED, EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR
UNTIL THE IRRITATION CEASES. IF IRRITATION
CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSICIAN.
DO NOT USE A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG THAT IS
NOT IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING, IMPROPER
DEPLOYMENT AND PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
THE FACTORY INSTALLED FASTENERS,
SCREWS AND BOLTS USED TO FASTEN AIRBAG
COMPONENTS, ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED
FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. DO NOT USE SUBSTI-
TUTE FASTENERS, USE ONLY ORIGINAL EQUIP-
MENT FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS
CATALOG WHEN FASTENER REPLACEMENT IS
REQUIRED.
NOTE: Airbags should be stored in a cool dry loca-
tion away from excessive heat and static electrical
activity with the fabric airbag facing UP, or a prema-
ture deployment can result.
If the Driver/Passenger Airbag Module is defective
and not deployed, refer to Chrysler Corporation cur-
rent return list for proper handling procedures.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) contains the
safing sensor and energy reserve capacitor. The saf-
ing sensor is located inside the ACM. The module is
mounted on the tunnel/floor pan between the gear
PLRESTRAINT SYSTEM 8M - 1

tal deployment occurs. Do not place undeployed air-
bag face down on a solid surface, the airbag will
propel into the air if accidental deployment occurs.
MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
(1) Check the airbag warning lamp for proper
operation as follows:
(a) Turn ignition switch to the ON position, the
airbag warning lamp should light. If not, test the
system using a scan tool and Passive Restraint
System Diagnostic Procedures Manual. Repair as
required.
(b) The airbag warning lamp lights, but fails to
go out after eight seconds. Test the system using a
scan tool and Passive Restraint System Diagnostic
Procedures Manual. Repair as required.
(c) After correcting active malfunction erase
stored diagnostic codes.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM)
REMOVAL
WARNING: THE ACM CONTAINS A SAFING SEN-
SOR WHICH ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY
THE AIRBAGS. TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEPLOY-
MENT, NEVER CONNECT THE ACM ELECTRICALLY
TO THE SYSTEM WHILE VEHICLE BATTERY IS
CONNECTED.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE BEGINNING ANY
AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT REMOVAL OR
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS WILL DISABLE
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DISCONNECT
BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
FOR 2 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING ANY AIRBAG
COMPONENTS.
CAUTION: Failure to follow the parking brake ser-
vice procedures can result in damage to the park-
ing brake mechanism.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Manual transaxle only, remove shifter knob
fastener and remove shifter knob.
(3) Remove screws attaching rear of center console
assembly to console bracket (Fig. 5) or (Fig. 6).
(4) Remove the two screws located in cup holders
(Fig. 7), attaching front of center console assembly to
console bracket.
Fig. 5 Attaching Screws At Rear Of Center Console
With/Without Arm Rest
Fig. 6 Attaching Screws At Rear Of Center Console
With Arm Rest
Fig. 7 Attaching Screws At Front Of Center Console
8M - 4 RESTRAINT SYSTEMPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

CLOCKSPRING
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE
BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT
REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS
WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY. ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE FOR 2 MINUTES BEFORE REMOV-
ING ANY AIRBAG COMPONENTS.
(1) Place the front road wheels in the straight
ahead position then:
²Rotate the steering wheel half turn (180
degrees) to the right (clockwise)
²Lock column with ignition lock cylinder.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Wait two minutes for the reserve capacitor to
discharge before removing non-deployed module.
(4) Remove speed control switch mounting screws,
switches and disconnect the wire connectors or
remove covers.
(5) Remove the Driver Airbag Module attaching
bolts from under the speed control switches or covers.
(6) Lift module and disconnect the airbag and horn
wire connectors.
(7) Remove the steering wheel, refer to Steering
Wheel removal procedures.
(8) Remove upper and lower steering column
shrouds to gain access to clockspring wiring.
(9) Disconnect the 2-way and 4-way connectors
between the clockspring and the instrument panel
wiring harness at the base of the clockspring (Fig.
21).
(10) Unlatch and remove clockspring assembly
from steering shaft. The clockspring cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if faulty.
(11) Rotate clockspring rotor a half turn (180
degrees) to the left (counter clockwise).
(12) Lock the clockspring rotor in the center posi-
tion as follows: Insert a paper clip wire through the
hole in the rotor at the 10 O'clock position and bend
to prevent it from falling out.
INSTALLATION
(1) Confirm that:
²The steering wheel position is a half turn (180
degrees) to the right (clockwise)
²The column is locked with the ignition cylinder
lock.
²Check that the turn signal stalk is in the neu-
tral position²When reusing the clockspring, remove locking
wire and rotate clockspring rotor one half turn (180
degrees) to the right (clockwise). Locate the clock-
spring on the steering shaft and push down on the
rotor until the clockspring is fully seated on the
steering column.
²When installing a new clockspring remove gre-
nade pin and rotate clockspring rotor one half turn
(180 degrees) to the right (clockwise). Locate clock-
spring on the steering shaft and push down on the
rotor until the clockspring is fullly seated on the
steering wheel.
(2) Connect the clockspring to the instrument
panel harness, ensure wiring is properly routed.
Then check that the connectors, locking tabs are
properly engaged and the halo lamp wire is in posi-
tion.
(3) Install steering column shrouds. Be sure all
wires are inside of shrouds.
(4) Install steering wheel ensuring the flats on hub
align with the clockspring. Pull the horn, airbag and
speed control leads through the larger slot. Ensure
leads do not get pinched under the steering wheel.
(5) Route speed control wires under and behind
the airbag module mounting tabs.
(6) Connect the horn lead wire and the airbag lead
wire to the airbag module.
(7) Install the airbag module and tighten bolts to
12 to 14 N´m (105 to 125 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Connect the speed control wires to the switches
and install switches. Tighten screws to 2 N´m (20 in.
lbs.) torque.
(9) Do not connect the battery negative cable.
Refer to Diagnosis and Testing for Airbag System
Test procedures.
Fig. 21 Clockspring
8M - 8 RESTRAINT SYSTEMPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE
BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT
REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS
WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY. ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE FOR 2 MINUTES BEFORE REMOV-
ING ANY AIRBAG COMPONENTS.
When removing a deployed module, rubber gloves,
eye protection and long sleeved shirt should be worn,
as there may be deposits on the surface which could
irritate the skin and eyes.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove speed control switches or covers from
steering wheel armature and disconnect the wires.
(3) Remove two bolts attaching Driver Airbag Mod-
ule from the sides of steering wheel (Fig. 22).
(4) Lift module and disconnect airbag squib wire
connector and horn wire.
(5) Remove Driver Airbag Module.
(6) When replacing a deployed driver airbag mod-
ule, the clockspring must also be replaced. Refer to
Clockspring Removal and Installation for proper pro-
cedure.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
(1) Connect the squib wire to the module. Make
airbag connection by pressing straight in on the con-
nector. The connector should be fully seated feel for
positive snap to assure positive connection.
(2) Connect the horn wire.
(3) Install two bolts and tighten to 10 to 11 N´m
(90 to 100 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install non-speed control covers to the steering
wheel armature or connect the wire connectors to the
speed control switches and install switches. Tighten
fastener to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) TORQUE.
(5) Do not connect battery negative cable. Refer to
Diagnosis and Testing for Airbag System Test proce-
dures.
PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE
NON-DEPLOYED MODULE
REMOVAL
When removing a module for any reason other
than DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove instrument panel top cover (Fig. 23).
(3) Remove instrument panel right trim bezel.
(4) Open glove box and push the sides inward
allowing the door bumper to pass and box to open.
(5) Remove the four trim screws which attach the
Passenger Airbag Module to the top instrument
panel (Fig. 24).
(6) Remove two module attaching nuts from the
support structure.
(7) Lift module up until the wire connector is vis-
ible and disconnect the 4-way wire connector from
module. Unlock the red locking tab and compress
lock to release the connector (Fig. 25).
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
Ensure that the red locking tab is in the lock position
after installing the connector. Tighten trim screws to
2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) torque. Tighten the module nuts to
22 to 34 N´m (200 to 300 in. lbs.) torque. Do not con-
nect battery negative cable. Refer to Diagnosis and
Testing for Airbag System Test procedures.
Fig. 22 Driver Airbag Module
PLRESTRAINT SYSTEM 8M - 9
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

DEPLOYED MODULE
REMOVAL
When removing a deployed module, rubber gloves,
eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should beworn, as there may be deposits on the surface which
could irritate the skin and eyes.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Roll/fold airbag towards instrument panel.
(3) Close door over folded airbag and tape door
closed.
(4) Remove instrument panel top cover (Fig. 23).
(5) Remove instrument panel right trim panel.
(6) Open glove box and push the sides inward
allowing the door bumper to pass and box to open.
(7) Remove the four trim screws which attach the
module to the top instrument panel (Fig. 24).
(8) Remove two module attaching nuts from the
support structure.
(9) Lift module up until the wire connector is visi-
ble and disconnect the 4-way wire connector from
module. Unlock the red locking tab and compress
lock to release the connector.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
Ensure that the red locking tab is in the lock position
after installing the connector. Tighten trim screws to
2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) torque. Tighten the module nuts to
22 to 34 N´m (200 to 300 in. lbs.) torque. Do not con-
nect battery negative cable. Refer to Diagnosis and
Testing for Airbag System Test procedures.
STEERING WHEEL
WARNING: DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE
BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT
REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS
WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
FOR 2 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING ANY AIRBAG
COMPONENTS.
REMOVAL
(1) Adjust the steering wheel so that the tires are
in the straight ahead position then:
²Rotate the steering wheel half turn (180
degrees) to the right (clockwise)
²Lock column with the ignition cylinder lock
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the speed control switches and discon-
nect the wire connectors or covers.
(4) Remove the Driver Airbag Module attaching
bolts from the back of steering wheel.
Fig. 23 Instrument Panel
Fig. 24 Passenger Airbag Module
Fig. 25 Airbag Module Connector
8M - 10 RESTRAINT SYSTEMPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(5) Lift module and disconnect the airbag and horn
wire connectors.
(6) Remove steering wheel retaining nut.
(7) Remove the steering wheel with a steering
wheel puller. While removing the steering wheel take
care to feed the wires gently through the holes in the
clockspring armature.
INSTALLATION
(1) Confirm that:
²The steering wheel position is a half turn (180
degrees) to the right (clockwise)
²The column is locked with the ignition cylinder
lock.
²Check that the turn signal stalk is in the neu-
tral position
(2) Install the steering wheel ensuring the flats on
hub align with the clockspring. Pull the horn lead,
airbag and speed control leads through the larger
slot. Ensure leads do not get pinched under the steer-
ing wheel.
(3) Install the steering wheel retaining nut, and
tighten it to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install the airbag module. Refer to Driver Air-
bag Module Removal and Installation for proper pro-
cedures.
(5) Do not connect the battery negative cable.
Refer to Diagnosis and Testing for Airbag System
Test procedures.
ADJUSTMENTS
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING PROCEDURE
If the rotating tape within the clockspring is not
positioned properly with the steering wheel and the
front wheels, the clockspring may fail during use.
The following procedure MUST BE USED to center
the clockspring if:²The clockspring is not known to be properly
positioned
²The front wheels were moved
²The steering wheel was moved from the half
turn (180 degrees) to the right (clockwise) position.
WARNING: DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE
BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT
REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS
WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
FOR 2 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING ANY AIRBAG
COMPONENTS.
(1) Remove clockspring, refer to Clockspring
Removal.
(2) Rotate the clockspring rotor in the CLOCK-
WISE DIRECTION to the end of travel. Do not apply
excessive torque.
(3) From the end of travel, rotate the rotor two full
turns and a half in the counterclockwise direction.
The horn wire and the squib wire should end up at
the bottom. If not, rotate the rotor counter clockwise
until the wires are properly orientated, but not more
than half turn (180 degrees). Engage clockspring
locking mechanism.
(4) For installation, refer to Clockspring Installa-
tion
(5) Do not connect battery negative cable. Refer to
Diagnosis and Testing for Airbag System Test
procedures.
PLRESTRAINT SYSTEM 8M - 11
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)