Sensor DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual
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Page 654 of 2627

(9) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
web guide to the inner B-pillar near the belt line.
(10) Remove the seat belt web guide from the
inner B-pillar.
(11) Disengage the seat belt tensioner pigtail wire
retainer from the hole in the inner B-pillar sheet
metal.
(12) Disconnect the yellow seat belt tensioner pig-
tail wire connector from the body wire harness take
out and connector for the tensioner.
(13) Remove the screw that secures the lower
retractor bracket to the lower inner B-pillar below
the retractor mounting hole.
(14) Disengage the hooks on the upper retractor
bracket from the slots in the lower inner B-pillar
above the retractor mounting hole.
(15) Remove the front outboard seat belt and
retractor from the retractor mounting hole in the
lower inner B-pillar.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - STANDARD CAB
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged front outboard seat belt and
retractor unit, which includes a seat belt tensioner
for this model. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/SEAT BELT TENSIONER - DESCRIP-
TION). The only component of this seat belt and
retractor unit that is available for individual service
replacement is the plastic web stop button that pre-
vents the latch plate from falling to the floor while in
the stored position. Refer to the instructions supplied
with the service kit for the proper web stop button
replacement procedures.
The seat belt retractor on the driver's side of stan-
dard cab models only also includes a tension reducer.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/TENSION
REDUCER - DESCRIPTION). The seat belt retractor
on the passenger's side of all models includes a swit-
chable automatic locking mechanism. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/AUTOMATIC LOCK-
ING RETRACTOR - DESCRIPTION).
If the seat belt or retractor is faulty or damaged,
but the seat belt tensioner is not deployed, review
the recommended procedures for handling non-de-
ployed supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE
- HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the seat belt tensioner has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the front outboard seat belt and
retractor from the vehicle. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT BELT
OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE, CARE-
FULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES,
MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER
STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLA-
TION, OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN.
STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED.
TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE
BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT HAS A BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE
OR ANCHOR PLATE. REPLACE ANY CHILD
RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE
ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR
DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT.
ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT
BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the front outboard seat belt and
retractor to the retractor mounting hole in the lower
inner B-pillar (Fig. 31).
(2) Engage the hooks on the upper retractor
bracket into the slots in the lower inner B-pillar
above the retractor mounting hole.
(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower retractor bracket to the lower inner B-pillar
below the retractor mounting hole. Tighten the screw
to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 35
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)
Page 655 of 2627

(4) Reconnect the yellow seat belt tensioner pigtail
wire connector to the body wire harness take out and
connector for the tensioner.
(5) Engage the seat belt tensioner pigtail wire
retainer into the hole in the inner B-pillar sheet
metal.
(6) On the driver side only, reconnect the body
wire harness take out and white connector to the
seat belt tension reducer connector receptacle near
the bottom of the retractor.
(7) Position the seat belt web guide to its mount-
ing location on the inner B-pillar near the belt line.
(8) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt web guide to the inner B-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(9) Reinstall the upper and lower trim onto the
inner B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - INSTALLATION) and
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(10) Position the seat belt turning loop onto the
height adjuster on the upper inner B-pillar.
(11) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster. Tighten
the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(12) Engage the lower snap features of the new
trim cover over the front outboard seat belt turning
loop and, using hand pressure, press firmly and
evenly on the top of the trim cover until it snaps into
place.
(13) Position the lower seat belt anchor to the
lower inner B-pillar.
(14) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower seat belt anchor to the B-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(15) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
(16) Move the front seat back to its rearward posi-
tion.INSTALLATION - QUAD CAB
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged front outboard seat belt and
retractor unit, which includes a seat belt tensioner
for this model. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/SEAT BELT TENSIONER - DESCRIP-
TION). The only component of this seat belt and
retractor unit that is available for individual service
replacement is the plastic web stop button that pre-
vents the latch plate from falling to the floor while in
the stored position. Refer to the instructions supplied
with the service kit for the proper web stop button
replacement procedures.
The seat belt retractor on the passenger's side of
all models includes a switchable automatic locking
mechanism. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR -
DESCRIPTION).
If the seat belt or retractor is faulty or damaged,
but the seat belt tensioner is not deployed, review
the recommended procedures for handling non-de-
ployed supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE
- HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the seat belt tensioner has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the front outboard seat belt and
retractor from the vehicle. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
8O - 36 RESTRAINTSDR
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)
Page 659 of 2627

OPERATION
The multistage passenger airbag is deployed by
electrical signals generated by the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) through the passenger airbag squib 1
and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the air-
bag inflator. By using two initiators, the airbag can
be deployed at multiple levels of force. The force level
is controlled by the ACM to suit the monitored
impact conditions by providing one of four delay
intervals between the electrical signals provided to
the two initiators. The longer the delay between
these signals, the less forcefully the airbag will
deploy.
When the ACM sends the proper electrical signals to
each initiator, the electrical energy generates enough
heat to initiate a small pyrotechnic charge which, in
turn ignites chemical pellets within the inflator. Once
ignited, these chemical pellets burn rapidly and pro-
duce a large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is
sealed to the airbag cushion and a diffuser in the infla-
tor directs all of the inert gas into the airbag cushion,
causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates,
the passenger airbag door will split at predetermined
tear seam lines concealed on the inside surface of the
door, then the door will pivot up over the top of the
instrument panel and out of the way. Following an air-
bag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by
venting the inert gas through vent holes within the
fabric used to construct the back (instrument panel
side) of the airbag cushion.
Typically, both initiators are used during an airbag
deployment event. However, it is possible for only one
initiator to be used during a deployment due to an
airbag system fault; therefore, it is necessary to
always confirm that both initiators have been used in
order to avoid the improper disposal of potentially
live pyrotechnic materials. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT).
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the passenger airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIRBAG,
RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the lower surround from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/LOWER SURROUND - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screw that secures the mounting
tab of the panel outlet housing to the upper glove box
opening reinforcement (Fig. 36).
(4) Remove the six screws that secure the inboard
and lower flanges of the passenger airbag door to the
instrument panel.
Fig. 36 Passenger Airbag Door Screws
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
2 - PANEL OUTLET SCREW (1)
3 - GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER REINFORCEMENT
4 - DOOR SCREW (6)
8O - 40 RESTRAINTSDR
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)
Page 660 of 2627

(5) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and remove the two screws that secure the
passenger airbag rear brackets to the upper glove
box opening reinforcement (Fig. 37).
(6) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and remove the two screws that secure the
passenger airbag front brackets to the instrument
panel structural support.
(7) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the upper and outboard
edges of the passenger airbag door away from the
instrument panel far enough to disengage the seven
snap features on the door from the receptacles in the
instrument panel base trim (Fig. 38).
(8) Pull the passenger airbag housing and door
unit straight back from the instrument panel far
enough to access the instrument panel wire harness
take out and connector for the airbag located on the
inboard side of the airbag housing.(9) Disconnect the passenger airbag pigtail wire
connector from the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the airbag. To disconnect the connector:
(a) Slide the red Connector Position Assurance
(CPA) lock on the connector toward the side of the
connector.
(b) Depress the connector latch tab and pull the
two halves of the connector straight away from
each other.
(10) Remove the passenger airbag and airbag door
from the instrument panel as a unit.
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the passenger airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIRBAG,
RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
Fig. 37 Passenger Airbag Remove/Install
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
2 - UPPER GLOVE BOX OPENING REINFORCEMENT
3 - FRONT BRACKET SCREW (2)
4 - REAR BRACKET SCREW (2)
Fig. 38 Passenger Airbag Door Disengage
1 - TRIM STICK
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 41
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)
Page 662 of 2627

The passenger airbag on/off switch housing is con-
structed of molded plastic and has three integral
mounting tabs. These mounting tabs are used to
secure the switch to the back of the molded plastic
switch face plate with three small screws. The
molded plastic face plate also has three integral
mounting tabs that are used to secure the switch and
face plate unit to the instrument panel center bezel
with three additional screws. A molded plastic con-
nector receptacle on the back of the switch housing
connects the switch to the vehicle electrical system
through a dedicated take out and connector of the
instrument panel wire harness. The molded plastic
harness connector insulator is keyed and latched to
ensure proper and secure switch electrical connec-
tions. The passenger airbag on/off switch cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag on/off switch allows the cus-
tomer to turn the passenger airbag function On or
Off to accommodate certain uses of the right front
seating position where airbag protection may not be
desired. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for specific recommendations on when to enable
or disable the passenger airbag. The Off indicator of
the switch will be illuminated whenever the switch is
turned to the Off position and the ignition switch is
in the On position.
The ignition key is the only key or object that
should ever be inserted into the key cylinder actuator
of the switch. The on/off switch requires only a par-
tial key insertion to fully depress a spring-loaded
locking plunger. The spring-loaded locking plunger
prevents the user from leaving the key in the switch.
The key will be automatically ejected when force is
not applied. To actuate the passenger airbag on/off
switch, insert the ignition key into the switch key
actuator far enough to fully depress the plunger, then
rotate the actuator to the desired switch position.
When the switch key actuator is rotated to its clock-
wise stop (the key actuator slot will be aligned with
the Off indicator), the Off indicator is illuminated
and the passenger airbag is disabled. When the
switch is rotated to its counterclockwise stop (the key
actuator slot will be in a vertical position), the Off
indicator will be extinguished and the passenger air-
bag is enabled.The passenger airbag on/off switch connects one of
two internal resistors in series between the passen-
ger airbag mux switch sense and passenger airbag
mux switch return circuits of the Airbag Control
Module (ACM). The ACM continually monitors the
resistance in these circuits to determine the switch
position that has been selected. When the switch is
in the Off position, the ACM provides a ground input
to the switch through the passenger airbag indicator
driver circuit, which energizes the Light-Emitting
Diode (LED) that illuminates the Off indicator of the
switch.
The ACM will also illuminate the Off indicator of
the switch for about seven seconds each time the
ignition switch is turned to the On position as a bulb
test. The ACM will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) for any fault it detects in the passenger airbag
on/off switch or Off indicator circuits, and will illumi-
nate the airbag indicator in the instrument cluster if
a fault is detected. For proper diagnosis of the pas-
senger airbag on/off switch or the ACM, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
REMOVAL
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL -
REMOVAL).
(3) From the back of the center bezel, remove the
three screws that secure the passenger airbag on/off
switch and face plate unit to the back of the bezel
(Fig. 40).
(4) Remove the passenger airbag on/off switch and
face plate from the center bezel as a unit.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 43
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (Continued)
Page 663 of 2627

INSTALLATION
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Position the passenger airbag on/off switch and
face plate unit to the back of the center bezel (Fig.
40).
(2) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the passenger airbag on/off switch face plate to the
back of the center bezel. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(17 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the center bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(4) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
REAR CENTER SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
The rear center seat belt retractor is secured with
a single screw to a mounting bracket that includes
the unique black, keyed center seat belt lower anchor
buckle and the right outboard occupant buckle, but
can be removed from the mounting bracket and is
serviced separately from the two buckles. The center
anchor buckle and the right outboard occupant
buckle are serviced as a unit with their mounting
bracket. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE - REMOVAL - CEN-
TER ANCHOR & RIGHT OUTBOARD).
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT BELT
OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE, CARE-
FULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES,
MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER
STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLA-
TION, OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN.
STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED.
TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE
BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT HAS A BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE
OR ANCHOR PLATE. REPLACE ANY CHILD
RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE
ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR
DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT.
ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT
BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Reach between the rear seat cushion and the
rear seat back to access and unbuckle the center seat
belt lower anchor latch plate from the unique black,
keyed lower anchor buckle. Use an ignition key or a
small screwdriver to depress the small white release
button on the anchor buckle.
(2) Remove the rear seat from the vehicle. On
models with the optional 60/40 split rear bench, only
the 60 percent section (right side) of the rear seat
must be removed. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT
- REAR - REMOVAL).
Fig. 40 Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch Remove/
Install
1 - CENTER BEZEL
2 - SCREW (3)
3 - SWITCH & PLATE UNIT
8O - 44 RESTRAINTSDR
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (Continued)
Page 671 of 2627

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire
connector from the seat wire harness connector for
the seat belt switch on the inboard side of the driver
side front seat forward of the seat belt buckle-half
anchor. Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit and the ground circuit cavities of
the seat belt switch pigtail wire connector. There
should be continuity with the seat belt buckled, and
no continuity with the seat belt unbuckled. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty front seat belt
buckle-half assembly.
(2) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity in the seat wire harness connector for the
seat belt switch and a good ground. There should be
continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the
open ground circuit to ground (G301) as required.
(3) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. Check for continuity between the seat
belt switch sense circuit cavity of the seat wire har-
ness connector for the seat belt switch and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, repair the shorted seat belt switch
sense circuit between the seat belt switch and the
instrument cluster as required.
(4) Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit cavities of the seat wire harness
connector for the seat belt switch and the instrument
panel wire harness connector (Connector C2) for the
instrument cluster. There should be continuity. If
OK, test and replace the faulty instrument cluster as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If not OK,
repair the open seat belt switch sense circuit between
the seat belt switch and the instrument cluster as
required.SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION
Front outboard seating position seat belt tension-
ers supplement the driver and passenger airbags for
all versions of this model (Fig. 48). The seat belt ten-
sioner is integral to the front outboard seat belt and
retractor units, which are secured to the inner B-pil-
lar on the right and left sides of the vehicle. The
retractor is concealed beneath the molded plastic
inner B-pillar trim. The seat belt tensioner consists
primarily of a die cast aluminum tensioner housing
or chamber, a mechanical clutch unit, a tape-like
metal strip, a pair of cutters, a pyrotechnically acti-
vated gas generator, and a short pigtail wire. All of
these components are located on one side of the
retractor spool on the outside of the retractor hous-
ing. The seat belt tensioners are controlled by the
Airbag Control Module (ACM) and are connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated
take out of the body wire harness by a keyed and
latching molded plastic connector insulator to ensure
a secure connection.
The seat belt tensioners cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire outboard front seat belt
and retractor unit must be replaced. If the front air-
bags have been deployed, the seat belt tensioners
have also been deployed. The seat belt tensioners are
not intended for reuse and must be replaced follow-
ing any front airbag deployment. A locked retractor
that will not allow the seat belt webbing to be
Fig. 48 Seat Belt Tensioner
1 - TENSIONER HOUSING OR CHAMBER
2 - GAS GENERATOR
3 - TENSIONER PIGTAIL WIRE
4 - SPOOL
5 - TENSION REDUCER (DRIVER SIDE ON STANDARD CAB
ONLY)
6 - REDUCER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
7 - RETRACTOR LOCKING MECHANISM COVER
8O - 52 RESTRAINTSDR
SEAT BELT SWITCH (Continued)
Page 673 of 2627

OPERATION
The seat belt tension reducer is controlled by a
ground signal received from the seat belt switch on
the seat belt switch sense circuit and a battery cur-
rent signal received from the ignition switch on the
fused ignition switch output (run-accessory) circuit.
When the seat belt switch is closed (the driver side
front seat belt is fastened) and the ignition switch is
in the On or Accessory positions, the seat belt tension
reducer solenoid is energized. When the solenoid is
energized, it actuates a mechanism within the driver
side front outboard seat belt retractor to reduce the
normal recoil spring tension exerted by the retractor
spool, which is designed to reel in the seat belt web-
bing onto the spool. When the driver side seat belt is
unbuckled or if the ignition switch is turned to any
position except On or Accessory, the tension reducer
solenoid is de-energized and the normal recoil spring
tension of the retractor is restored.
The action of the seat belt tension reducer results
in improved seat belt comfort for the driver. Reducing
the seat belt retractor recoil spring tension is desir-
able on standard cab models of this vehicle and not
on the quad cab model due to the different mounting
position required for the seat belt turning loop on the
B-pillar relative to the driver's seat position on the
standard cab model. The seat belt tension reducer
may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools
and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
TENSION REDUCER
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the seat belt tension reducer from the tension
reducer connector receptacle on the driver side front
outboard seat belt and retractor unit. Using an ohm-
meter, measure the resistance between the seat belt
switch sense circuit terminal pin and the fused igni-
tion switch output (run-accessory) circuit terminal
pin in the tension reducer connector receptacle on
the retractor. Resistance through the tension reducer
solenoid coil should be 53 ohms at 20É C (68É F). If
OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty driver
side front outboard seat belt and retractor unit.
(2) Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit cavity of the body wire harness
connector for the seat belt tension reducer and a good
ground. There should be continuity with the driver
side front seat belt buckled, and no continuity with
the driver side front seat belt unbuckled. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, repair the shorted or open seat
belt switch sense circuit between the tension reducer
and the seat belt switch as required.
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Check for
battery current at the fused ignition switch output
(run-accessory) circuit of the body wire harness con-
nector for the seat belt tension reducer. There should
be battery current with the ignition switch in the On
or Accessory positions, and no battery current with
the ignition switch in any other position. If not OK,
repair the shorted or open fused ignition switch out-
put (run-accessory) circuit between the tension
reducer and the ignition switch as required.
8O - 54 RESTRAINTSDR
SEAT BELT TENSION REDUCER (Continued)
Page 676 of 2627

pressed inert gas. When the ACM sends the proper
electrical signal to the airbag inflator, the electrical
energy creates enough heat to ignite chemical pellets
within the inflator. Once ignited, these chemicals
burn rapidly and produce the pressure necessary to
rupture a containment disk in the inert gas canister.
The inflator and inert gas canister are sealed and
connected to a tubular manifold so that all of the
released gas is directed into the folded side curtain
airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate.
As the airbag cushion inflates it will drop down
from the roof rail between the edge of the headliner
and the side glass/body pillars to form a curtain-like
cushion to protect the vehicle occupants during a side
impact collision. The front tether keeps the front por-
tion of the side curtain bag taut, thus ensuring that
the bag will deploy in the proper position. Following
the airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly
deflates by venting the inert gas through the loose
weave of the cushion fabric, and the deflated cushion
hangs down loosely from the roof rail.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged side curtain airbag. If the airbag
is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the
recommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the side curtain airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIRBAG,
RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE SIDE
CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE HEADLINER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the headliner from the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screw that secures the side curtain
airbag tether retainer to the base of the A-pillar near
the belt line (Fig. 53).
(4) Disengage the two side curtain airbag tether
plastic retainer clips from the A-pillar.
Fig. 53 Side Curtain Airbag Remove/Install - Typical
1 - ROOF SIDE RAIL
2 - SPRING NUT (4 - STD CAB/6 - QUAD CAB)
3 - SCREW (4 - STD CAB/6 - QUAD CAB)
4 - CLIP (2)
5 - RIVET NUT
6 - SCREW
7 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
8 - RETAINER (3 - STD CAB/5 - QUAD CAB)
9 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 57
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)
Page 677 of 2627

(5) Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the side curtain airbag from the connector receptacle
at the back of the airbag inflator.
(6) Remove the four screws (standard cab) or six
screws (quad cab) that secure the side curtain airbag
inflator and manifold tube brackets to the nuts in the
roof rail.
(7) Grasp the extruded plastic side curtain airbag
channel firmly and pull it straight away from the
roof rail far enough to disengage all three (standard
cab) or five (quad cab) plastic push-in fasteners that
secure it.
(8) Remove the side curtain airbag from the vehi-
cle as a unit.
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged side curtain airbag. If the airbag
is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the
recommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the side curtain airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIRBAG,
RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE SIDE
CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE HEADLINER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Position the side curtain airbag into the vehicle
as a unit.
(2) Align all three (standard cab) or five (quad cab)
plastic push-in fasteners that secure the extruded
plastic side curtain airbag channel with their holes
in the roof side rail and push them straight into the
roof rail until they are fully seated (Fig. 53).
(3) Working from the rear of the vehicle to the
front, install and tighten the four screws (standard
cab) or six screws (quad cab) that secure the side cur-
tain airbag inflator and manifold tube brackets to the
nuts in the roof rail. Tighten the screws to 5 N´m (40
in. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the body wire harness connector for
the side curtain airbag to the connector receptacle at
the back of the airbag inflator. Be certain the connec-
tor is fully engaged and latched.
(5) Engage the two side curtain airbag tether plas-
tic retainer clips into the A-pillar.
(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
side curtain airbag tether retainer to the base of the
A-pillar near the belt line. Tighten the screw to 6
N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall the headliner into the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
8O - 58 RESTRAINTSDR
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)