turn signal bulb DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 1998, Model line: RAM 1500, Model: DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.GPages: 2627
Page 562 of 2627

STANDARD PROCEDURE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN SERVICING GLASS COMPONENTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: Do not touch the glass of halogen bulbs
with fingers or other possibly oily surface, reduced
bulb life will result.Do not use bulbs with higher
candle power than indicated in the Bulb Application
table . Damage to lamp and/or Daytime Running
Lamp Module can result.Do not use fuses, circuit
breakers or relays having greater amperage value
than indicated on the fuse panel or in the Owners
Manual.
When it is necessary to remove components to ser-
vice another, it should not be necessary to apply
excessive force or bend a component to remove it.
Before damaging a trim component, verify hidden
fasteners or captured edges are not holding the com-
ponent in place.
SPECIFICATIONS
EXTERIOR LAMPS
CAUTION: Do not use bulbs that have a higher can-
dle power than the bulb listed in the Bulb Applica-
tion Table. Damage to lamp can result. Do not touch
halogen bulbs with fingers or other oily surfaces.
Bulb life will be reduced.
The following Bulb Application Table lists the lamp
title on the left side of the column and trade number
or part number on the right.
BULB APPLICATION TABLE
LAMP BULB
Backup - w/cargo box 3057
Backup - w/box off 1156
Center High Mounted
Stop lamp912
Fog lamp 9006LL
Front Park/Turn Signal 3157NA
Head lamp 9007
License Plate 168
Tail, Brake, Turn Signal -
w/cargo box3057
LAMP BULB
Tail, Brake, Turn Signal -
w/box off1157
Side Marker, Tail Gate,
Cab Clearance168
BACKUP LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Remove and isolate the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the taillamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lamp back plate from the tail lamp
unit.
(4) Release the backup lamp bulb locking tabs and
remove the bulb from the back plate.
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp housing (Fig. 1).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the backup lamp bulb inward and rotate
it counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the backup lamp bulb from the backup
lamp socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the backup lamp bulb into the lamp
back plate.
Fig. 1 Tail Lamp Lens
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 7
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)
Page 569 of 2627

(1) Position the front fog lamp relay to the proper
receptacle in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
(2) Align the front fog lamp relay terminals with
the terminal cavities in the PDC.
(3) Press firmly and evenly on the top of the front
fog lamp relay until the terminals are fully seated in
the PDC.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
HAZARD SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The hazard switch is activated by a push button
located in the multifunction switch on the top of the
steering column between the steering wheel and
instrument cluster.
The hazard warning system allows the vehicle
operator to provide other vehicle operators in the
near proximity an optical indication that the vehicle
is disabled or an obstacle to traffic flow. The hazard
warning system has battery voltage at all times,
regardless of ignition position.
OPERATION
The instrument cluster monitors the multiplexed
multifunction switch operation. When the hazard
warning switch is activated, the instrument cluster
will send a J1850 bus message to the Front Control
Module (FCM), then activate the two turn signal
indicators and audible click in the instrument clus-
ter.
The FCM will then activate the necessary relays in
the Power Distribution Center (PDC) to begin flash-
ing both the front and rear turn signal indicator
lamps.
HEADLAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negitive battery
cable.
(2) Remove the headlamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Seperate the socket from the headlamp unit.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do Not Touch the bulb glass with fingers
or other oily surfaces. Reduced bulb life will result.
(1) Install the socket into the headlamp unit.
(2) Install the headlamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).(3) Connect the negitive battery cable.
HEADLAMP SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The multiplexed headlamp switch is located on the
instrument panel. The headlamp switch controls the
parking lamps, fog lamps and the headlamps. A sep-
arate switch in the module controls the interior
lamps and instrument cluster illumination. This
switch also contains a rheostat for controlling the
illumination level of the cluster lamps.
OPERATION
The multiplexed headlamp switch has an off, park-
ing lamp, fog lamp and a headlamp on position. High
beams are controlled by the multiplexed multifunc-
tion switch on the steering column. The fog lamps
are illuminated by pulling back on the headlamp
switch knob when in the parking lamp or headlamp
ON position.The headlamp switch cannot be
repaired. It must be replaced.
The Instrument Cluster monitors the headlamp
and multifunction switch operation. When the head-
lamp switch is rotated to the parking lamp or On
position the Instrument Cluster sends a J1850 mes-
sage to the Front Control Module, which is mated to
the power distribution center to become the Inte-
grated Control Module, to illuminate the appropriate
bulbs. When the multifunction switch is activated to
the optical horn or high beam position the Instru-
ment Cluster illuminates the high beam indicator
and sends a J1850 message to the Front Control
Module to illuminate the appropriate bulbs.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
8L - 14 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
FOG LAMP RELAY (Continued)
Page 570 of 2627

(2) Remove the left instrument panel bezel. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER
BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the harness connector.
(4) Remove the screws that secure the headlamp
switch to the instrument panel bezel (Fig. 10).
(5) Remove the headlamp switch from the instru-
ment panel bezel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Position the headlamp switch to the left instru-
ment panel bezal and secure with screws.Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the headlamp switch.
(3) Position the left instrument panel bezal on to
the instrument panel.
(4) Install the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel (Fig. 10).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
HEADLAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the push pins attaching the seal to the
fender.
(3) Remove the bolts attaching the headlamp unit
to the fender (Fig. 11).
(4) Remove the bulb sockets from the headlamp
unit
(5) Separate headlamp unit from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not touch the bulb glass with fingers
or other oily surfaces. Reduced bulb life will result.
(1) Install the bulb sockets for the front park/turn
signal and headlamp.
(2) Position headlamp unit in inner fender panel.
Fig. 10 Headlamp Switch Removal
1 - DASH BOARD
2 - HEADLAMP SWITCH
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL BEZAL
Fig. 11 Headlamp - Typical
1 - SEAL
2 - PUSH PIN
3 - SCREW
4 - HEADLAMP UNIT
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 15
HEADLAMP SWITCH (Continued)
Page 573 of 2627

REMOVAL - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP
(1) Remove the two screws that secure the lens
assembly to the tailgate (Fig. 15).
(2) Turn the bulb sockets counterclockwise a quar-
ter turn and remove the bulb sockets from the lens
assembly.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FENDER MARKER LAMP
(1) Install the bulb socket to the lens assembly.
Turn the bulb socket a quarter turn clockwise.
(2) Position the lens assembly against the fender.
Using firm pressure, push the lens assembly into the
fender.
INSTALLATION - TAILGATE MARKER LAMP
(1) Install the bulb sockets into the lens assembly.
Turn the bulb sockets a quarter turn clockwise.(2) Position the lens assembly to the tailgate.
Install and tighten the two screws securely.
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The multi-function switch is a resistive MUX
switch that is monitored by the Instrument Cluster.
The turn signals are actuated with the lever on
Multi-Function Switch. The signals are automatically
turned off by a canceling cam (two lobes molded to
the back of the clock spring mechanism). The cam
comes in contact with the cancel actuator on the turn
signal (multi-function) switch assembly. Either cam
lobe, pushing on the cancel actuator, returns the
switch to the OFF position.
OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The Instrument Cluster monitors the multiplexed
multifunction switch. In a turning event the Instru-
ment Cluster senses a change in the turn signal
lever and illuminates the appropriate turn signal
indicator. At the same time, the Instrument Cluster
will send a J1850 message on the PCI bus to the
Front Control Module (FCM). The FCM will respond
by activating the appropriate relay in the Power Dis-
tribution Center.
A chime will sound after the turn is completed if
vehicle has traveled a distance of approximately 1.0
mile and a speed of 15 mph, with the turn signal ON.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MULTI-FUNCTION
SWITCH
To test the turn signal, headlamp beam select and
optical horn portion of the multi-function switch:
(1) Remove the multi-function switch, refer to
Electrical, Lamps/Lighting - Exterior, Multi-Function
Switch, Removal, and Installation.
(2) Using an ohmmeter check the resistance read-
ings between multi-function switch pins. Refer to
Wiring Diagrams for proper pin numbers and the
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH TESTS table.
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH TESTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING FUNCTIONS
SWITCH POSITION CONNECTOR PINS RESISTANCE (OHMS)
Off 1 - 2 Open
Headlamp High Beams On 1 - 2 518 - 575
Hazard 3 - 2 115 - 128
Fig. 15 Tailgate Marker Lamp Housing
1 - RETAINING NUT (2)
2 - TAILGATE
3 - WIRING HARNESS AND BULB SOCKET
4 - SCREW (2)
5 - LENS ASSEMBLY
8L - 18 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
MARKER LAMP UNIT (Continued)
Page 576 of 2627

no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75 8 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, reinstall the relay and use a DRBIIIt
scan tool to perform further testing. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.(2) Remove the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
cover.
(3) Remove the park lamp relay by grasping it
firmly and pulling it straight out from the receptacle
in the PDC.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the park lamp relay to the proper
receptacle in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
(2) Align the park lamp relay terminals with the
terminal cavities in the PDC.
(3) Press firmly and evenly on the top of the park
lamp relay until the terminals are fully seated in the
PDC.
(4) Install the PDC cover.
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
PARK/TURN SIGNAL LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the headlamp unit.(Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the bulb socket from the headlamp
unit.
(4) Release the front park/turn signal bulb locking
tabs and remove the bulb from the socket (Fig. 19).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the front park/turn signal bulb into the
bulb socket.
(2) Install the bulb socket into the headlamp unit.
(3) Install the headlamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 18 ISO Micro Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 21
PARK LAMP RELAY (Continued)
Page 577 of 2627

(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
TAIL LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lamp back plate from the tail lamp
unit.
(4) Release the tail lamp bulb locking tabs and
remove the bulb from the back plate.
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp housing (Fig. 20).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the tail lamp bulb inward and rotate it
counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the tail lamp bulb from the tail lamp
socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the tail lamp bulb into the lamp back
plate.
(2) Install the lamp back plate onto the tail lamp
unit.(3) Install the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Install the tail lamp bulb into the tail lamp
socket by pushing inward and rotating it clockwise.
NOTE: Install the tail lamp lens with the clear por-
tion (back-up lens) at the top of the housing. Make
sure that the gasket is correctly in place and not
twisted or torn.
(2) Position the tail lamp lens and gasket onto the
tail lamp unit.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the tail lamp lens screws
or damage to the tail lamp lens may result.
(3) Install the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp unit. Tighten the screws
securely.
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
TAIL LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Lower the tailgate.
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the tail
lamp unit to the cargo box.
(4) Remove the tail lamp unit from the cargo box.
(5) Disconnect the body wire harness connector
from the lamp back plate connector (Fig. 21).
Fig. 19 Park Turn Signal Bulb
1 - BULB SOCKET
2 - BULB
Fig. 20 Tail Lamp Lens
8L - 22 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
PARK/TURN SIGNAL LAMP (Continued)
Page 579 of 2627

TRAILER TOW WIRING
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with an optional factory-in-
stalled trailer towing package have a rear body wire
harness that includes an integral trailer tow wiring
take out that connects to a heavy duty, sealed, 7-pin
trailer tow connector located in the rear bumper (Fig.
23). This harness includes an adapter harness that
adapts the 7-pin trailer tow connector to a standard,
light-duty, 4-pin trailer tow connector. Refer to the
appropriate wiring information.
TURN LAMP
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lamp back plate from the tail lamp
unit.
(4) Release the turn signal bulb locking tabs and
remove the bulb from the back plate.
REMOVAL - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.(2) Remove the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp housing (Fig. 24).
(3) Separate the tail lamp lens from the tail lamp
housing.
(4) Push the turn signal bulb inward and rotate it
counter-clockwise.
(5) Remove the turn signal bulb from the tail lamp
socket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - WITH CARGO BOX
(1) Install the turn signal bulb into the lamp back
plate.
(2) Install the lamp back plate onto the tail lamp
unit.
(3) Install the tail lamp unit (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - WITHOUT CARGO BOX
(1) Install the turn signal bulb into the tail lamp
socket by pushing inward and rotating it clockwise.
NOTE: Install the tail lamp lens with the clear por-
tion (back-up lens) at the top of the housing. Make
sure that the gasket is correctly in place and not
twisted or torn.
(2) Position the tail lamp lens and gasket onto the
tail lamp unit.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the tail lamp lens screws
or damage to the tail lamp lens may result.
(3) Install the four screws that secure the tail
lamp lens to the tail lamp unit. Tighten the screws
securely.
(4) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 23 Trailer Tow Wiring
1 - RETAINER CLIP (4)
2 - REAR BODY HARNESS (TRAILER TOW TAKE OUT)
3 - RETAINER CLIP (2)
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
Fig. 24 Tail Lamp Lens
8L - 24 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
Page 624 of 2627

Airbag Control Module (ACM). An airbag indicator in
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
illuminates for about six seconds as a bulb test each
time the ignition switch is turned to the On or Start
positions. Following the bulb test, the airbag indica-
tor is turned on or off by the ACM to indicate the
status of the supplemental restraint system. If the
airbag indicator comes on at any time other than
during the bulb test, it indicates that there is a prob-
lem in the supplemental restraint system electrical
circuits. Such a problem may cause airbags not to
deploy when required, or to deploy when not
required.
Deployment of the supplemental restraints
depends upon the angle and severity of an impact.
Deployment is not based upon vehicle speed; rather,
deployment is based upon the rate of deceleration as
measured by the forces of gravity (G force) upon the
impact sensors. When an impact is severe enough,
the microprocessor in the ACM signals the inflator of
the appropriate airbag units to deploy their airbag
cushions. The outboard front seat belt tensioners are
provided with a deployment signal by the ACM in
conjunction with the driver and passenger front air-
bags. During a frontal vehicle impact, the knee block-
ers work in concert with properly fastened and
adjusted seat belts to restrain both the driver and
the front seat passenger in the proper position for an
airbag deployment. The knee blockers also absorb
and distribute the crash energy from the driver and
the front seat passenger to the structure of the
instrument panel. The seat belt tensioner removes
the slack from the outboard front seat belts to pro-
vide further assurance that the driver and front seat
passenger are properly positioned and restrained for
an airbag deployment.
Typically, the vehicle occupants recall more about
the events preceding and following a collision than
they do of an airbag deployment itself. This is
because the airbag deployment and deflation occur
very rapidly. In a typical 48 kilometer-per-hour (30
mile-per-hour) barrier impact, from the moment of
impact until the airbags are fully inflated takes
about 40 milliseconds. Within one to two seconds
from the moment of impact, the airbags are almost
entirely deflated. The times cited for these events are
approximations, which apply only to a barrier impact
at the given speed. Actual times will vary somewhat,
depending upon the vehicle speed, impact angle,
severity of the impact, and the type of collision.
When the ACM monitors a problem in any of the
supplemental restraint system circuits or compo-
nents, including the seat belt tensioners, it stores a
fault code or Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its
memory circuit and sends an electronic message to
the EMIC to turn on the airbag indicator. Propertesting of the supplemental restraint system compo-
nents, the Programmable Communications Interface
(PCI) data bus, the electronic message inputs to and
outputs from the EMIC or the ACM, as well as the
retrieval or erasure of a DTC from the ACM or EMIC
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the factory-installed passive restraints.
WARNING
WARNINGS - RESTRAINT SYSTEM
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.
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.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 5
RESTRAINTS (Continued)
Page 693 of 2627

After the vehicle is locked and the last door is
closed, the VTSS indicator in the instrument cluster
will flash quickly for 16 seconds, indicating that the
arming is in process. After 16 seconds, the LED will
continue to flash at a slower rate indicating that the
system is armed.
VTSS disarming occurs upon normal vehicle entry
by unlocking either door via the key cylinder or RKE
transmitter, or by starting the vehicle with a valid
Sentry Key. This disarming will also halt the alarm
once it has been activated.
A tamper alert exists to notify the driver that the
system has been activated. This alert consists of 3
horn pulses and the security telltale flashing for 30
seconds when the vehicle is disarmed. The tamper
alert will not occur if disarmed while alarming.
The VTSS will not arm by mechanically locking the
vehicle doors. This will manually override the sys-
tem.
OPERATION - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (SKIS)
The SKIS includes two valid Sentry Key transpon-
ders from the factory. These two Sentry Keys can be
used to program additional non-coded blank Sentry
Keys. These blank keys can be cut to match a valid
ignition key, but the engine will not start unless the
key transponder is also programmed to the vehicle.
The SKIS will recognize no more than eight valid
Sentry Key transponders at any one time.
The SKIS performs a self-test each time the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position, and will
store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) if a system
malfunction is detected. The SKIS can be diagnosed,
and any stored DTC can be retrieved using a
DRBIIItscan tool as described in the proper Power-
train Diagnostic Procedures manual.
OPERATION ± SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
MODULE (SKIM)
The SKIM transmits and receives RF signals
through a tuned antenna enclosed within a molded
plastic ring formation that is integral to the SKIM
housing. When the SKIM is properly installed on the
steering column, the antenna ring is oriented around
the circumference of the ignition lock cylinder hous-
ing. This antenna ring must be located within eight
millimeters (0.31 inches) of the Sentry Key in order
to ensure proper RF communication between the
SKIM and the Sentry Key transponder.
For added system security, each SKIM is pro-
grammed with a unique ªSecret Keyº code and a
security code. The SKIM keeps the ªSecret Keyº code
in memory. The SKIM also sends the ªSecret Keyº
code to each of the programmed Sentry Key tran-
sponders. The security code is used by the assemblyplant to access the SKIS for initialization, or by the
dealer technician to access the system for service.
The SKIM also stores in its memory the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), which it learns through
a PCI bus message from the PCM during initializa-
tion.
The SKIM and the PCM both use software that
includes a rolling code algorithm strategy, which
helps to reduce the possibility of unauthorized SKIS
disarming. The rolling code algorithm ensures secu-
rity by preventing an override of the SKIS through
the unauthorized substitution of the SKIM or the
PCM. However, the use of this strategy also means
that replacement of either the SKIM or the PCM
units will require a system initialization procedure to
restore system operation.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON or
START positions, the SKIM transmits an RF signal
to excite the Sentry Key transponder. The SKIM then
listens for a return RF signal from the transponder
of the Sentry Key that is inserted in the ignition lock
cylinder. If the SKIM receives an RF signal with
valid ªSecret Keyº and transponder identification
codes, the SKIM sends a ªvalid keyº message to the
PCM over the PCI bus. If the SKIM receives an
invalid RF signal or no response, it sends ªinvalid
keyº messages to the PCM. The PCM will enable or
disable engine operation based upon the status of the
SKIM messages.
The SKIM also sends messages to the Instrument
Cluster which controls the VTSS indicator. The
SKIM sends messages to the Instrument Cluster to
turn the indicator on for about three seconds when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a
ªbulbº test. After completion of the ªbulbº test, the
SKIM sends bus messages to keep the indicator off
for a duration of about one second. Then the SKIM
sends messages to turn the indicator on or off based
upon the results of the SKIS self-tests. If the VTSS
indicator comes on and stays on after the ªbulb testº,
it indicates that the SKIM has detected a system
malfunction and/or that the SKIS has become inoper-
ative.
If the SKIM detects an invalid key when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position, it sends
messages to flash the VTSS indicator. The SKIM can
also send messages to flash the indicator to serve as
an indication to the customer that the SKIS has been
placed in its ªCustomer Learnº programming mode.
See Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder
Programming in this section for more information on
the ªCustomer Learnº programming mode.
For diagnosis or initialization of the SKIM and the
PCM, a DRBIIItscan tool and the proper Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures manual are required. The
8Q - 2 VEHICLE THEFT SECURITYDR
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)