system DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

This model is equipped with a Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren, or LATCH child restraint
anchorage system (Fig. 10) or (Fig. 11). The LATCH
system provides for the installation of suitable child
restraints in certain seating positions without using
the standard equipment seat belt provided for that
seating position. Standard cab models are equipped
with a fixed-position child restraint upper tether
anchor for the front center and outboard seating posi-
tions, and child restraint lower anchors for the front
outboard seating position. Quad cab models are
equipped with a fixed-position child restraint upper
tether anchor strap for the rear center and both rear
outboard seating positions, and child restraint lower
anchors for both rear outboard seating positions. All
front seat child restraint anchors are deleted on quad
cab models.
The two upper tether anchors for standard cab
models are integral to the upper cab back panel rein-
forcement and are concealed behind individual trim
cover and bezel units that are integral to the cab
back trim panel (Fig. 12). These upper tether anchors
cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or dam-
aged, they must be replaced as a unit with the upper
cab back panel reinforcement. The upper tether
anchor trim covers and bezels are serviced as a unit
with the cab back trim panel.The three upper tether anchor straps for quad cab
models are secured to the upper cab back panel rein-
forcement with screws (Fig. 13). These anchor straps
are concealed behind the upright rear seat back. The
upper tether anchor straps are available for individ-
ual service replacement.
The lower anchors for all models are integral to
their respective front or rear seat cushion frame (Fig.
14) or (Fig. 15). Round markers with an imprinted
child seat icon on the standard cab front seat back
trim cover helps identify the anchor locations for that
application because they may be otherwise difficult to
see with the seat back in the upright position. These
lower anchors are each constructed from round steel
bar stock that is formed into a U-shape, then
securely welded at each end to the seat cushion
frame. They are each accessed from the front of their
respective seats, at each side where the seat back
meets the seat cushion. These lower anchors cannot
be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged,
they must be replaced as a unit with the seat cush-
ion frame. On quad cab models, if the lower anchors
have been bent or broken as a result of a vehicle col-
lision, the latch for the affected rear seat cushion
frame unit must also be replaced.
Fig. 12 Child Tether Anchor - Standard Cab
1 - COVER & BEZEL (2)
2 - CAB BACK TRIM PANEL
3 - ANCHOR (2)
Fig. 13 Child Tether Strap - Quad Cab
1 - TETHER STRAP (3)
2 - CAB BACK PANEL
3 - SCREW (3)
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSDR
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR (Continued)

receptacles that face the instrument panel, while the
inner end of the tape terminates at the pigtail wires
and connector receptacles on the hub of the clock-
spring rotor that face the steering wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a molded plastic locking pin that
snaps into a receptacle on the rotor and is engaged
between two tabs on the upper surface of the rotor
case. The locking pin secures the centered clock-
spring rotor to the clockspring case during shipment
and handling, but must be removed from the clock-
spring after it is installed on the steering column.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK-
SPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCK-
SPRING CENTERING).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed instrument panel
wire harness and the electrical components mounted
on or in the rotating steering wheel. On this model
the rotating electrical components include the driver
airbag, the horn switch, the speed control switches,
and the remote radio switches, if the vehicle is so
equipped. The clockspring case is positioned and
secured to the multi-function switch mounting hous-
ing near the top of the steering column. The connec-
tor receptacles on the tail of the fixed clockspring
case connect the clockspring to the vehicle electrical
system through two take outs with connectors from
the instrument panel wire harness.The clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed by
an engagement dowel that is molded onto the rotor
hub between two fins that are cast into the lower
surface of the steering wheel armature. A yellow rub-
ber boot is installed over the engagement dowel to
eliminate contact noise between the dowel and the
steering wheel. The two lobes on the turn signal can-
cel cam on the lower surface of the clockspring rotor
hub contact a turn signal cancel actuator of the
multi-function switch to provide automatic turn sig-
nal cancellation.
Two short, yellow-sleeved pigtail wires on the
upper surface of the clockspring rotor connect the
clockspring to the driver airbag, while a steering
wheel wire harness connects the two connector recep-
tacles on the upper surface of the clockspring rotor to
the horn switch feed pigtail wire connector and, if
the vehicle is so equipped, to the optional speed con-
trol and remote radio switches on the steering wheel.
Like the clockspring in a timepiece, the clockspring
tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being
wound too tightly during full stop-to-stop steering
wheel rotation. To prevent this from occurring, the
clockspring is centered when it is installed on the
steering column. Centering the clockspring indexes
the clockspring tape to the movable steering compo-
nents so that the tape can operate within its
designed travel limits. However, if the clockspring is
removed from the steering column or if the steering
shaft is disconnected from the steering gear, the
clockspring spool can change position relative to the
movable steering components. The clockspring must
be re-centered following completion of this service or
the tape may be damaged.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a plastic locking pin installed.
This locking pin should not be removed until the
clockspring has been installed on the steering col-
umn. If the locking pin is removed before the clock-
spring is installed on a steering column, the
clockspring centering procedure must be performed.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK-
SPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCK-
SPRING CENTERING).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING
The clockspring is designed to wind and unwind
when the steering wheel is rotated, but is only
designed to rotate the same number of turns (about
five complete rotations) as the steering wheel can be
turned from stop to stop. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring tape to other steering compo-
nents so that it can operate within its designed
travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can
be rotated two and one-half turns in either direction
Fig. 18 Turn Signal Cancel Cam
1 - LOCKING PIN
2 - CLOCKSPRING CASE
3 - CANCEL CAM
4 - LOWER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 19
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

from the centered position, without damaging the
clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change posi-
tion relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following com-
pletion of such service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered, with a molded plastic locking
pin installed (Fig. 19). This locking pin should not be
removed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the locking pin is removed
before the clockspring is installed on a steering col-
umn, the clockspring centering procedure must be
performed.
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.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(3) Rotate the clockspring rotor clockwise to the
end of its travel.Do not apply excessive torque.
(4) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise.
The engagement dowel and yellow rubber boot
should end up at the bottom, and the arrows on the
clockspring rotor and case should be in alignment.
(5) The clockspring is now centered. Secure the
clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain
clockspring centering until it is reinstalled on the
steering column.
(6) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto thesteering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
REMOVAL
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
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.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
Fig. 19 Clockspring and Multi-Function Switch
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE (2)
2 - LOCATING TAB
3 - LOCKING PIN
4 - MOUNTING TAB (2)
5 - UPPER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
6 - LABEL
7 - ENGAGEMENT DOWEL & BOOT
8 - CASE
9 - CENTERING ARROWS
10 - ROTOR
8O - 20 RESTRAINTSDR
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

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.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain
that the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead
position.
(1) While holding the centered clockspring rotor
and case stationary in relation to each other, care-
fully slide the clockspring down over the steering col-
umn upper shaft.
(2) Align and seat the hole in the locating tab at
the eleven o'clock position on the clockspring case
over the locating pin on the multi-function switch
mounting housing (Fig. 20).
(3) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the clockspring to the multi-function switch mount-
ing housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (20 in.
lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the two instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors for the clockspring to the two connec-
tor receptacles below the steering column on the back
of the clockspring housing.
(5) Position the lower shroud onto the steering col-
umn.
(6) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the one center screw that secures the lower
shroud to the steering column lock housing. Tighten
the screw to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).(7) Position the upper shroud onto the steering col-
umn. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, be certain to engage the gearshift lever
gap hider into the openings in the right side of the
upper and lower shrouds.
(8) Align the snap features on the upper shroud
with the receptacles on the lower shroud and apply
hand pressure to snap them together.
(9) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the two screws that secure the upper shroud
to the lower shroud. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (20
in. lbs.).
(10) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional tilt
steering column, align the steering column tilt knob
with the tilt adjuster mechanism lever located on the
left side of the column just below the multi-function
switch control stalk and, using hand pressure, push
the knob firmly onto the lever.
(11) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(12) If a new clockspring has been installed,
remove the plastic locking pin that is securing the
clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain
clockspring centering.
NOTE: When reinstalling the steering wheel, be cer-
tain to index the yellow rubber booted engagement
dowel on the upper surface of the clockspring rotor
between the two fins cast into the lower surface of
the steering wheel armature hub.
(13) Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - INSTALLATION).
(14) Reconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connectors to the upper clockspring connector recep-
tacles. Be certain that the steering wheel wire har-
ness is routed between the steering wheel back trim
cover and the steering wheel armature.
(15) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
8O - 22 RESTRAINTSDR
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The color-keyed, injection molded, thermoplastic
driver airbag protective trim cover is the most visible
part of the driver airbag (Fig. 21). The driver airbag
is located in the center of the steering wheel, where
it is secured with two screws to the armature of the
four-spoke steering wheel. All models have a chrome
Dodge Ram emblem in the center of the trim cover.
Concealed beneath the driver airbag trim cover are
the horn switch, the folded airbag cushion, the airbag
cushion retainer, the airbag housing, the airbag infla-
tor, and the retainers that secure the inflator to the
airbag housing.
The airbag cushion, housing, and inflator are
secured within an integral receptacle molded into the
back of the trim cover. The four vertical walls of this
receptacle have a total of twelve small windows with
blocking tabs that are engaged by twelve hook forma-
tions around the perimeter of the airbag housing.
Each hook is inserted through one of the windows
and the blocking tab in each window keeps the hook
properly engaged with the trim cover, locking the
trim cover securely into place on the airbag housing.
The resistive membrane-type horn switch is
secured with heat stakes to the inside surface of the
driver airbag trim cover, between the trim cover and
the folded airbag cushion. The horn switch ground
pigtail wire has an eyelet terminal connector that is
captured beneath a flanged nut on the upper right
inflator mounting stud on the back of the housing
(Fig. 22). The horn switch feed pigtail wire has a
black, molded plastic insulator that is secured by an
integral retainer in a locator hole near the upper
right corner of the airbag housing and is connected tothe vehicle electrical system through a dedicated
take out and connector of the steering wheel wire
harness. Both horn switch wires are routed through
an integral notch in the center of the upper edge of
the airbag housing stamping.
The airbag used in this model is a multistage, Next
Generation-type that complies with revised federal
airbag standards to deploy with less force than those
used in some prior models. A 71 centimeter (28 inch)
diameter, radial deploying fabric cushion with inter-
nal tethers is used. The airbag inflator is a dual-ini-
tiator, non-azide, pyrotechnic-type unit with four
mounting studs and is secured to the stamped metal
airbag housing by four flanged hex nuts. Two keyed
and color-coded connector receptacles on the driver
airbag inflator connect the two inflator initiators to
the vehicle electrical system through two yellow-jack-
eted, two-wire pigtail harnesses of the clockspring.
The driver airbag unit cannot be repaired, and
must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged.
The driver airbag trim cover and horn switch unit
may be disassembled from the driver airbag unit,
and is available for separate service replacement.
OPERATION
The multistage driver airbag is deployed by electri-
cal signals generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the driver airbag squib 1 and squib 2
circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflator. By
using two initiators, the airbag can be deployed at
multiple levels of force. The force level is controlled
Fig. 21 Driver Airbag Trim Cover
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - TRIM COVER
Fig. 22 Driver Airbag Housing
1 - HORN SWITCH FEED WIRE
2 - HORN SWITCH GROUND WIRE
3 - INFLATOR
4 - TRIM COVER
5 - HOUSING
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 23

by the ACM to suit the monitored impact conditions
by providing one of three delay intervals between the
electrical signals provided to the two initiators. The
longer the delay between these signals, the less force-
fully 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 produce a large quantity of inert gas.
The inflator is sealed to the back of the airbag hous-
ing and a diffuser in the inflator directs all of the
inert gas into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion
to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the driver airbag
trim cover will split at predetermined breakout lines,
then fold back out of the way along with the horn
switch unit. Following an airbag deployment, the air-
bag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas
towards the instrument panel through vent holes
within the fabric used to construct the back (steering
wheel side) panel of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas
may be considered hazardous while in their solid
state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, both ini-
tiators are used and all potentially hazardous chem-
icals are burned 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
or hazardous materials. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SER-
VICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT).
The inert gas that is produced when the chemicals
are burned is harmless. However, a small amount of
residue from the burned chemicals may cause some
temporary discomfort if it contacts the skin, eyes, or
breathing passages. If skin or eye irritation is noted,
rinse the affected area with plenty of cool, clean
water. If breathing passages are irritated, move to
another area where there is plenty of clean, fresh air
to breath. If the irritation is not alleviated by these
actions, contact a physician.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver 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 SUPPLEMENTALRESTRAINTS). If the driver 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 CUSHION 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) From the underside of the steering wheel,
remove the two screws that secure the driver airbag
to the steering wheel armature (Fig. 23).
(3) Pull the driver airbag away from the steering
wheel far enough to access the three electrical con-
nections on the back of the airbag housing (Fig. 24).
(4) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connector for the horn switch from the horn switch
feed pigtail wire connector, which is located on the
back of the driver airbag housing.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail
wires or pry on the connector insulator to disen-
gage the connector from the driver airbag inflator
connector receptacle. Improper removal of these
pigtail wires and their connector insulators can
result in damage to the airbag circuits or connector
insulators.
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSDR
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

(5) The clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire con-
nectors are secured by integral latches to the airbag
inflator connector receptacles, which are located on
the back of the driver airbag housing. Depress the
latches on each side of the connector insulator and
pull the insulators straight out from the airbag infla-
tor to disconnect them from the connector recepta-
cles.(6) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel.
(7) If the driver airbag has been deployed, the
clockspring must be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
DISASSEMBLY
The following procedures can be used to replace
the driver airbag trim cover and horn switch unit for
service. If the driver airbag is faulty or deployed, the
entire driver airbag, trim cover and horn switch must
be replaced as a unit.
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, SERVICE OF THIS UNIT SHOULD BE PER-
FORMED ONLY BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER-TRAINED
AND AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE TECHNI-
CIANS. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAU-
TIONS OR TO FOLLOW THE PROPER
PROCEDURES COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL,
INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJURIES.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE DRIVER
AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN
THE DRIVER AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE DRIVER
AIRBAG TRIM COVER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
Fig. 23 Driver Airbag Remove/Install
1 - DRIVER AIRBAG
2 - STEERING WHEEL
3 - SCREW (2)
Fig. 24 Driver Airbag Connections
1 - DRIVER AIRBAG
2 - HORN SWITCH PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR
3 - CLOCKSPRING PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR (2)
4 - STEERING WHEEL WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 25
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, THE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER MUST
NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT TRIM COV-
ERS ARE SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL COLORS.
PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH THE
MATERIAL OF THE TRIM COVER RESPONDS TO AN
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. 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 driver airbag from the steering
wheel (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Place the driver airbag on a suitable clean and
dry work surface with the trim cover facing down. If
the trim cover will be reused, be certain to take the
proper precautions to prevent the trim cover from
receiving cosmetic damage during the following pro-
cedures.
(4) Carefully pry the horn switch feed pigtail wire
connector away from the back of the driver airbag
housing far enough to disengage the integral connec-
tor retainer from the locator hole just above the
upper right inflator mounting stud (Fig. 25).
(5) Remove the nut that secures the horn switch
ground pigtail wire eyelet terminal to the upper rightinflator stud on the back of the driver airbag hous-
ing.
(6) Remove the horn switch ground pigtail wire
eyelet terminal from the upper right inflator stud on
the back of the driver airbag housing.
(7) Disengage each of the twelve hooks of the air-
bag housing from the twelve windows in the vertical
walls of the trim cover, one wall at a time. Start by
disengaging the upper wall, then do each of the two
side walls, and finish with the lower wall. To disen-
gage the hooks, use hand pressure to push firmly
and evenly downward into the receptacle on the adja-
cent edge of the airbag housing, while at the same
time pushing outward on the upper edge of the
receptacle wall.
(8) With all of the hooks disengaged, lift the hous-
ing, inflator, and cushion as a unit from the recepta-
cle on the back of the driver airbag trim cover.
ASSEMBLY
The following procedures can be used to replace
the driver airbag trim cover and horn switch unit for
service. If the driver airbag is faulty or deployed, the
entire driver airbag, trim cover and horn switch must
be replaced as a unit.
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, SERVICE OF THIS UNIT SHOULD BE PER-
FORMED ONLY BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER-TRAINED
AND AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE TECHNI-
CIANS. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAU-
TIONS OR TO FOLLOW THE PROPER
PROCEDURES COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL,
INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJURIES.
Fig. 25 Driver Airbag Disassembly
1 - HORN SWITCH FEED CONNECTOR
2 - HORN SWITCH GROUND EYELET TERMINAL
3 - HOUSING
4 - TRIM COVER
5 - HOOK (4 LOWER EDGE, 4 UPPER EDGE)
6 - HOOK (2 ON EACH SIDE)
8O - 26 RESTRAINTSDR
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

driver airbag housing. Tighten the nut to 7 N´m (65
in. lbs.).
(11) Using hand pressure, push the integral
retainer of the horn switch feed pigtail wire connec-
tor into the locator hole just above the upper right
inflator mounting stud on the back of the driver air-
bag.
(12) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver 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 driver 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, USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE DRIVER
AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN
THE DRIVER AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE DRIVER
AIRBAG TRIM COVER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, THE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER MUST
NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS
ARE SERVICED WITH TRIM COVERS IN THE ORIG-
INAL COLORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN
WHICH THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM COVER
RESPONDS TO AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAIL-
URE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT
IN OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Position the driver airbag close enough to the
steering wheel to reconnect the three electrical con-
nections on the back of the airbag housing (Fig. 24).
(2) When installing the driver airbag, reconnect
the two clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire connec-
tors to the airbag inflator connector receptacles by
pressing straight in on the connector. Be certain to
engage each keyed and color-coded connector to the
matching connector receptacle. You can be certain
that each connector is fully engaged in its receptacle
by listening carefully for a distinct, audible click as
the connector latches snap into place.
(3) Reconnect the steering wheel wire harness con-
nector for the horn switch to the horn switch feed
pigtail wire connector, which is located on the back of
the driver airbag housing.
(4) Carefully position the driver airbag in the
steering wheel (Fig. 23). Be certain that the clock-
spring pigtail wires and the steering wheel wire har-
ness in the steering wheel hub area are not pinched
between the driver airbag and the steering wheel
armature.
(5) From the underside of the steering wheel,
install and tighten the two screws that secure the
driver airbag to the steering wheel armature.
Tighten the screws to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(6) 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 - 28 RESTRAINTSDR
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

(1) From the front of the front seat, position the
front center seat belt buckle, lap belt unit, or unique
black, keyed front center seat belt lower anchor
buckle between the center seat cushion and the adja-
cent right or left front outboard seat cushion.
(2) From the front of the front seat, reach between
the center seat cushion and the adjacent right or left
front outboard seat cushion to route the front center
seat belt buckle, lap belt unit lower anchor, or unique
black, keyed front center seat belt lower anchor
buckle through the elastic strap on the side of the
center seat cushion (Fig. 30).
(3) From behind the front seat, position the front
center seat belt buckle, lap belt lower anchor, or
unique black, keyed front center seat belt lower
anchor buckle to the center seat support bracket.
(4) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front center seat belt buckle, lap belt lower anchor, or
unique black, keyed front center seat belt lower
anchor buckle to the center seat support bracket.
Tighten the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(5) Move the adjacent right or left front outboard
seat section (40 percent) back to its rearward posi-
tion.
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT
BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 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) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the lower seat belt anchor and
the B-pillar trim.
8O - 32 RESTRAINTSDR
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT (Continued)