Removal DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

If the stored DTC information is successfully erased,
go to Step 9.
(9) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position for
about fifteen seconds, and then back to the On posi-
tion. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument
cluster. It should illuminate for six to eight seconds,
and then go out. This indicates that the supplemen-
tal restraint system is functioning normally and that
the repairs are complete. If the airbag indicator fails
to light, or lights and stays on, there is still an active
supplemental restraint system fault or malfunction.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to
diagnose the problem.
ACM COVER
REMOVAL
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) cover is used
only on models with an automatic transmission. Mod-
els with a manual transmission require that the floor
console be removed to access the ACM for service.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
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) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry each side of the ACM
cover away from the instrument panel at each side of
the center bracket on the floor panel transmission
tunnel far enough to disengage the two snap clip
retainers from the instrument panel receptacles (Fig.
6).
(3) Remove the ACM cover from the instrument
panel.
INSTALLATION
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) cover is used
only on models with an automatic transmission. Mod-
els with a manual transmission require that the floor
console be reinstalled following ACM service. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
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 ACM cover to the instrument
panel (Fig. 6).
(2) Align the snap clip retainer on each side of the
ACM cover with the instrument panel receptacle at
each side of the center bracket on the floor panel
transmission tunnel.
(3) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the outside of the ACM cover over each snap clip
retainer location until each retainer is fully engaged
in its instrument panel receptacle.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 6 ACM Cover Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL RECEPTACLE (2)
2 - ACM COVER
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSDR
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

resistance of the input from the on/off switch. The
ACM will also set and/or store a DTC for faults it
detects in the passenger airbag on/off switch circuits,
and will turn on the airbag indicator in the EMIC if
a fault has been detected.
The ACM receives battery current through two cir-
cuits; a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
through a fuse in the Integrated Power Module
(IPM), and a fused ignition switch output (run-start)
circuit through a second fuse in the IPM. The ACM
receives ground through a ground circuit and take
out of the instrument panel wire harness. This take
out has a single eyelet terminal connector that is
secured by a ground screw to the instrument panel
support structure. These connections allow the ACM
to be operational whenever the ignition switch is in
the Start or On positions.
The ACM also contains an energy-storage capaci-
tor. When the ignition switch is in the Start or On
positions, this capacitor is continually being charged
with enough electrical energy to deploy the supple-
mental restraint components for up to one second fol-
lowing a battery disconnect or failure. The purpose of
the capacitor is to provide backup supplemental
restraint system protection in case there is a loss of
battery current supply to the ACM during an impact.
Two sensors are contained within the ACM, an
electronic impact sensor and a safing sensor. The
electronic impact sensors are accelerometers that
sense the rate of vehicle deceleration, which provide
verification of the direction and severity of an
impact. On models equipped with optional side cur-
tain airbags, the ACM also monitors inputs from two
remote side impact sensors located within both the
left and right B-pillars to control deployment of the
side curtain airbag units.
The safing sensor is an electronic accelerometer
sensor within the ACM that provides an additional
logic input to the ACM microprocessor. The safing
sensor is used to verify the need for a supplemental
restraint deployment by detecting impact energy of a
lesser magnitude than that of the primary electronic
impact sensors, and must exceed a safing threshold
in order for the airbags to deploy. Vehicles equipped
with optional side curtain airbags feature a second
safing sensor within the ACM to provide confirma-
tion to the ACM microprocessor of side impact forces.
This second safing sensor is a bi-directional unit that
detects impact forces from either side of the vehicle.
Pre-programmed decision algorithms in the ACM
microprocessor determine when the deceleration rate
as signaled by the impact sensors and the safing sen-
sors indicate an impact that is severe enough to
require supplemental restraint system protection
and, based upon the severity of the monitored impact
and the status of the passenger airbag on/off switchinput, determines the level of front airbag deploy-
ment force required for each front seating position.
When the programmed conditions are met, the ACM
sends the proper electrical signals to deploy the dual
multistage front airbags at the programmed force
levels, the front seat belt tensioners and, if the vehi-
cle is so equipped, either side curtain airbag unit.
The hard wired inputs and outputs for the ACM
may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in
the diagnosis of the ACM, the PCI data bus network,
or the electronic message inputs to and outputs from
the ACM. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the ACM, the PCI data bus net-
work, and the electronic message inputs to and out-
puts from the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
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.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE AIRBAG
CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE
IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION.
THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CONTAINS THE
IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES THE SYSTEM
TO DEPLOY THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS. IF
AN AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE IS ACCIDENTALLY
DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST
BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOY-
MENT.
8O - 12 RESTRAINTSDR
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) On models with a manual transmission,
remove the floor console from the top of the floor
panel transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL).
(3) On models with an automatic transmission,
remove the ACM cover from the instrument panel.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/ACM
COVER - REMOVAL).
(4) Reach through the rearward facing opening
below the instrument panel center stack support
bracket on the top of the floor panel transmission
tunnel to access and disconnect the two instrument
panel wire harness connectors for the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) from the ACM connector receptacles
located on the rearward facing side of the module
(Fig. 8). To disconnect the wire harness connectors
from the ACM, depress the release tab and lift the
lever arm on each connector.
(5) From the left side of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel, reach behind the module to access and
loosen the screw that secures the right side of the
ACM to the bracket on the floor panel transmission
tunnel. Loosen the screw about 7 millimeters (0.25
inch).
(6) From the left side of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel, remove the two screws that secure the
left side of the ACM to the bracket on the floor panel
transmission tunnel.
(7) Still working from the left side of the floor
panel transmission tunnel, lift the ACM upward far
enough to disengage the locating pin on the bottom ofthe ACM mounting flange from the locating hole in
the mounting bracket, then slide the ACM toward
the left far enough to disengage the slotted hole in
the right ACM mounting flange from under the head
of the previously loosened right mounting screw.
(8) Remove the ACM from the left side of the floor
panel transmission tunnel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH,
ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE
THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, IMPACT
SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (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 DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH,
NEVER STRIKE OR DROP THE AIRBAG CONTROL
MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR
OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. THE AIRBAG CON-
TROL MODULE CONTAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR,
WHICH ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS. IF AN AIRBAG CON-
TROL MODULE IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DUR-
ING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE SCRAPPED
AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER SUPPLEMEN-
TAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Position the Airbag Control Module (ACM) to
the left side of the floor panel transmission tunnel
near the ACM bracket (Fig. 8). When the ACM is cor-
rectly positioned, the arrow on the ACM label will be
pointed forward in the vehicle.
(2) From the left side of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel, slide the ACM toward the right far
enough to engage the slotted hole in the right ACM
mounting flange under the head of the previously
loosened right mounting screw, then engage the
locating pin on the bottom of the left ACM mounting
flange into the locating hole in the bracket.
(3) Still working from the left side of the floor
panel transmission tunnel, install and tighten the
two screws that secure the left ACM mounting
flanges to the bracket that is welded onto the floor
Fig. 8 Airbag Control Module Remove/Install
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
2 - SCREW (3)
3 - BODY WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
4 - INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - FLOOR PANEL TRANSMISSION TUNNEL
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 13
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE,
CAREFULLY 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 BELTTHAT 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.
OPERATION
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the proper use of all of the fac-
tory-installed child restraint anchors.
REMOVAL
The following procedure applies only to the rear
seat upper child tether straps used on quad cab mod-
els. The child restraint anchors used in other models
and locations are integral to other components and
cannot be serviced separately.
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) Remove the rear seat from the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT - REAR - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the screw that secures the child tether
strap to the upper cab back panel reinforcement (Fig.
16).
(3) Remove the child tether strap from the upper
cab back panel reinforcement.
Fig. 14 Child Restraint Lower Anchor - Standard
Cab Front Seat
1 - FRONT SEAT BACK
2 - LOWER ANCHOR (2) - PASSENGER SIDE OUTBOARD
SEATING POSITION ONLY
3 - LOWER ANCHOR MARKER (2)
4 - FRONT SEAT CUSHION
Fig. 15 Child Restraint Lower Anchor - Quad Cab
Rear Seat
1 - REAR SEAT BACK
2 - LOWER ANCHOR (2 PER OUTBOARD REAR SEATING
POSITION)
3 - REAR SEAT CUSHION
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 17
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR (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)

(1) Place the front wheels in the straight ahead
position.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connectors from the upper clockspring connector
receptacles.
CAUTION: Be certain that the screws that secure
the steering wheel puller to the steering wheel are
fully engaged in the steering wheel armature with-
out passing through the steering wheel and damag-
ing the clockspring.
(4) Remove the steering wheel from the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - REMOVAL).
(6) If the vehicle is so equipped, grasp the steering
column tilt knob firmly and pull it straight rearward
to remove it from the tilt adjuster mechanism lever
located on the left side of the column just below the
multi-function switch control stalk.
(7) From below the steering column, remove the
two outboard screws that secure the upper shroud to
the lower shroud.
(8) Using hand pressure, push gently inward on
both sides of the upper shroud near the parting line
between the upper and lower shrouds to release the
snap features that secure it to the lower shroud.
(9) Remove the upper shroud from the lower
shroud.
(10) From below the steering column, remove the
one center screw that secures the lower shroud to the
steering column lock housing.
(11) Remove the lower shroud from the steering
column.
(12) Disconnect the two instrument panel wire
harness connectors for the clockspring from the two
connector receptacles below the steering column on
the back of the clockspring housing.
(13) Remove the two screws that secure the clock-
spring to the multi-function switch mounting housing
(Fig. 20).
(14) Remove the clockspring from the multi-func-
tion switch mounting housing. The clockspring can-
not be repaired. It must be replaced if faulty or
damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed.
(15) If the removed clockspring is to be reused, be
certain to secure the clockspring rotor to the clock-
spring case to maintain clockspring centering until it
is reinstalled on the steering column. If clockspring
centering is not maintained, the clockspring must becentered again before it is reinstalled. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING).
INSTALLATION
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
If the clockspring is not properly centered in rela-
tion to the steering wheel, steering shaft and steer-
ing gear, it may be damaged. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING). Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with a locking pin
installed. This locking pin should not be removed
until the clockspring has been installed on the steer-
ing column. If the locking pin is removed before the
clockspring is installed on a steering column, the
clockspring centering procedure must be performed.
Fig. 20 Clockspring Remove/Install
1 - CLOCKSPRING
2 - LOCATING PIN
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - LOCKING PIN
5 - ENGAGEMENT DOWEL BOOT
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 21
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

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)

FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
A front center seat belt and retractor is used only
on standard cab models. Quad cab models have a lap
belt in the front center seating position. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT CENTER
SEAT BELT - REMOVAL).
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 center of the front seat
cushion and front seat back to access and unbuckle
the front 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) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the front center seat belt and
retractor unit.
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry at each side of the front
center seat belt bezel on the cab back trim panel to
release the snap features that secure the bezel to the
panel (Fig. 28).
(4) Remove the bezel from the webbing of the front
center seat belt.
(5) Remove the trim from the cab back panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/REAR CAB BACK
PANEL TRIM - REMOVAL).(6) Remove the two screws that secure the belt
bracket of the front center seat belt to the body
bracket on the upper cab back panel reinforcement
(Fig. 29).
(7) Remove the belt bracket of the front center
seat belt from the body bracket on the upper cab
back panel reinforcement.
(8) Remove the two screws that secure the front
center seat belt retractor bracket to the floor panel
near the base of the cab back panel.
(9) Remove the front center seat belt and retractor
unit from the floor panel.
INSTALLATION
A front center seat belt and retractor is used only
on standard cab models. Quad cab models have a lap
belt in the front center seating position. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT CENTER
SEAT BELT - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 28 Front Center Seat Belt Bezel
1 - TRIM PANEL
2 - BODY BRACKET
3 - SEAT BELT BRACKET
4 - SEAT BELT
5 - BEZEL
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 29