Driver seat DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Repair Manual

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)

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 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) Place the driver airbag on a suitable work sur-
face with the airbag cushion facing up.
(2) Fold the two flaps of cushion material up
around the sides and over the top of the airbag cush-
ion retainer strap (Fig. 26).
(3) Position the new driver airbag trim cover over
the airbag cushion, then push the receptacle of the
trim cover down evenly over the cushion. Be certain
that the cushion material flaps remain oriented over
the cushion retainer strap as they were in Step 2.
(4) Turn the driver airbag and the new driver air-
bag trim cover over as a unit, and place the unit on a
suitable clean and dry work surface with the airbag
cushion facing down. Be certain to take the properprecautions to prevent the trim cover from receiving
cosmetic damage during the following procedures.
(5) Be certain that the horn switch feed and
ground pigtail wires are routed through the clearance
notch at the top of the airbag housing, between the
housing and the upper vertical wall of the trim cover
receptacle (Fig. 25).
(6) Work around the perimeter of the unit engag-
ing each of the twelve hooks on the driver airbag
housing through the windows in the walls of the trim
cover receptacle.
(7) After each of the twelve hooks on the driver
airbag housing has been engaged in a window of the
trim cover receptacle, try pulling the trim cover and
the airbag housing away from each other. This action
will fully seat the edges of the windows into the cra-
dles of the hooks.
(8) After all of the windows in the walls of the
trim cover receptacle have been fully seated in the
cradles of the hooks on the airbag housing, check
that the blocking tabs in each of the trim cover win-
dows is oriented over the airbag housing hooks as
shown in (Fig. 27).
(9) Install the horn switch ground pigtail wire eye-
let terminal over the upper right inflator stud on the
back of the driver airbag housing.
(10) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
horn switch ground pigtail wire eyelet terminal to
the upper right inflator stud on the back of the
Fig. 26 Driver Airbag Flaps
1 - FLAP (2)
2 - RETAINER STRAPFig. 27 Driver Airbag Trim Cover Blocking Tabs
1 - BLOCKING TAB (12)
2 - DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER
3 - HORN SWITCH
4 - AIRBAG HOUSING HOOK (12)
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 27
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)

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

(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)

(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) Remove the screw that secures the lower seat
belt anchor to the lower inner B-pillar (Fig. 31).
(4) Remove the lower seat belt anchor from the
lower inner B-pillar.
(5) Unsnap and remove the trim cover from the
front outboard seat belt turning loop to access the
screw that secures the turning loop to the height
adjuster on the upper inner B-pillar. Discard the
removed turning loop trim cover as it is not intended
for reuse.
(6) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
turning loop to the height adjuster.
(7) Remove the seat belt turning loop from the
height adjuster.(8) Remove the upper and lower trim from the
inner B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL) and (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
web guide to the inner B-pillar near the belt line.
(10) Remove the seat belt web guide from the
inner B-pillar.
(11) On the driver side only, disconnect the body
wire harness take out and white connector from the
connector receptacle for the seat belt tension reducer
located near the bottom of the retractor.
(12) Disengage the seat belt tensioner pigtail wire
retainer from the hole in the inner B-pillar sheet
metal.
(13) Disconnect the yellow seat belt tensioner pig-
tail wire connector from the body wire harness take
out and connector for the tensioner.
(14) Remove the screw that secures the lower
retractor bracket to the lower inner B-pillar below
the retractor mounting hole.
(15) Disengage the hooks on the upper retractor
bracket from the slots in the lower inner B-pillar
above the retractor mounting hole.
(16) Remove the front outboard seat belt and
retractor from the retractor mounting hole in the
lower inner B-pillar.
REMOVAL - QUAD CAB
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged front outboard seat belt and
retractor unit, which includes a seat belt tensioner
for this model. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/SEAT BELT TENSIONER - DESCRIP-
TION). The only component of this seat belt and
retractor unit that is available for individual service
replacement is the plastic web stop button that pre-
vents the latch plate from falling to the floor while in
the stored position. Refer to the instructions supplied
with the service kit for the proper web stop button
replacement procedures.
The seat belt retractor on the passenger's side of
all models includes a switchable automatic locking
mechanism. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR -
DESCRIPTION).
If the seat belt or retractor is faulty or damaged,
but the seat belt tensioner is not deployed, review
the recommended procedures for handling non-de-
ployed supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE
- HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the seat belt tensioner has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deploymentFig. 31 Front Outboard Seat Belt & Retractor
Remove/Install - Standard Cab
1 - ADJUSTER
2 - UPPER TRIM PANEL
3 - TURNING LOOP
4 - SCREW
5 - TRIM COVER
6 - LOWER TRIM PANEL
7 - LOWER ANCHOR
8 - SCREW
9 - SCREW
10 - RETRACTOR
11 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
12 - SCREW
13 - WEB GUIDE
14 - B-PILLAR
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 33
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

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

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

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT BELT
OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE, CARE-
FULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES,
MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER
STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLA-
TION, OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN.
STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED.
TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE
BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT HAS A BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE
OR ANCHOR PLATE. REPLACE ANY CHILD
RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE
ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR
DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT.
ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT
BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the front outboard seat belt and
retractor to the retractor mounting hole in the lower
inner B-pillar (Fig. 32).
(2) Engage the hooks on the upper retractor
bracket into the slots in the lower inner B-pillar
above the retractor mounting hole.
(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower retractor bracket to the lower inner B-pillar
below the retractor mounting hole. Tighten the screw
to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the yellow seat belt tensioner pigtail
wire connector to the body wire harness take out and
connector for the tensioner.
(5) Engage the seat belt tensioner pigtail wire
retainer into the hole in the inner B-pillar sheet
metal.
(6) Position the seat belt web guide to its mount-
ing location on the inner B-pillar near the belt line.
(7) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt web guide to the inner B-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(8) Reinstall the upper and lower trim onto the
inner B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - INSTALLATION) and
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(9) Position the seat belt turning loop onto the
height adjuster on the upper inner B-pillar.
(10) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster. Tighten
the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(11) Engage the lower snap features of the new
trim cover over the front outboard seat belt turningloop and, using hand pressure, press firmly and
evenly on the top of the trim cover until it snaps into
place.
(12) Position the lower seat belt anchor to the floor
panel near the base of the inner B-pillar.
(13) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower seat belt anchor to the floor panel near the
base of the inner B-pillar. Tighten the screw to 40
N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(14) 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).
(15) Move the front seat back to its rearward posi-
tion.
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT
BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
A traveling front outboard seat belt buckle is
located on the inboard side of each front outboard
seat section (40 percent) used on all models. The seat
belt buckle on the driver's side front seat for all mod-
els also includes a seat belt switch. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT SWITCH -
DESCRIPTION).
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.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 37
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

(1) Move the right or left front outboard seat sec-
tion (40 percent) to its most rearward position and
tilt the seat back forward for easiest access to the
front outboard seat belt buckle lower anchor.
(2) For easiest access to the front outboard seat
belt buckle lower anchor on standard cab models,
also move the outboard seat section (40 percent)
opposite the side from which the buckle is to be
removed to its most forward position and tilt the seat
back forward.
(3) On standard cab models only, remove the stow-
age tray from the rear floor panel behind the seat.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/REAR FLOOR
STOWAGE TRAY - REMOVAL).
(4) From behind the front seat on the driver side
only, disconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire con-
nector from the seat wire harness take out and con-
nector for the switch located below the inboard edge
of the driver side inboard seat track just forward of
the buckle lower anchor (Fig. 33).
(5) From behind the front seat, remove the screw
that secures the front outboard seat belt buckle lower
anchor to the bracket on the inboard seat track.
(6) From the front of the front seat, reach between
the center seat cushion and the adjacent right or left
front outboard seat cushion to access and remove the
front outboard seat belt buckle from the seat.INSTALLATION
A traveling front outboard seat belt buckle is
located on the inboard side of each front outboard
seat section (40 percent) used on all models. The seat
belt buckle on the driver's side front seat for all mod-
els also includes a seat belt switch. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT SWITCH -
DESCRIPTION).
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) From the front of the front seat, reach between
the center seat cushion and the adjacent right or left
front outboard seat cushion to position the front out-
board seat belt buckle to the seat (Fig. 33).
(2) From behind the front seat, install and tighten
the screw that secures the front outboard seat belt
buckle lower anchor to the bracket on the inboard
seat track. Tighten the screw to 25 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(3) From behind the front seat on the driver side
only, reconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire con-
nector to the seat wire harness take out and connec-
tor for the switch located below the inboard edge of
the driver side inboard seat track just forward of the
buckle lower anchor.
(4) On standard cab models only, reinstall the
stowage tray onto the rear floor panel behind the
seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/REAR FLOOR
STOWAGE TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(5) On standard cab models, move the outboard
seat section (40 percent) opposite the side from which
the buckle was replaced to its most rearward position
and tilt the seat back to its upright position.
Fig. 33 Front Outboard Seat Belt Buckle Remove/
Install
1 - DRIVER SIDE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE
2 - SEAT CUSHION
3 - PIGTAIL WIRE
4 - INBOARD SEAT TRACK
5 - SCREW
8O - 38 RESTRAINTSDR
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)