ECO mode DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Repair Manual
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Page 629 of 2627

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)
Page 630 of 2627

AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) is also some-
times referred to as the Occupant Restraint Control-
ler (ORC) (Fig. 7). The ACM is concealed below the
instrument panel center stack in the passenger com-
partment of the vehicle, where it is secured by three
screws to a stamped steel mounting bracket welded
onto the top of the floor panel transmission tunnel
just forward of the instrument panel center support
bracket. Concealed within a hollow in the center of
the die cast aluminum ACM housing is the electronic
circuitry of the ACM which includes a microproces-
sor, an electronic impact sensor, an electronic safing
sensor, and an energy storage capacitor. A stamped
metal cover plate is secured to the bottom of the
ACM housing with four screws to enclose and protect
the internal electronic circuitry and components.
An arrow printed on the label on the top of the
ACM housing provides a visual verification of the
proper orientation of the unit, and should always be
pointed toward the front of the vehicle. The ACM
housing has integral mounting flanges on three cor-
ners. The mounting flange to the left of the connector
receptacle has an integral locating pin on its lower
surface. Both left side flanges have round mounting
holes, while the flange on the right side has a slotted
mounting hole. A molded plastic electrical connector
with two receptacles, one containing twenty-four ter-
minal pins and the other containing thirty-two termi-
nal pins, exits the rearward facing side of the ACM
housing. These terminal pins connect the ACM to the
vehicle electrical system through two dedicated takeouts and connectors of the instrument panel wire
harness.
The impact sensor and safing sensor internal to
the ACM are calibrated for the specific vehicle, and
are only serviced as a unit with the ACM. In addi-
tion, there are unique versions of the ACM for light
and heavy-duty models, and for vehicles with or
without the optional side curtain airbags. The ACM
cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or
faulty, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The microprocessor in the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) contains the supplemental restraint system
logic circuits and controls all of the supplemental
restraint system components. The ACM uses
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and can communicate
with other electronic modules in the vehicle as well
as with the DRBIIItscan tool using the Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus net-
work. This method of communication is used for
control of the airbag indicator in the ElectroMechani-
cal Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and for supplemental
restraint system diagnosis and testing through the
16-way data link connector located on the driver side
lower edge of the instrument panel. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/AIRBAG
INDICATOR - OPERATION).
The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all
of the supplemental restraint system electrical cir-
cuits to determine the system readiness. If the ACM
detects a monitored system fault, it sets an active
and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and sends
electronic messages to the EMIC over the PCI data
bus to turn on the airbag indicator. An active fault
only remains for the duration of the fault, or in some
cases for the duration of the current ignition switch
cycle, while a stored fault causes a DTC to be stored
in memory by the ACM. For some DTCs, if a fault
does not recur for a number of ignition cycles, the
ACM will automatically erase the stored DTC. For
other internal faults, the stored DTC is latched for-
ever.
In standard cab models, the ACM also monitors a
resistor multiplexed input from the passenger airbag
on/off switch and provides a control output for the
Off indicator in the switch through a passenger air-
bag indicator driver circuit. If the passenger airbag
on/off switch is set to the Off position, the ACM turns
on the passenger airbag on/off switch Off indicator
and will internally disable the passenger airbag from
being deployed. The ACM also turns on the on/off
switch Off indicator for about seven seconds each
time the ignition switch is turned to the On position
as a bulb test. Following the bulb test, the ACM con-
trols the status of the Off indicator based upon the
Fig. 7 Airbag Control Module
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
2 - ORIENTATION ARROW
3 - LABEL
4 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 11
Page 631 of 2627

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)
Page 633 of 2627

panel transmission tunnel. Tighten the screws to 12
N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(4) From the left side of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel, reach behind the module to access and
tighten the screw that secures the right side of the
ACM to the bracket on the floor panel transmission
tunnel. Tighten the screw to 12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(5) 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 reconnect the two instrument
panel wire harness connectors for the ACM to the
ACM connector receptacle located on the rearward
facing side of the module. Be certain that the latches
on the connectors are each fully engaged.
(6) On models with an automatic transmission,
reinstall the ACM cover onto the instrument panel.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/ACM
COVER - INSTALLATION).
(7) On models with a manual transmission, rein-
stall the floor console onto the top of the floor panel
transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERI-
OR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTALLATION).
(8) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
AUTOMATIC LOCKING
RETRACTOR
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt retractors used in all seating posi-
tions include an inertia-type, emergency locking
mechanism as standard equipment (Fig. 9). However,
the retractor locking mechanism for the passenger
side front seating position is mechanically switchable
from an emergency locking retractor to an automatic
locking retractor. The primary function of this fea-
ture is to securely accommodate a child seat in the
passenger side front seating position of the vehicle
without the need for a self-cinching seat belt tip half
latch plate unit or another supplemental device that
would be required to prevent the seat belt webbing
from unwinding freely from the retractor spool of an
inertia-type emergency locking retractor mechanism.
The automatic locking mechanism is integral to the
passenger side front seat belt and retractor unit and
is concealed beneath a molded plastic cover located
on the same side of the retractor spool as the seat
belt tensioner housing. The retractor is secured to
the inner B-pillar on the right side of the vehicle and
is concealed beneath the molded plastic inner B-pil-lar trim. The automatic locking mechanism cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
entire passenger side front seat belt and retractor
unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The automatic locking mode of the retractor is
engaged and the retractor is switched from operating
as a standard inertia-type emergency locking retrac-
tor by first buckling the combination lap and shoul-
der belt buckle. Then grasp the shoulder belt and
pull all of the webbing out of the retractor. Once all
of the belt webbing is extracted from the spool, the
retractor will automatically become engaged in the
pre-locked automatic locking mode and will make an
audible clicking or ratcheting sound as the shoulder
belt is allowed to retract to confirm that the auto-
matic locking mode is now engaged. Once the auto-
matic locking mode is engaged, the retractor will
remain locked and the belt will remain tight around
whatever it is restraining.
The retractor is returned to standard emergency
locking mode by unbuckling the combination lap and
shoulder belt buckle and allowing the belt webbing to
be almost fully retracted onto the retractor spool. The
emergency locking mode is confirmed by the absence
of the audible clicking or ratcheting sound as the belt
webbing retracts. This mode will allow the belt to
unwind from and wind onto the retractor spool freely
unless and until a predetermined inertia load is
sensed, or until the retractor is again switched to the
automatic locking mode.
Fig. 9 Automatic Locking Retractor
1 - TENSIONER HOUSING OR CHAMBER
2 - GAS GENERATOR
3 - TENSIONER PIGTAIL WIRE
4 - SPOOL
5 - TENSION REDUCER (DRIVER SIDE ON STANDARD CAB
ONLY)
6 - REDUCER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
7 - RETRACTOR LOCKING MECHANISM COVER
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSDR
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)
Page 651 of 2627

(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)
Page 652 of 2627

(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)
Page 654 of 2627

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

(4) Reconnect the yellow seat belt tensioner pigtail
wire connector to the body wire harness take out and
connector for the tensioner.
(5) Engage the seat belt tensioner pigtail wire
retainer into the hole in the inner B-pillar sheet
metal.
(6) On the driver side only, reconnect the body
wire harness take out and white connector to the
seat belt tension reducer connector receptacle near
the bottom of the retractor.
(7) Position the seat belt web guide to its mount-
ing location on the inner B-pillar near the belt line.
(8) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt web guide to the inner B-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(9) Reinstall the upper and lower trim onto the
inner B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - INSTALLATION) and
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(10) Position the seat belt turning loop onto the
height adjuster on the upper inner B-pillar.
(11) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster. Tighten
the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(12) Engage the lower snap features of the new
trim cover over the front outboard seat belt turning
loop and, using hand pressure, press firmly and
evenly on the top of the trim cover until it snaps into
place.
(13) Position the lower seat belt anchor to the
lower inner B-pillar.
(14) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower seat belt anchor to the B-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(15) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
(16) Move the front seat back to its rearward posi-
tion.INSTALLATION - QUAD CAB
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged front outboard seat belt and
retractor unit, which includes a seat belt tensioner
for this model. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/SEAT BELT TENSIONER - DESCRIP-
TION). The only component of this seat belt and
retractor unit that is available for individual service
replacement is the plastic web stop button that pre-
vents the latch plate from falling to the floor while in
the stored position. Refer to the instructions supplied
with the service kit for the proper web stop button
replacement procedures.
The seat belt retractor on the passenger's side of
all models includes a switchable automatic locking
mechanism. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR -
DESCRIPTION).
If the seat belt or retractor is faulty or damaged,
but the seat belt tensioner is not deployed, review
the recommended procedures for handling non-de-
ployed supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE
- HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the seat belt tensioner has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the front outboard seat belt and
retractor from the vehicle. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
8O - 36 RESTRAINTSDR
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)
Page 656 of 2627

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)
Page 657 of 2627

(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)