Test mode DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Repair Manual

(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)

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR MUST
NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT PASSENGER
AIRBAG UNITS ARE SERVICED WITH DOORS IN
THE ORIGINAL COLORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE
WAY IN WHICH THE MATERIAL OF THE AIRBAG
DOOR RESPONDS TO AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE PAS-
SENGER AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Carefully position the passenger airbag and
airbag door to the instrument panel as a unit.
(2) Reconnect the passenger airbag pigtail wire
connector to the instrument panel wire harness con-
nector for the airbag. This connector is secured to the
inboard side of the airbag housing.Be certain that
the latch on the connector and the red Connec-
tor Position Assurance (CPA) lock are each
fully engaged.
(3) Position the passenger airbag housing and door
unit into the instrument panel.
(4) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
over each of the seven snap features on the upper
and outboard edges of the passenger airbag door
until they snap into their receptacles in the instru-
ment panel base trim.
(5) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to install and tighten the two screws that secure the
passenger airbag front brackets to the instrument
panel structural support (Fig. 37). Tighten the screws
to 6 N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(6) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to install and tighten the two screws that secure the
passenger airbag rear brackets to the upper glove
box opening reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 6
N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(7) Install and tighten the six screws that secure
the inboard and lower flanges of the passenger air-
bag door to the instrument panel (Fig. 36). Tighten
the screws to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(8) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
mounting tab of the panel outlet housing to the
upper glove box opening reinforcement. Tighten the
screw to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).(9) Reinstall the lower surround onto the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/LOWER SURROUND - INSTALLATION).
(10) 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).
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The passenger airbag on/off switch is standard
equipment on all standard cab versions of this model
when they are equipped with the dual front airbag
system (Fig. 39). This switch is a two-position, resis-
tor multiplexed switch with a single integral red
Light-Emitting Diode (LED), and a non-coded key
cylinder-type actuator. The switch is located in the
lower right corner of instrument panel center bezel,
near the center of instrument panel to make the Off
indicator visible to all front seat occupants. When the
switch is in its installed position, the only compo-
nents visible through the dedicated opening of the
cluster bezel are the switch face plate and nomencla-
ture, and the key cylinder actuator. The9Off9position
of the switch is illuminated when this switch position
is selected, while the ªOnº position of the switch is
designated by text imprinted upon the face plate of
the switch, but is not illuminated. The remainder of
the switch is concealed behind the switch face plate
and the instrument panel center bezel.
Fig. 39 Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch
1 - SWITCH
2 - FACE PLATE
3 - OFF INDICATOR
4 - KEY CYLINDER ACTUATOR
8O - 42 RESTRAINTSDR
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

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 passenger airbag on/off switch and
face plate unit to the back of the center bezel (Fig.
40).
(2) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the passenger airbag on/off switch face plate to the
back of the center bezel. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(17 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the center bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(4) 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).
REAR CENTER SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
The rear center seat belt retractor is secured with
a single screw to a mounting bracket that includes
the unique black, keyed center seat belt lower anchor
buckle and the right outboard occupant buckle, but
can be removed from the mounting bracket and is
serviced separately from the two buckles. The center
anchor buckle and the right outboard occupant
buckle are serviced as a unit with their mounting
bracket. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE - REMOVAL - CEN-
TER ANCHOR & RIGHT OUTBOARD).
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 rear seat cushion and the
rear seat back to access and unbuckle the 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) Remove the rear seat from the vehicle. On
models with the optional 60/40 split rear bench, only
the 60 percent section (right side) of the rear seat
must be removed. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT
- REAR - REMOVAL).
Fig. 40 Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch Remove/
Install
1 - CENTER BEZEL
2 - SCREW (3)
3 - SWITCH & PLATE UNIT
8O - 44 RESTRAINTSDR
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (Continued)

(1) Position the center anchor/right outboard occu-
pant buckle and mounting bracket unit onto the rear
floor panel near the base of the cab back panel (Fig.
46).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the center anchor/right outboard occupant buckle and
mounting bracket unit to the rear floor panel.
Tighten the screws to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(3) Position the rear center seat belt retractor onto
the center anchor/right outboard occupant buckle and
mounting bracket unit (Fig. 45).
(4) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear center seat belt retractor to the center anchor/
right outboard occupant buckle and mounting
bracket unit. Tighten the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the rear seat into the vehicle. On
models with the optional 60/40 split rear bench, only
the 60 percent section (right side) of the rear seat
must be reinstalled. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT - REAR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reach between the rear seat cushion and the
rear seat back to access and buckle the rear center
seat belt lower anchor latch plate to the unique
black, keyed lower anchor buckle.
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt switch is a small, normally open, sin-
gle pole, single throw, leaf contact, momentary
switch. Only one seat belt switch is installed in the
vehicle, and it is integral to the buckle of the driver
side front seat belt buckle-half, located on the
inboard side of the driver side front seat track (Fig.
47). The seat belt switch is connected to the vehicle
electrical system through a two-wire pigtail wire and
connector on the seat belt buckle-half, which is con-
nected to a wire harness connector and take out of
the seat wire harness routed beneath the driver side
front seat cushion in the passenger compartment.
The seat belt switch cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, the entire driver side front
seat belt buckle-half unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The seat belt switch is designed to control a path
to ground for the seat belt switch sense input of the
ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC). When
the driver side front seat belt tip-half is inserted into
the seat belt buckle, the switch closes the path to
ground; and, when the driver side front seat belt tip-
half is removed from the seat belt buckle, the switch
opens the ground path. The switch is actuated by the
latch mechanism within the seat belt buckle.
The seat belt switch is connected in series between
ground and the seat belt switch sense input of the
instrument cluster. The seat belt switch receives
ground at all times through its pigtail wire connec-
tion to the seat wire harness from a take out of the
body wire harness. An eyelet terminal connector on
the body wire harness ground take out is secured
beneath a ground screw on the left cowl side inner
panel, beneath the instrument panel. The seat belt
switch may de diagnosed using conventional diagnos-
tic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
SWITCH
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
Fig. 47 Seat Belt Switch
1 - DRIVER SIDE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE
2 - SEAT CUSHION
3 - PIGTAIL WIRE
4 - INBOARD SEAT TRACK
5 - SCREW
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 51
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire
connector from the seat wire harness connector for
the seat belt switch on the inboard side of the driver
side front seat forward of the seat belt buckle-half
anchor. Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit and the ground circuit cavities of
the seat belt switch pigtail wire connector. There
should be continuity with the seat belt buckled, and
no continuity with the seat belt unbuckled. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty front seat belt
buckle-half assembly.
(2) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity in the seat wire harness connector for the
seat belt switch and a good ground. There should be
continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the
open ground circuit to ground (G301) as required.
(3) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. Check for continuity between the seat
belt switch sense circuit cavity of the seat wire har-
ness connector for the seat belt switch and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, repair the shorted seat belt switch
sense circuit between the seat belt switch and the
instrument cluster as required.
(4) Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit cavities of the seat wire harness
connector for the seat belt switch and the instrument
panel wire harness connector (Connector C2) for the
instrument cluster. There should be continuity. If
OK, test and replace the faulty instrument cluster as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If not OK,
repair the open seat belt switch sense circuit between
the seat belt switch and the instrument cluster as
required.SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION
Front outboard seating position seat belt tension-
ers supplement the driver and passenger airbags for
all versions of this model (Fig. 48). The seat belt ten-
sioner is integral to the front outboard seat belt and
retractor units, which are secured to the inner B-pil-
lar on the right and left sides of the vehicle. The
retractor is concealed beneath the molded plastic
inner B-pillar trim. The seat belt tensioner consists
primarily of a die cast aluminum tensioner housing
or chamber, a mechanical clutch unit, a tape-like
metal strip, a pair of cutters, a pyrotechnically acti-
vated gas generator, and a short pigtail wire. All of
these components are located on one side of the
retractor spool on the outside of the retractor hous-
ing. The seat belt tensioners are controlled by the
Airbag Control Module (ACM) and are connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated
take out of the body wire harness by a keyed and
latching molded plastic connector insulator to ensure
a secure connection.
The seat belt tensioners cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire outboard front seat belt
and retractor unit must be replaced. If the front air-
bags have been deployed, the seat belt tensioners
have also been deployed. The seat belt tensioners are
not intended for reuse and must be replaced follow-
ing any front airbag deployment. A locked retractor
that will not allow the seat belt webbing to be
Fig. 48 Seat Belt Tensioner
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 - 52 RESTRAINTSDR
SEAT BELT SWITCH (Continued)

OPERATION
The seat belt tension reducer is controlled by a
ground signal received from the seat belt switch on
the seat belt switch sense circuit and a battery cur-
rent signal received from the ignition switch on the
fused ignition switch output (run-accessory) circuit.
When the seat belt switch is closed (the driver side
front seat belt is fastened) and the ignition switch is
in the On or Accessory positions, the seat belt tension
reducer solenoid is energized. When the solenoid is
energized, it actuates a mechanism within the driver
side front outboard seat belt retractor to reduce the
normal recoil spring tension exerted by the retractor
spool, which is designed to reel in the seat belt web-
bing onto the spool. When the driver side seat belt is
unbuckled or if the ignition switch is turned to any
position except On or Accessory, the tension reducer
solenoid is de-energized and the normal recoil spring
tension of the retractor is restored.
The action of the seat belt tension reducer results
in improved seat belt comfort for the driver. Reducing
the seat belt retractor recoil spring tension is desir-
able on standard cab models of this vehicle and not
on the quad cab model due to the different mounting
position required for the seat belt turning loop on the
B-pillar relative to the driver's seat position on the
standard cab model. The seat belt tension reducer
may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools
and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
TENSION REDUCER
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
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. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the seat belt tension reducer from the tension
reducer connector receptacle on the driver side front
outboard seat belt and retractor unit. Using an ohm-
meter, measure the resistance between the seat belt
switch sense circuit terminal pin and the fused igni-
tion switch output (run-accessory) circuit terminal
pin in the tension reducer connector receptacle on
the retractor. Resistance through the tension reducer
solenoid coil should be 53 ohms at 20É C (68É F). If
OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty driver
side front outboard seat belt and retractor unit.
(2) Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit cavity of the body wire harness
connector for the seat belt tension reducer and a good
ground. There should be continuity with the driver
side front seat belt buckled, and no continuity with
the driver side front seat belt unbuckled. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, repair the shorted or open seat
belt switch sense circuit between the tension reducer
and the seat belt switch as required.
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Check for
battery current at the fused ignition switch output
(run-accessory) circuit of the body wire harness con-
nector for the seat belt tension reducer. There should
be battery current with the ignition switch in the On
or Accessory positions, and no battery current with
the ignition switch in any other position. If not OK,
repair the shorted or open fused ignition switch out-
put (run-accessory) circuit between the tension
reducer and the ignition switch as required.
8O - 54 RESTRAINTSDR
SEAT BELT TENSION REDUCER (Continued)

VACUUM RESERVOIR
DESCRIPTION
The vacuum reservoir is a plastic storage tank con-
nected to an engine vacuum source by vacuum lines.
A vacuum reservoir is not used with diesel engines or
the 5.7L gas powered engine.
OPERATION
The vacuum reservoir is used to supply the vac-
uum needed to maintain proper speed control opera-
tion when engine vacuum drops, such as in climbing
a grade while driving. A one-way check valve is used
in the vacuum line between the reservoir and the
vacuum source. This check valve is used to trap
engine vacuum in the reservoir. On certain vehicle
applications, this reservoir is shared with the heat-
ing/air-conditioning system. The vacuum reservoir
cannot be repaired and must be replaced if faulty.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM
RESERVOIR
(1) Disconnect vacuum hose at speed control servo
and install a vacuum gauge into the disconnected
hose.
(2) Start engine and observe gauge at idle. Vac-
uum gauge should read at least ten inches of mer-
cury.
(3) If vacuum is less than ten inches of mercury,
determine source of leak. Check vacuum line to
engine for leaks. Also check actual engine intake
manifold vacuum. If manifold vacuum does not meet
this requirement, check for poor engine performance
and repair as necessary.
(4) If vacuum line to engine is not leaking, check
for leak at vacuum reservoir. To locate and gain
access to reservoir, refer to Vacuum Reservoir Remov-
al/Installation in this group. Disconnect vacuum line
at reservoir and connect a hand-operated vacuum
pump to reservoir fitting. Apply vacuum. Reservoir
vacuum should not bleed off. If vacuum is being lost,
replace reservoir.
(5) Verify operation of one-way check valve and
check it for leaks.Certain models may be
equipped with 2 check-valves.
(a) Locate one-way check valve. The valve is
located in vacuum line between vacuum reservoir
and engine vacuum source. Disconnect vacuum
hoses (lines) at each end of valve.(b) Connect a hand-operated vacuum pump to
reservoir end of check valve. Apply vacuum. Vac-
uum should not bleed off. If vacuum is being lost,
replace one-way check valve.
(c) Connect a hand-operated vacuum pump to
vacuum source end of check valve. Apply vacuum.
Vacuum should flow through valve. If vacuum is
not flowing, replace one-way check valve. Seal the
fitting at opposite end of valve with a finger and
apply vacuum. If vacuum will not hold, diaphragm
within check valve has ruptured. Replace valve.
REMOVAL
The vacuum reservoir is located in the engine com-
partment under the fresh air cowl grill panel (Fig.
10).
(1) Remove wiper blades and arms. Refer to Wiper
Arm Removal / Installation in the Wipers / Washers
section.
(2) Remove fresh air cowl grill. Refer to Cowl Grill
Removal / Installation.
(3) Disconnect vacuum line at reservoir (Fig. 11).
(4) Remove 2 reservoir mounting nuts (Fig. 11).
(5) Remove reservoir from cowl.
Fig. 10 VACUUM RESERVOIR LOCATION
1 - COWL GRILL
2 - WIPER ARMS / BLADES
3 - VACUUM RESERVOIR
DRSPEED CONTROL 8P - 9

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE THEFT/
SECURITY SYSTEM....................1
DESCRIPTION - SENTRY KEY
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM (SKIS)............1
DESCRIPTION ± SENTRY KEY
IMMOBILIZER MODULE (SKIM)............1
OPERATION
OPERATION - VEHICLE THEFT/SECURITY
SYSTEM.............................1
OPERATION - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (SKIS)........................2
OPERATION ± SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
MODULE (SKIM).......................2DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM......3
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONFIGURING A NEW MODULE / SWITCH
OPERATING MODES....................3
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INITIALIZATION........................3
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING..........4
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR LAMP
DESCRIPTION..........................5
OPERATION............................5
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE THEFT/SECURITY
SYSTEM
The Vehicle Theft/Security System (VTSS) is
designed to protect against whole vehicle theft. The
system monitors the vehicle doors and ignition for
unauthorized operation.
The VTSS activates:
²Sounding of the horn
²Flashing of the park lamps
²Flashing of the head lamps
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) has 1 mode of
operation,CUSTOMER USAGEmode. The cus-
tomer usage mode provides full functionality of the
module and is the mode in which the RKE module
should be operating when used by the customer.
DESCRIPTION - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (SKIS)
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is
designed to provide passive protection against unau-
thorized vehicle use by preventing the engine from
operating while the system is armed. The primary
components of this system are the Sentry Key Immo-
bilizer Module (SKIM), the Sentry Key transponder,
the Vehicle Theft/Security System (VTSS) indicator
LED, and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).The SKIM is installed on the steering column near
the ignition lock cylinder. The transponder is located
under the molded rubber cap on the head of the igni-
tion key. The VTSS indicator LED is located in the
instrument cluster.
DESCRIPTION ± SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER
MODULE (SKIM)
The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) con-
tains a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a cen-
tral processing unit, which includes the Sentry Key
Immobilizer System (SKIS) program logic. The SKIS
programming enables the SKIM to program and
retain in memory the codes of at least two, but no
more than eight electronically coded Sentry Key
transponders. The SKIS programming also enables
the SKIM to communicate over the Programmable
Communication Interface (PCI) bus network with the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and/or the
DRBIIItscan tool.
OPERATION
OPERATION - VEHICLE THEFT/SECURITY
SYSTEM
When in theCustomer Usagemode of operation,
the system is armed when the vehicle is locked using
the:
²Power Door Lock Switches
²Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter
²Key Cylinder Switches
DRVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 1

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