key DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Repair Manual

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)

(3) Lift upward on the forward edge of the rear
center seat belt bezel at the top of the cab back panel
to release the snap features that secure the bezel to
the belt bracket (Fig. 41).
(4) Remove the bezel from the webbing of the rear
center seat belt.
(5) Lift the rear center seat belt cover off of the
belt bracket at the top of the cab back panel and
remove the cover from the webbing of the rear center
seat belt.
(6) Remove the two screws that secure the belt
bracket of the rear center seat belt to the body
bracket on the upper cab back panel reinforcement.
(7) Remove the belt bracket of the rear center seat
belt from the body bracket.
(8) Remove the screw that secures the rear center
seat belt retractor to the center anchor/right out-board occupant buckle and mounting bracket unit on
the rear floor panel near the cab back panel (Fig. 42).
(9) Remove the rear center seat belt retractor from
the center anchor/right outboard occupant buckle and
mounting bracket unit.
(10) Remove the rear center seat belt and retractor
unit from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
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 - INSTALLATION -
CENTER ANCHOR & RIGHT OUTBOARD).
Fig. 41 Rear Center Seat Belt & Retractor Remove/
Install
1 - CAB BACK PANEL
2 - CENTER SEAT BELT
3 - BEZEL
4 - COVER
5 - BELT BRACKET
6 - SCREW (2)
7 - BODY BRACKET
8 - RETRACTOR
9 - SCREW (2)
10 - CENTER ANCHOR/RIGHT OUTBOARD OCCUPANT BUCKLE
& BRACKET UNIT
11 - REAR FLOOR PANEL
12 - LOWER ANCHOR LATCH PLATE
Fig. 42 Rear Center Retractor & Mounting Bracket
1 - RIGHT OUTBOARD OCCUPANT BUCKLE
2 - REAR CENTER SEAT BELT
3 - REAR CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
4 - MOUNTING BRACKET
5 - CENTER ANCHOR BUCKLE
6 - SCREW (1)
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 45
REAR CENTER 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 rear center seat belt and retractor
unit onto the center anchor/right outboard occupant
buckle and mounting bracket unit on the rear floor
panel near the base of the cab back panel (Fig. 42).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear center seat belt retractor bracket to the center
anchor/right outboard occupant buckle and mounting
bracket unit. Tighten the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Position the belt bracket of the rear center seat
belt onto the body bracket on the upper cab back
panel reinforcement (Fig. 41).
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the belt bracket of the rear center seat belt to the
body bracket. Tighten the screws to 20 N´m (15 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Lift the webbing of the rear center seat belt
and slide the cover over the belt bracket at the top of
the cab back panel until it is fully seated.
(6) Route the rear center seat belt bezel over the
webbing of the rear center seat belt.
(7) Position the rear center seat belt bezel over the
cover and belt bracket at the top of the cab back
panel and engage the rearward snap features of the
bezel with the belt bracket. Using hand pressure,
press firmly and evenly downward on the front of the
bezel until it snaps into place over the cover and belt
bracket.
(8) 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).(9) Reach between the rear seat cushion and the
rear seat back to buckle the rear center seat belt
lower anchor latch plate to the unique black, keyed
lower anchor buckle.
REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT
& RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
The only component of this seat belt and retractor
unit that is available for individual service replace-
ment is the plastic web stop button that prevents 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.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT BELT
OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE, CARE-
FULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES,
MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER
STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLA-
TION, OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN.
STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED.
TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE
BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT HAS A BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE
OR ANCHOR PLATE. REPLACE ANY CHILD
RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE
ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR
DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT.
ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT
BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Remove the rear seat from the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT - REAR - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the screw that secures the lower seat
belt anchor to the base of the inner C-pillar (Fig. 43).
(3) Remove the lower seat belt anchor from the
base of the inner C-pillar.
(4) Unsnap and remove the trim cover from the
rear outboard seat belt turning loop to access the
screw that secures the turning loop to the upper
inner C-pillar. Discard the removed turning loop trim
cover as it is not intended for reuse.
(5) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
turning loop to the C-pillar.
8O - 46 RESTRAINTSDR
REAR CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

REMOVAL - CENTER ANCHOR & RIGHT
OUTBOARD
The unique black, keyed center seat belt lower
anchor buckle and the right outboard occupant
buckle are serviced as a unit with their mounting
bracket. The rear center seat belt retractor is also
secured to the mounting bracket with these two
buckles, but can be removed from the mounting
bracket and is serviced separately from the two buck-
les. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/REAR
CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - 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 rear seat cushion and the
rear seat back to access and unbuckle the rear 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).(3) Remove the screw that secures the rear center
seat belt retractor to the center anchor/right out-
board occupant buckle and mounting bracket unit on
the rear floor panel near the cab back panel (Fig. 45).
(4) Remove the rear center seat belt retractor from
the center anchor/right outboard occupant buckle and
mounting bracket unit.
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the center
anchor/right outboard occupant buckle and mounting
bracket unit to the rear floor panel near the base of
the cab back panel (Fig. 46).
(6) Remove the center anchor/right outboard occu-
pant buckle and mounting bracket unit from the rear
floor panel.
Fig. 45 Rear Center Retractor & Mounting Bracket
1 - RIGHT OUTBOARD OCCUPANT BUCKLE
2 - REAR CENTER SEAT BELT
3 - REAR CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
4 - MOUNTING BRACKET
5 - CENTER ANCHOR BUCKLE
6 - SCREW (1)
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 49
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CENTER & LEFT 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 SEATBELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the center or the left outboard occu-
pant buckle unit onto the rear floor panel or onto the
rear seat mounting bracket near the base of the cab
back panel (Fig. 44). On models with the optional
60/40 split rear bench, the screw that secures the
buckle unit also secures one of the rear seat mount-
ing brackets to the rear floor panel.
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
center or the left outboard occupant buckle unit to
the rear floor panel. Tighten the screw to 40 N´m (29
ft. lbs.).
(3) Lower the rear seat cushion back to its normal
seating position.
INSTALLATION - CENTER ANCHOR & RIGHT
OUTBOARD
The unique black, keyed center seat belt lower
anchor buckle and the right outboard occupant
buckle are serviced as a unit with their mounting
bracket. The rear center seat belt retractor is also
secured to the mounting bracket with these two
buckles, but can be removed from the mounting
bracket and is serviced separately from the two buck-
les. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/REAR
CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
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.
Fig. 46 Rear Seat Belt Buckle Remove/Install
1 - CAB BACK PANEL
2 - CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
3 - SCREW (4)
4 - LEFT OUTBOARD OCCUPANT BUCKLE UNIT
5 - CENTER OCCUPANT BUCKLE UNIT
6 - CENTER ANCHOR/RIGHT OUTBOARD OCCUPANT BUCKLE
& BRACKET UNIT
7 - REAR FLOOR PANEL
8O - 50 RESTRAINTSDR
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (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)

retracted or extracted is a sure indication that the
seat belt tensioner has been deployed and requires
replacement. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The seat belt tensioners are deployed by a signal
generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
through the driver and passenger seat belt tensioner
line 1 and line 2 (or squib) circuits. When the ACM
sends the proper electrical signal to the tensioners,
the electrical energy generates enough heat to ini-
tiate a small pyrotechnic gas generator. The gas gen-
erator is installed at the top of the tensioner housing
which contains a long metal tape that is routed
through two chambers within the housing. Each end
of the tape is wound around the outer sleeve of a
mechanical clutch mechanism secured to one end of
the torsion bar upon which the retractor spool is
secured. As the gas expands, it is directed against
the metal tape within the two chambers of the hous-
ing causing the tape to unwind from the clutch
sleeve. As the clutch rotates it engages the torsion
bar, which drives the seat belt retractor spool causing
the slack to be removed from the seat belt.
Once a seat belt tensioning sequence has been
completed, the forward momentum of the occupant
results in deformation of the torsion bar. As the tor-
sion bar deforms it allows the seat belt webbing to
unwind from the retractor spool, which causes the
metal tape to be wound back onto the clutch sleeve
until it is pulled tight against two cutter blades
within the housing, which immediately cut the metal
tape.
Removing excess slack from the seat belt not only
keeps the occupant properly positioned for an airbag
deployment following a frontal impact of the vehicle,
but also helps to reduce injuries that the occupant
might experience in these situations as a result of a
harmful contact with the steering wheel, steering col-
umn, instrument panel and/or windshield. The tor-
sion bar is designed to deform in order to control the
loading being applied to the occupant by the seat belt
during a frontal impact, further reducing the poten-
tial for occupant injuries.
The ACM monitors the condition of the seat belt
tensioners through circuit resistance. The ACM will
illuminate the airbag indicator in the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and store a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is
detected. For proper diagnosis of the seat belt ten-
sioners, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
SEAT BELT TENSION
REDUCER
DESCRIPTION
A seat belt tension reducer is standard equipment
for the driver side front outboard seat belt on stan-
dard cab versions of this model (Fig. 49). The tension
reducer is integral to the driver side front outboard
seat belt and retractor unit, which is secured to the
inner B-pillar on the left side of the vehicle. The
retractor is concealed beneath the molded plastic
inner B-pillar trim. The seat belt tension reducer
consists primarily of a 12-volt Direct Current (DC)
solenoid and an integral connector receptacle that is
located on the forward facing end housing of the
retractor. The seat belt tension reducer is controlled
by a battery current output of the ignition switch and
a ground path provided by the seat belt switch, and
is connected to the vehicle electrical system through
a dedicated take out of the body wire harness by a
keyed and latching molded plastic connector insula-
tor to ensure a secure connection.
The seat belt tension reducer cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, the entire driver side front
outboard seat belt and retractor unit must be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR -
REMOVAL).
Fig. 49 Seat Belt Tension Reducer
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
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 53
SEAT BELT TENSIONER (Continued)

(4) Install the upper screw that secures the seat
belt turning loop height adjuster to the upper B-pil-
lar, then tighten both the upper and lower screws to
40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the upper trim onto the inside of the
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
UPPER TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(6) Position the seat belt turning loop onto the
height adjuster on the upper inner B-pillar.
(7) 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.).
(8) 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.
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
Optional side curtain airbags are available for this
model when it is also equipped with dual front air-
bags. These airbags are passive, inflatable, Supple-
mental Restraint System (SRS) components, and
vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified
by a molded identification trim button with the ªSRS
- AIRBAGº logo located on the headliner above each
A-pillar, and above each B-pillar on quad cab models
(Fig. 51). This system is designed to reduce injuries
to the vehicle occupants in the event of a side impact
collision.
Vehicles equipped with side curtain airbags have
two individually controlled curtain airbag units.
These airbag units are concealed and mounted above
the headliner where they are each secured to one of
the roof side rails (Fig. 52). Each folded airbag cush-
ion is contained within a long extruded plastic chan-
nel that extends along the roof rail from the A-pillarat the front of the vehicle to just behind the B-pillar
on standard cab models, and to just behind the C-pil-
lar on quad cab models. A tether extends down the
A-pillar from the front of the airbag cushion, where it
is retained to the pillar with plastic push-in routing
clips and it is secured to the base of the A-pillar near
the belt line with a screw.
The hybrid-type inflator for each airbag is secured
to the roof rail at the rear of the airbag unit behind
the B-pillar (standard cab) or C-pillar (quad cab), and
is connected to the airbag cushion by a long tubular
manifold. The inflator bracket and the extruded air-
bag cushion channel are located with plastic push-in
fasteners to the roof rail, then secured with screws to
spring nuts located in the roof rail. A two-wire take
out of the body wire harness with a keyed and
latched connector insulator connects directly to an
integral receptacle on the inflator initiator.
The side curtain airbag unit cannot be adjusted or
repaired and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or
in any way damaged. Once a side curtain airbag has
been deployed, the complete airbag unit, the head-
liner, the upper A, B, and C-pillar trim, and all other
visibly damaged components must be replaced.
OPERATION
Each side curtain airbag is deployed individually
by an electrical signal generated by the Airbag Con-
trol Module (ACM) to which it is connected through
left or right curtain airbag line 1 and line 2 (or
squib) circuits. The hybrid-type inflator assembly for
each airbag contains a small canister of highly com-
Fig. 51 SRS Logo
Fig. 52 Side Curtain Airbag
1 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - B-PILLAR (STD CAB) OR C-PILLAR (QUAD CAB)
3 - INFLATOR
4 - MANIFOLD
5 - ROOF SIDE RAIL
6 - A-PILLAR
7 - TETHER
8 - CHANNEL
8O - 56 RESTRAINTSDR
SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP ADJUSTER (Continued)

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