airbag DODGE RAM 2002 Service Manual PDF

PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The rearward facing surface of the passenger air-
bag door above the glove box is the most visible part
of the passenger airbag. The airbag used in this
model is a Next Generation-type that complies with
revised federal airbag standards to deploy with less
force than those used in some prior models. The pas-
senger airbag is located in the instrument panel in
front of the front seat passenger seating position,
where it is secured to the instrument panel. Con-
cealed beneath the passenger airbag door are the
folded airbag cushion, the airbag retainer or housing,
and the airbag inflator. The airbag inflator is a
hybrid-type unit that is secured to and sealed within
the stamped steel airbag housing along with the
folded airbag cushion. The airbag housing stamping
also includes the two mounting brackets, one front
and one rear. The front bracket is secured beneath
the instrument panel top cover with screws to the
instrument panel structural support. The rear
bracket is secured with screws to the upper glove box
opening reinforcement. A yellow connector on the end
of a short, two-wire pigtail harness connects the pas-
senger airbag inflator to the vehicle electrical system.
The molded plastic passenger airbag door has pre-
determined breakout lines concealed beneath its dec-
orative cover. The lower edge of the passenger airbag
door is secured to the airbag housing, and includes
the two passenger side panel outlets. The sides and
upper edges are secured to the instrument panel top
cover with five molded tabs that are each fit with a
small metal retainer. The five retainers are snapped
into five slotted receptacles located around the sides
and top of the airbag door opening in the instrument
panel top cover. Following a passenger airbag deploy-
ment, the passenger airbag and airbag door unit
must be replaced. The passenger airbag cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if faulty or in any
way damaged. The passenger airbag door is serviced
only as a unit with the passenger airbag, and
includes the two passenger side heating and air con-
ditioning panel outlet housings and barrels.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is deployed by an electrical
signal generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the passenger airbag line 1 and line 2
(or squib) circuits. The hybrid-type inflator assembly
includes a small canister of highly compressed argon
gas. When the ACM sends the proper electrical signal
to the airbag inflator, the electrical energy generates
enough heat to ignite chemical pellets within the
inflator. Once ignited, these chemical pellets burn
rapidly and produce the pressure necessary to rup-ture a containment disk in the argon gas canister.
The inflator and argon gas canister are sealed to the
airbag cushion so that all of the released argon gas is
directed into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion
to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the passenger air-
bag door will split at the breakout lines and the door
will pivot out of the way. Following an airbag deploy-
ment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting
the argon gas through the porous fabric material
used on each end panel of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the pressure
to burst the argon gas containment disk are consid-
ered hazardous in their solid state, before they are
burned, but they are securely sealed within the air-
bag inflator. However, the gas that is produced when
the chemicals are burned is harmless. A small
amount of residue from the burned chemicals may
cause some temporary discomfort if it contacts the
skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin or eye irri-
tation is noticed, rinse the affected area with plenty
of cool, clean water. If breathing passages are irri-
tated, move to another area where there is plenty of
clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not alle-
viated by these actions, contact a physician immedi-
ately.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed,
wait two minutes for the system capacitor to dis-
charge before further service.
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 21

(2) Remove the glove box from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the glove box opening upper trim from
the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER
TRIM - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the four screws that secure the two
plastic support brackets for the passenger airbag
door panel outlet housing to the glove box opening
upper reinforcement.
(5) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and disconnect the passenger airbag pigtail
wire connector from the instrument panel wire har-
ness (Fig. 17).
(6) Remove the two screws that secure the passen-
ger airbag front bracket to the instrument panel
structural support (Fig. 18).
(7) Remove the three screws that secure the pas-
senger airbag rear bracket to the glove box opening
upper reinforcement.
(8) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool and starting at the lower left edge,
gently pry the passenger airbag door away from the
instrument panel far enough to disengage the five
molded tabs and snap retainers securing it to the
receptacles in the instrument panel top cover (Fig.
19).
(9) Remove the passenger airbag, the airbag door,
and the panel outlet housing and barrel assemblies
from the instrument panel as a unit.
Fig. 17 Passenger Airbag Connector
1 - PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - GLOVE BOX OPENING
Fig. 18 Passenger Airbag Remove/Install
1 - PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE REAR BRACKET
2 - GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER
3 - FRONT BRACKET
4 - SCREWS
Fig. 19 Passenger Airbag Door Disengage
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
2 - PRY HERE
3 - PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOOR
8O - 22 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

INSTALLATION
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR MUST
NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT PASSENGER
AIRBAG DOORS ARE SERVICED 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 DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Carefully inspect the five receptacle slots
around the top and sides of the passenger airbag
door opening of the instrument panel top cover.
Remove any of the small metal airbag door snap
retainers that did not remain on the molded airbag
door tabs during the removal procedure.
(2) If the removed passenger airbag module is
being reinstalled, install the metal snap retainers
recovered in Step 1onto the proper airbag door tabs.
Each of the five molded airbag door tabs must have a
snap retainer on it before it is installed in the instru-ment panel. New replacement passenger airbags
come with new airbag door snap retainers installed.
(3) Carefully position the passenger airbag onto
the instrument panel.
(4) Align the five tabs and retainers on the upper
edge and sides of the passenger airbag door with the
receptacles in the instrument panel top cover.
(5) Using hand pressure, press firmly on the pas-
senger airbag door over each of the tab and retainer
locations until each of them is fully engaged in its
receptacle. Be certain that each of the metal snap
retainers is in position on the airbag door tabs.
(6) Install and tighten the five screws that secure
the passenger airbag front and rear mounting brack-
ets to the instrument panel (Fig. 18). Tighten the
screws to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(7) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the two plastic support brackets of the passenger air-
bag door panel outlet housing to the glove box open-
ing upper reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 2.2
N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(8) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and reconnect the passenger airbag pigtail
wire connector to the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Fig. 17). Be certain that the passenger air-
bag pigtail wire connector is fully engaged with and
latched to the instrument panel wire harness connec-
tor.
(9) Reinstall the glove box opening upper trim onto
the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reinstall the glove box onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - INSTALLATION).
(11) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
airbag system component. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
VERIFICATION TEST).
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The passenger airbag on-off switch is standard
equipment on this model when it is not equipped
with a full size rear seat. This switch is a single pole,
single throw switch with a single integral red Light-
Emitting Diode (LED), and a non-coded key cylinder-
type actuator. The switch is located in the upper
right corner of instrument panel cluster bezel, near
the center of instrument panel to make the Off indi-
cator visible to all front seat occupants. When the
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 23
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

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, the key cylinder actuator, and a small round
lens with the text9Off9imprinted on it. The ªOnº
position of the switch is designated by text imprinted
upon the face plate of the switch, but is not illumi-
nated. The remainder of the switch is concealed
behind the switch face plate and the instrument
panel cluster bezel.
The passenger airbag on-off switch housing is con-
structed of molded plastic and has three integral
mounting tabs. These mounting tabs are used to
secure the switch to the back of the molded plastic
switch face plate with three small screws. The
molded plastic face plate also has three integral
mounting tabs that are used to secure the switch and
face plate unit to the instrument panel carrier with
three additional screws. Two short pigtail wires with
molded plastic connector insulators exit the back of
the switch housing and connect the switch to the
vehicle electrical system through two dedicated take
outs of the instrument panel wire harness. The har-
ness take outs are equipped with molded plastic con-
nector insulators that are keyed and latched to
ensure proper and secure switch electrical connec-
tions. The passenger airbag on/off switch cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag on/off switch allows the cus-
tomer to turn the passenger airbag function On or
Off to accommodate certain uses of the right front
seating position where airbag protection may not be
desired. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for specific recommendations on when to enable
or disable the passenger airbag. The Off indicator of
the switch will be illuminated whenever the switch is
turned to the Off position. The ignition key is the
only key or object that should ever be inserted into
the switch. The on/off switch requires only a partial
key insertion to fully depress a spring-loaded locking
plunger. The spring-loaded locking plunger prevents
the user from leaving the key in the switch. The key
will be automatically ejected when force is not
applied. To actuate the passenger side airbag on/off
switch, insert the ignition key into the switch key
actuator far enough to fully depress the plunger and
rotate to the desired switch position. When the
switch key actuator is rotated to its clockwise stop
(the key actuator slot will be aligned with the Off
indicator lamp), the Off indicator is illuminated and
the passenger airbag is disabled. When the switch is
rotated to its counterclockwise stop (the key actuator
slot will be in a vertical position), the Off indicatorwill be extinguished and the passenger airbag is
enabled.
The passenger airbag on/off switch is connected in
series between the Airbag Control Module (ACM) and
the passenger airbag inflator unit. When the switch
is in the On position, the switch connects the ACM
directly to the passenger airbag inflator. When the
switch is in the Off position it interrupts the inflator
circuits, but replaces the normal resistance in these
circuits with an internal resistor. Thus, the ACM is
unable to distinguish the mode of the switch and still
sends an electrical signal as though it were deploying
the passenger airbag when it detects a sufficient
impact. However, the switch position should not be
changed while the ignition switch is in the On posi-
tion, as the ACM may detect a fault, record a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC), and illuminate the Airbag
indicator in response to a momentary open it senses
in the passenger airbag inflator circuits as the on/off
switch changes states.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed,
wait two minutes for the system capacitor to dis-
charge before further service.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the glove box from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).
(4) Reach through the glove box opening to access
and disconnect the two passenger airbag on/off
switch pigtail wire harness connectors from the
instrument panel wire harness connectors. These
connectors are retained on a bracket located on the
inboard glove box opening reinforcement (Fig. 20).
(5) Remove the three screws that secure the pas-
senger airbag on/off switch face plate to the instru-
ment panel (Fig. 21).
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (Continued)

(6) Remove the passenger airbag on/off switch and
face plate from the instrument panel as a unit.
(7) Remove the three screws that secure the pas-
senger airbag on/off switch to the back of the switch
face plate (Fig. 22).(8) Remove the passenger airbag on/off switch
from the face plate.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the passenger airbag on/off switch to
the back of the face plate (Fig. 22).
(2) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the passenger airbag on/off switch to the face plate.
Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Route the passenger airbag on/off switch pigtail
wires through the switch opening of the instrument
panel.
(4) Reach through the glove box opening to access
and reconnect the two passenger airbag on/off switch
pigtail wire connectors to the instrument panel wire
harness connectors. These connectors are retained on
a bracket located on the inboard glove box opening
reinforcement (Fig. 20). Be certain that both connec-
tors are fully engaged and latched.
Fig. 20 Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch Connectors
1 - PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH WIRE
HARNESS CONNECTORS
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRE HARNESS CONNECTORS
3 - BRACKET
4 - REINFORCEMENT
Fig. 21 Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch Remove/
Install
1 - SCREWS (3)
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH BEZEL
Fig. 22 Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch Face Plate
Remove/Install
1 - PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH
2 - SCREW (3)
3 - SWITCH BEZEL
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 25
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (Continued)

(5) Position the passenger airbag on/off switch and
face plate unit to the opening in the instrument
panel (Fig. 21).
(6) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the passenger airbag on/off switch face plate to the
instrument panel. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20
in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall the glove box onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - INSTALLATION).
(8) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(9) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
airbag system component. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
VERIFICATION TEST).
REAR SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
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. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Remove the rear seat from the passenger com-
partment. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR SEAT -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the trim cover from the door sill.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/DOOR SILL TRIM -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screw that secures the lower seat
belt anchor plate to the quarter inner panel near the
base of the C-pillar (Fig. 23).
(4) Unsnap and lift the rear shoulder belt turning
loop cover to access the screw that secures the turn-
ing loop to the quarter inner panel near the top of
the C-pillar.(5) Remove the screw that secures the shoulder
belt turning loop to the quarter inner panel.
(6) Remove the trim from the quarter inner panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/QUARTER TRIM
PANEL - REMOVAL).
(7) Disengage the rear seat shoulder belt turning
loop and lower seat belt anchor plate from the quar-
ter trim panel.
(8) Remove the screw that secures the retractor to
the quarter inner panel near the C-pillar.
(9) Remove the rear shoulder belt and retractor
from the quarter inner panel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
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. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the rear shoulder belt retractor onto
the quarter inner panel (Fig. 23).
Fig. 23 Rear Seat Belt & Retractor - Typical
1 - TURNING LOOP
2 - REAR SEAT BELT AND RETRACTOR
3 - QUARTER TRIM PANEL
8O - 26 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (Continued)

(1) Reach through the opening between the rear
seat back and the floor panel to position the rear seat
belt buckle/buckle unit (right side) or lap belt/buckle
unit (left side) onto the stud on the rear floor panel
(Fig. 24).
(2) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
rear seat belt buckle/buckle unit (right side) or lap
belt/buckle unit (left side) anchor plate to the stud on
the rear floor panel. Tighten the nut to 40 N´m (29 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Route the lap belt and buckles between the
rear seat back and rear seat cushion.
(4) Disengage the rear seat from its stowed posi-
tion by pulling the release handle on the underside of
the rear seat cushion.
(5) Fold the rear seat cushion down toward the
rear floor panel until the unit is latched in its open
position.
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt switch is a small, normally closed,
single 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
seat belt buckle-half, located near the inboard side of
the driver side front seating position. 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 connected to a wire
harness connector and take out of the body wire har-
ness.
The seat belt switch cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, the entire driver 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
Electro-Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC).
When the driver side seat belt tip-half is inserted in
the seat belt buckle, the switch opens the path to
ground; and, when the driver side seat belt tip-half is
removed from the seat belt buckle, the switch closes
the ground path. The switch is actuated by the latch
mechanism within the seat belt buckle. The EMIC
monitors the driver seat belt switch status, then con-
trols the seatbelt indicator and sends hard wired
chime requests to the Central Timer Module (CTM)
based upon that input.
The seat belt switch receives ground through its
pigtail wire connection to the body wire harness from
another take out of the body wire harness. An eyelet
terminal connector on that ground take out issecured under a nut to a ground stud on the left
lower B-pillar (standard cab models) or the left lower
cowl side inner panel (club cab and quad cab models).
The seat belt switch is connected in series between
ground and the seat belt switch sense input of the
EMIC.
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.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the seat belt switch from the seat belt switch pigtail
wire connector located near the floor panel under the
driver side front seat cushion. Check for continuity
between the seat belt switch sense circuit and the
ground circuit cavities in the seat belt switch pigtail
wire connector. There should be continuity with the
driver side seat belt tip-half and buckle-half unfas-
tened, and no continuity with tip-half and buckle-half
fastened. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the
faulty driver side seat belt buckle-half unit.
(2) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity in the body 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 - standard cab,
or G300 - club/quad cab) as required.
(3) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. Check for continuity between the seat
belt switch sense circuit cavity in the instrument
panel wire harness connector (Connector C2) for the
instrument cluster 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
8O - 28 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)

Once the speed control has been disengaged,
depressing the ACCEL switch restores the vehicle to
the target speed that was stored in the PCM's RAM.
NOTE: Depressing the OFF switch will erase the set
speed stored in the PCM's RAM.
If, while the speed control is engaged, the driver
wishes to increase vehicle speed, the PCM is pro-
grammed for an acceleration feature. With the
ACCEL switch held closed, the vehicle accelerates
slowly to the desired speed. The new target speed is
stored in the PCM's RAM when the ACCEL switch is
released. The PCM also has a9tap-up9feature in
which vehicle speed increases at a rate of approxi-
mately 2 mph for each momentary switch activation
of the ACCEL switch.
The PCM also provides a means to decelerate with-
out disengaging speed control. To decelerate from an
existing recorded target speed, depress and hold the
COAST switch until the desired speed is reached.
Then release the switch. The ON, OFF switch oper-
ates two components: the PCM's ON, OFF input, and
the battery voltage to the brake switch, which powers
the speed control servo.
Diesel With Manual Trans.
When speed control is selected by depressing the
ON, OFF switch, the Engine Control Module (ECM)
allows a set speed to be stored in its RAM for speed
control. To store a set speed, depress the SET switch
while the vehicle is moving at a speed between
approximately 35 and 85 mph. In order for the speed
control to engage, the brakes cannot be applied.
The speed control can be disengaged manually by:
²Stepping on the brake pedal.
²Depressing the OFF switch.
²Depressing the CANCEL switch.
The speed control can be disengaged also by any of
the following conditions:
²The vehicle speed signal increases at a rate of
10 mph per second (indicates that the co-efficient of
friction between the road surface and tires is
extremely low).
²Depressing the clutch pedal.
²Excessive engine rpm (indicates that the trans-
mission may be in a low gear).
²The vehicle speed signal decreases at a rate of
10 mph per second (indicates that the vehicle may
have decelerated at an extremely high rate).
²If the actual speed is not within 20 mph of the
set speed.The previous disengagement conditions are pro-
grammed for added safety.
Once the speed control has been disengaged,
depressing the ACCEL switch restores the vehicle to
the target speed that was stored in the ECM's RAM.
NOTE: Depressing the OFF switch will erase the set
speed stored in the ECM's RAM.
If, while the speed control is engaged, the driver
wishes to increase vehicle speed, the ECM is pro-
grammed for an acceleration feature. With the
ACCEL switch held closed, the vehicle accelerates
slowly to the desired speed. The new target speed is
stored in the ECM's RAM when the ACCEL switch is
released. The ECM also has a9tap-up9feature in
which vehicle speed increases at a rate of approxi-
mately 2 mph for each momentary switch activation
of the ACCEL switch.
The ECM also provides a means to decelerate with-
out disengaging speed control. To decelerate from an
existing recorded target speed, depress and hold the
COAST switch until the desired speed is reached.
Then release the switch. The ON, OFF switch oper-
ates two components: the ECM's ON, OFF input, and
the battery voltage to the brake switch, which powers
the speed control servo.
REMOVAL
WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYS-
TEM COMPONENT REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION,
REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE NEGATIVE (-)
CABLE(S) FROM THE BATTERY. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM.
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM
SERVICE. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery
cable(s).
(2) Remove airbag module. Refer to 8, Restraint
Systems for procedures.
(3) Remove switch-to-steering wheel mounting
screws (Fig. 20).
(4) Remove switch.
(5) Remove electrical connector at switch.
BR/BESPEED CONTROL 8P - 13
SWITCH (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install electrical connector to switch.
(2) Install switch and mounting screws.
(3) Tighten screws to 3 N´m (26 in. lbs. +/± 2 in.
lbs.) torque.
(4) Install airbag module. Refer to 8, Restraint
Systems for procedures.
(5) Connect negative battery cable(s).
VACUUM RESERVOIR
DESCRIPTION
Gasoline Powered Engines :A vacuum reservoir
is used to supply the vacuum needed to maintain
proper speed control operation 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 res-
ervoir. On certain vehicle applications, this reservoir
is shared with the heating/air-conditioning system.
The vacuum reservoir cannot be repaired and must
be replaced if faulty.
Diesel Powered Engines With Auto. Trans. :A
vacuum reservoir is not used if equipped with a die-
sel powered engine. Instead, an engine driven pump
(vacuum pump) is used to supply vacuum for speed
control operation. This vacuum pump is used with
the diesel engine only if it is equipped with an auto-
matic transmission. Refer to Vacuum Pump in 9,
Engines for information.
REMOVAL
The vacuum reservoir is located under the plastic
cowel plenum cover at lower base of windshield. The
vacuum reservoir is not used if equipped with a die-
sel engine.
(1) Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.
(2) Remove both windshield wiper arm/blade
assemblies. Refer to 8, Wiper and Washer Systems.
(3) Remove rubber weather-strip at front edge of
cowel grill (Fig. 21).
(4) Release cowel grill plastic anchor screws (Fig.
22).
Fig. 20 Speed Control Switches
1 - MOUNTING SCREWS (2)
2 - SPEED CONTROL SWITCHES (2)
Fig. 21 Cowel Grille Panel Weather-strip
1 - COWL GRILLE
2 - WEATHERSTRIP
Fig. 22 Plastic Anchor Screws Remove/Install
1 - PLASTIC SCREW ANCHOR
2 - COWL GRILLE
8P - 14 SPEED CONTROLBR/BE
SWITCH (Continued)

POWER-UP MODE
When the armed VTSS senses that the battery has
been disconnected and reconnected, it enters its pow-
er-up mode. In the power-up mode the alarm system
remains armed following a battery failure or discon-
nect. If the VTSS was armed prior to a battery dis-
connect or failure, the technician or vehicle operator
will have to actively or passively disarm the alarm
system after the battery is reconnected. The pow-
er-up mode will also apply if the battery goes dead
while the system is armed, and battery jump-starting
is attempted. The engine no-run feature will prevent
the engine from starting until the alarm system has
been actively or passively disarmed. The VTSS will
be armed until the technician or vehicle operator has
actively or passively disarmed the alarm system. If
the VTSS is in the disarmed mode prior to a battery
disconnect or failure, it will remain disarmed after
the battery is reconnected or replaced, or if jump-
starting is attempted.
TAMPER ALERT
The VTSS tamper alert feature will sound the horn
three times upon disarming, if the alarm was trig-
gered and has since timed-out (about fifteen min-
utes). This feature alerts the vehicle operator that
the VTSS alarm was activated while the vehicle was
unattended.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VEHICLE THEFT
SECURITY SYSTEM
The VTSS-related hard wired inputs to and out-
puts from the high-line or premium Central Timer
Module (CTM) may be diagnosed and tested using
conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer
to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring
information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire
and connector repair procedures, further details on
wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-
out and location views for the various wire harness
connectors, splices and grounds.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the CTM, the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM), or the Chrysler
Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network. In order
to obtain conclusive testing of the VTSS, the CTM,
the PCM, and the CCD data bus network must also
be checked. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the VTSS requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information. The DRBIIItscan tool can provide
confirmation that the CCD data bus network is func-
tional, that all of the electronic modules are sending
and receiving the proper messages over the CCD
data bus, and that these modules are receiving the
proper hard wired inputs and responding with theproper hard wired outputs needed to perform their
functions. See the ªVehicle Theft Security Systemº
menu item on the DRBIIItscan tool.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
VTSS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) indica-
tor consists of a red Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
located on the electronic circuit board of the Compass
Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) within the overhead
console. The LED extends through a hole in the
CMTC lens located near the forward end of the over-
head console housing near the windshield.
The VTSS indicator cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, the entire CMTC unit
must be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/OVER-
HEAD CONSOLE/COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COM-
PUTER - DESCRIPTION).
OPERATION
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) indica-
tor gives a visible indication of the VTSS arming sta-
tus. One side of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) in the
VTSS indicator is connected to battery current
through a fused B(+) circuit and a fuse in the Junc-
tion Block (JB), so the indicator remains functional
regardless of the ignition switch position. The other
side of the LED is hard wired to the Central Timer
Module (CTM), which controls the operation of the
VTSS indicator by pulling this side of the LED cir-
cuit to ground. When the VTSS arming is in
progress, the CTM will flash the LED rapidly on and
off for about fifteen seconds. When the VTSS has
been successfully armed, the CTM will flash the LED
on and off continually at a much slower rate until
the VTSS has been disarmed. The VTSS indicator
can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools
and methods.
BR/BEVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 3
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)