Electrical connectors DODGE RAM 2003 Service Owner's Guide

POWER MIRRORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
MIRRORS...........................11
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC DAY
/ NIGHT MIRROR......................12REMOVAL.............................13
POWER MIRROR SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER MIRROR
SWITCH............................13
REMOVAL.............................13
SIDEVIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL.............................13
POWER MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION
AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR
The automatic day/night mirror system is able to
automatically change the reflectance of the inside
rear view mirror in order to reduce the glare of head-
lamps approaching the vehicle from the rear. The
automatic day/night rear view mirror receives bat-
tery current through a fuse in the Integrated Power
Module (IPM) only when the ignition switch is in the
On position.
OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
The power operated outside rear view mirrors
allow the driver to adjust both outside mirrors elec-
trically from the driver side front seat position by
operating a switch on the driver side front door trim
panel. The power mirrors receive a non-switched bat-
tery feed through a fuse in the Integrated Power
Module (IPM) so that the system will remain opera-
tional, regardless of the ignition switch position.
OPERATION
AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR
A switch located on the bottom of the automatic
day/night mirror housing allows the vehicle operator
to select whether the automatic dimming feature is
operational. When the automatic day/night mirror is
turned on, the mirror switch is lighted by an integral
Light-Emitting Diode (LED). The mirror will auto-
matically disable its self-dimming feature whenever
the vehicle is being driven in reverse.Refer to the owner's manual for more information
on the features, use and operation of the automatic
day/night mirror system.
OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
The heated mirrors include an electric heating grid
behind the mirror glass in each outside mirror, which
can clear the mirror glass of ice, snow, or fog. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/HEATED MIRRORS -
DESCRIPTION) for more information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER MIRRORS
WIRING VOLTAGE TEST
The following wiring test determines whether or
not voltage is continuous through the body harness
to switch.
(1) Remove the power mirror switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/POWER LOCKS/DOOR MODULE -
REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect wire harness connector from back of
power mirror switch.
(3) Connect the clip end of a 12 volt test light to
Pin 5 in the mirror switch harness connector. Touch
the test light probe to Pin 3.
If the test light illuminates, the wiring circuit
between the battery and switch is OK.
If the lamp does not illuminate, first check fuse in
the Integrated Power Module (IPM). If fuse is OK,
then check for a broken wire.
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.
DRPOWER MIRRORS 8N - 11

POWER WINDOWS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER WINDOWS
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
WINDOWS...........................21
WINDOW MOTOR
REMOVAL.............................22WINDOW SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WINDOW
SWITCH............................22
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................23
POWER WINDOWS
DESCRIPTION
The power window system allows each of the door
windows to be raised and lowered electrically by
actuating a switch on each door panel. A master
switch on the drivers door allows the driver to raise
or lower each of the passenger door windows and to
lock out the individual switches on the passenger
doors from operation. The power window system
receives battery feed through a fuse in the Integrated
Power Module (IPM) and a circuit breaker located in
the instrument panel wiring harness near the park
brake pedal, only when the ignition switch is in the
RUN or ACCESSORY position.
OPERATION
WINDOW SWITCH
The power window switches control the battery
and ground feeds to the power window motors. The
passenger door power window switches receive their
battery and ground feeds through the circuitry of the
drivers window switch. When the power window lock-
out switch is in the Lock position, the battery feed
for the passenger door window switches is inter-
rupted.
WINDOW MOTOR
Window motors use permanent type magnets. The
B+ and ground applied at the motor terminal pins
will cause the motor to rotate in one direction.
Reversing current through the motor terminals will
cause the motor to rotate in the opposite direction.
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.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
WINDOWS
WIRING VOLTAGE TEST
The following wiring test determines whether or
not voltage is continuous through the body harness
to the front switch.
(1) Remove the Driver Door Module (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/POWER LOCKS/DOOR MODULE -
REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect wire connector from back of power
window switch.
(3) Switch ignition to the ON position.
(4) Connect the clip end of a 12 volt test light to
Pin 14 of the window switch harness connector.
Touch the test light probe to Pin 10.
²If the test light illuminates, the wiring circuit
between the battery and switch is OK.
²If the lamp does not illuminate, first check the
fuse in the Integrated Power Module (IPM). Check
the circuit breaker located near the park brake
pedal. If fuse and circuit breaker are OK, then check
for a broken wire.
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.
POWER WINDOW MOTOR TEST
If the power window motor is receiving proper cur-
rent and ground and does not operate, proceed with
motor test. Refer to the appropriate wiring informa-
tion. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
details of wire harness routing and retention, connec-
tor pin-out information and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
(1) Remove front door trim panel as necessary to
gain access to power window motor wire connector
DRPOWER WINDOWS 8N - 21

(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL -
REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect power window motor wire connector
from door harness.
(3) Using two jumper wires, connect one to a bat-
tery (+) source and the other to a good ground (-).
(4) Connect the Negative (-) jumper probe to one of
the motor connector terminals.
(5) Momentarily touch the Positive (+) jumper
probe to the other motor connector terminal.
When positive probe is connected the motor should
rotate in one direction to either move window up or
down. If window is all the way up or down the motor
will grunt and the inner door panel will flex when
actuated in that one direction.
(6) Reverse jumper probes at the motor connector
terminals and window should now move in opposite
direction. If window does not move or grunt, replace
the motor.
If window moved completely up or down, reverse
the jumper probes and cycle window to the opposite
position to verify full operation.
If motor grunts and does not move, verify that reg-
ulator is not binding.
WINDOW MOTOR
REMOVAL
The window motor is serviced with the window reg-
ulator (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WINDOW
REGULATOR - REMOVAL) or (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/WINDOW REGULATOR - REMOVAL).
WINDOW SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WINDOW SWITCH
The Light-Emitting Diode (LED) illumination
lamps for all of the power window and lock switch
and bezel unit switch paddles receive battery current
through the power window circuit breaker in the
junction block. If all of the LEDs are inoperative in
both the power window and lock switch units and the
power windows are inoperative, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/POWER WINDOWS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). If the power windows operate, but any or
all of the LEDs are inoperative, the power window
and lock switch units with the inoperative LED(s) is
faulty and must be replaced. For complete circuit dia-
grams, 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.(1) Check the fuse in the Integrated Power Module
(IPM) and the circuit breaker located near the park
brake pedal. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace
the faulty fuse or circuit breaker.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the Inte-
grated Power Module (IPM). If OK, turn the ignition
switch to the Off position and go to Step 3. If not OK,
check circuit breaker and repair the circuit to the
ignition switch as required.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the power window switch unit from
the door trim panel (passenger doors). The drivers
door switch is included with the Driver Door Module
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER LOCKS/DOOR
MODULE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) for service
procedures. Unplug the wire harness connector from
the switch unit.
(4) Test the power window switch continuity. See
the Power Window Switch Continuity charts to deter-
mine if the continuity is correct in the Off, Up and
Down switch positions (Fig. 1). If OK, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/POWER WINDOWS - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If not OK, replace the faulty switch.
POWER WINDOW SWITCH CONTINUITY
CHART
SWITCH POSITION CONTINUITY BETWEEN
NEUTRAL PIN 2 AND 5, PIN 4 AND 1
UP (FRONT
PASSENGER)PIN 6 AND 5
UP (REAR
PASSENGER)PIN 6 AND 1
DOWN (FRONT
PASSENGER)PIN 6 AND 1
DOWN (REAR
PASSENGER)PIN 6 AND 5
Fig. 1 PASSENGER DOOR SWITCH
8N - 22 POWER WINDOWSDR
POWER WINDOWS (Continued)

²Clockspring- The clockspring is located near
the top of the steering column, directly beneath the
steering wheel.
²Driver Airbag- The driver airbag is located in
the center of the steering wheel, beneath the driver
airbag trim cover.
²Driver Knee Blocker- The driver knee blocker
is a structural unit secured to the back side of and
integral to the instrument panel steering column
opening cover.
²Passenger Airbag- The passenger airbag is
located on the instrument panel, beneath the passen-
ger airbag door on the instrument panel above the
glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle.
²Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch- Standard
cab models without a rear seat are equipped with a
passenger airbag on/off switch, which is located on
the right side of the instrument panel center bezel.
²Passenger Knee Blocker- The passenger knee
blocker is a structural reinforcement that is integral
to and concealed within the glove box door.
²Seat Belt Tensioner- The seat belt tensioner
is integral to the front outboard seat belt retractor
units on vehicles equipped with dual front airbags.
²Side Impact Airbag Control Module-Two
Side Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM) are
used on vehicles with the optional side curtain air-
bags, one left side and one right side. One SIACM is
located behind the B-pillar trim above the outboard
front seat belt retractor within each B-pillar.
²Side Curtain Airbag- In vehicles equipped
with this option, a side curtain airbag is located on
each inside roof side rail above the headliner, and
extends from the A-pillar to the B-pillar on standard
cab models, and from the A-pillar to the C-pillar on
quad cab models.
The ACM, both SIACMs, and the EMIC each con-
tain a central processing unit and programming that
allow them to communicate with each other usingthe Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus network. This method of communication is
used by the ACM for control of the airbag indicator
on all models equipped with dual front airbags.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - DESCRIP-
TION).
Hard wired circuitry connects the supplemental
restraint system components to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system,
and to the supplemental restraint system compo-
nents through the use of a combination of soldered
splices, splice block connectors, and many different
types of wire harness terminal connectors and insu-
lators. 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.
OPERATION
ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The primary passenger restraints in this or any
other vehicle are the standard equipment factory-in-
stalled seat belts and child restraint anchors. Seat
belts and child restraint anchors are referred to as
an active restraint because the vehicle occupants are
required to physically fasten and properly adjust
these restraints in order to benefit from them. See
the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the features, use and operation of all
of the factory-installed active restraints.
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
The passive restraints are referred to as a supple-
mental restraint system because they were designed
and are intended to enhance the protection for the
occupants of the vehicleonlywhen used in conjunc-
tion with the seat belts. They are referred to as pas-
sive restraints because the vehicle occupants are not
required to do anything to make them operate; how-
ever, the vehicle occupants must be wearing their
seat belts in order to obtain the maximum safety
benefit from the factory-installed supplemental
restraint system.
The supplemental restraint system electrical cir-
cuits are continuously monitored and controlled by a
microprocessor and software contained within the
Airbag Control Module (ACM) and, on vehicles
equipped with the side curtain airbags, both Side
Fig. 2 SRS Logo
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSDR
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is secured with two
screws onto the multi-function switch mounting
housing near the top of the steering column behind
the steering wheel (Fig. 17). The clockspring consists
of a flat, round molded plastic case with a stubby tail
that hangs below the steering column (Fig. 18). The
tail contains two connector receptacles that face
toward the instrument panel. Within the plastic case
is a spool-like molded plastic rotor with a large
exposed hub. The upper surface of the rotor hub has
a large center hole, two large flats, an engagement
dowel with a yellow rubber boot, a short pigtail wire
with connector, and two connector receptacles that
face toward the steering wheel.
The lower surface of the rotor hub has a molded
plastic turn signal cancel cam with two lobes that is
keyed to the rotor and is secured there with four
integral snap features. Within the plastic case and
wound around the rotor spool is a long ribbon-like
tape that consists of several thin copper wire leads
sandwiched between two thin plastic membranes.
The outer end of the tape terminates at the connector
receptacles that face the instrument panel, while the
inner end of the tape terminates at the pigtail wire
and connector receptacles on the hub of the clock-
spring rotor that face the steering wheel.Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a molded plastic locking pin that
snaps into a receptacle on the rotor and is engaged
between two tabs on the upper surface of the rotor
case. The locking pin secures the centered clock-
spring rotor to the clockspring case during shipment,
but the locking pin must be removed from the clock-
spring after it is installed on the steering column.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCK-
SPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCK-
SPRING CENTERING).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed instrument panel
wire harness and the electrical components mounted
on or in the rotating steering wheel. On this model
the rotating electrical components include the driver
airbag, the horn switch, the speed control switches,
and the remote radio switches, if the vehicle is so
equipped. The clockspring case is positioned and
secured to the multi-function switch mounting hous-
ing near the top of the steering column. The connec-
tor receptacles on the tail of the fixed clockspring
case connect the clockspring to the vehicle electrical
system through two take outs with connectors from
the instrument panel wire harness.
The clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed by
an engagement dowel that is molded onto the rotor
hub between two fins that are cast into the lower
surface of the steering wheel armature. A yellow rub-
Fig. 17 Clockspring
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE
2 - LOCATING TAB
3 - LOCKING PIN
4 - MOUNTING TAB (2)
5 - UPPER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
6 - LABEL
7 - ENGAGEMENT DOWEL & BOOT
8 - CASE
9 - CENTERING ARROWS
10 - ROTOR
Fig. 18 Turn Signal Cancel Cam
1 - LOCKING PIN
2 - CLOCKSPRING CASE
3 - CANCEL CAM
4 - LOWER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE (2)
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSDR

NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(3) Rotate the clockspring rotor clockwise to the
end of its travel.Do not apply excessive torque.
(4) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise.
The engagement dowel and yellow rubber boot
should end up at the bottom, and the arrows on the
clockspring rotor and case should be in alignment.
The clockspring is now centered.
(5) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto the
steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
REMOVAL
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(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 DISABLE THE
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight ahead
position.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connectors from the upper clockspring connector
receptacles.CAUTION: Be certain that the screws that secure
the steering wheel puller to the steering wheel are
fully engaged in the steering wheel armature with-
out passing through the steering wheel and damag-
ing the clockspring.
(4) Remove the steering wheel from the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - REMOVAL).
(6) If the vehicle is so equipped, grasp the steering
column tilt knob firmly and pull it straight rearward
to remove it from the tilt adjuster mechanism lever
located on the left side of the column just below the
multi-function switch control stalk.
(7) From below the steering column, remove the
two outboard screws that secure the upper shroud to
the lower shroud.
(8) Using hand pressure, push gently inward on
both sides of the upper shroud near the parting line
between the upper and lower shrouds to release the
snap features that secure it to the lower shroud.
(9) Remove the upper shroud from the lower
shroud.
(10) From below the steering column, remove the
one center screw that secures the lower shroud to the
steering column lock housing.
(11) Remove the lower shroud from the steering
column.
(12) Disconnect the two instrument panel wire
harness connectors for the clockspring from the two
connector receptacles below the steering column on
the back of the clockspring housing.
(13) Remove the two screws that secure the clock-
spring to the multi-function switch mounting housing
(Fig. 20).
(14) Remove the clockspring from the multi-func-
tion switch mounting housing. The clockspring can-
not be repaired. It must be replaced if faulty or
damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed.
(15) If the removed clockspring is to be reused, be
certain to secure the clockspring rotor to the clock-
spring case to maintain clockspring centering until it
is reinstalled on the steering column. If clockspring
centering is not maintained, the clockspring must be
centered again before it is reinstalled. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING).
8O - 20 RESTRAINTSDR
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
If the clockspring is not properly centered in rela-
tion to the steering wheel, steering shaft and steer-
ing gear, it may be damaged. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING). Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered, with a plastic locking pin
installed. This locking pin should not be removed
until the clockspring has been installed on the steer-
ing column. If the locking pin is removed before the
clockspring is installed on a steering column, the
clockspring centering procedure must be performed.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(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 DISABLE THE
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain
that the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead
position.
(1) Carefully slide the centered clockspring down
over the steering column upper shaft until the hole
in the locating tab at the eleven o'clock position on
the clockspring case is engaged over the locating pin
on the multi-function switch mounting housing (Fig.
20).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the clockspring to the multi-function switch mount-
ing housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (20 in.
lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the two instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors for the clockspring to the two connec-
tor receptacles below the steering column on the back
of the clockspring housing.
(4) Position the lower shroud onto the steering col-
umn.
(5) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the one center screw that secures the lower
shroud to the steering column lock housing. Tighten
the screw to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(6) Position the upper shroud onto the steering col-
umn. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, be certain to engage the gearshift lever
gap hider into the openings in the right side of the
upper and lower shrouds.
(7) Align the snap features on the upper shroud
with the receptacles on the lower shroud and apply
hand pressure to snap them together.
(8) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the two screws that secure the upper shroud
to the lower shroud. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (20
in. lbs.).
(9) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional tilt
steering column, align the steering column tilt knob
with the tilt adjuster mechanism lever located on the
left side of the column just below the multi-function
switch control stalk and, using hand pressure, push
the knob firmly onto the lever.
(10) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(11) If a new clockspring has been installed,
remove the locking pin that is securing the clock-
spring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain
clockspring centering.
Fig. 20 Clockspring and Multi-Function Switch
1 - CLOCKSPRING
2 - LOCATING PIN
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - LOCKING PIN
5 - ENGAGEMENT DOWEL BOOT
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 21
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

NOTE: When reinstalling the steering wheel, be cer-
tain to index the yellow rubber booted engagement
dowel on the upper surface of the clockspring rotor
between the two fins cast into the lower surface of
the steering wheel armature hub.
(12) Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - INSTALLATION).
(13) Reconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connectors to the upper clockspring connector recep-
tacles. Be certain that the steering wheel wire har-
ness is routed between the steering wheel back trim
cover and the steering wheel armature.
(14) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The color-keyed, injection molded, thermoplastic
driver airbag protective trim cover is the most visible
part of the driver airbag (Fig. 21). The driver airbag
is located in the center of the steering wheel, where
it is secured with two screws to the armature of the
four-spoke steering wheel. All models have a Dodge
Ram logo embossed in the center of the trim cover.
Concealed beneath the driver airbag trim cover are
the horn switch, the folded airbag cushion, the airbag
cushion retainer, the airbag housing, the airbag infla-
tor, and the retainers that secure the inflator to the
airbag housing.
The airbag cushion, housing, and inflator are
secured within an integral receptacle molded into theback of the trim cover. The stamped metal airbag
housing is secured by integral tabs that engage slot-
ted locking blocks at the top and bottom of the trim
cover receptacle, an integral metal hook inserted
through a window in the vertical wall of the trim
cover receptacle at each side, and by three aluminum
blind rivets. This combination of fasteners locks the
trim cover securely in place on the airbag housing.
The resistive membrane-type horn switch is
secured with heat stakes to the inside surface of the
driver airbag trim cover, between the trim cover and
the folded airbag cushion. The horn switch ground
pigtail wire has an eyelet terminal connector that is
captured beneath a flanged nut on the upper right
inflator mounting stud on the back of the housing
(Fig. 22). The horn switch feed pigtail wire has a
black, molded plastic insulator that is secured by an
integral retainer in a locator hole near the upper left
corner of the airbag housing and is connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take
out of the steering wheel wire harness. Both horn
switch wires are routed through integral routing
slots in the upper locking block of the trim cover
receptacle.
The airbag used in this model is a Next Genera-
tion-type that complies with revised federal airbag
standards to deploy with less force than those used
in some prior models. A 71.1 centimeter (28 inch)
diameter, radial deploying fabric cushion with inter-
nal tethers is used. The airbag inflator is a non-
azide, pyrotechnic-type unit and is secured by four
flanged hex nuts to four studs on the airbag cushion
retainer ring to the back of the stamped metal airbag
housing. A connector receptacle on the driver airbag
Fig. 21 Driver Airbag Trim Cover
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - TRIM COVER
Fig. 22 Driver Airbag Housing
1 - HOUSING
2 - HORN SWITCH FEED WIRE
3 - INFLATOR
4 - TRIM COVER RECEPTACLE
5 - HORN SWITCH GROUND WIRE
8O - 22 RESTRAINTSDR
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

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 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(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 DISABLE THE
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(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. IfOK, 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. 44). The seat belt ten-
sioner is integral to the front outboard seat belt and
retractor unit, which is secured to the inner B-pillar
on the right and left sides of the vehicle. The retrac-
tor is concealed beneath the molded plastic inner
B-pillar trim. The seat belt tensioner consists prima-
rily of a die cast aluminum tensioner housing or
chamber, a mechanical clutch unit, a tape-like metal
strip, a pair of cutters, a pyrotechnically activated
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 housing. The
seat belt tensioner is controlled by the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) and is connected to the vehicle elec-
trical system through a dedicated take out of the
body wire harness by a keyed and latching molded
plastic connector insulator to ensure a secure connec-
tion.
Fig. 44 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
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 47
SEAT BELT SWITCH (Continued)

outboard seat belt and retractor unit must be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR -
REMOVAL).
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: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTSYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(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 DISABLE THE
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(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.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 49
SEAT BELT TENSION REDUCER (Continued)