DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

RESTRAINTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
RESTRAINTS
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................4
WARNING
WARNINGS - RESTRAINT SYSTEM........5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM...................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING
NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS.........................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE
AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT.........................7
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION
TEST................................8
ACM COVER
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................14
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................17
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING.........................19
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................21
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................24
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................26
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT
REMOVAL.............................26INSTALLATION.........................27
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - STANDARD CAB............28
REMOVAL - QUAD CAB................29
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - STANDARD CAB.........31
INSTALLATION - QUAD CAB.............32
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................34
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION.........................34
OPERATION...........................35
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................37
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
REAR CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................42
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - CENTER & LEFT OUTBOARD . . 43
REMOVAL - CENTER ANCHOR & RIGHT
OUTBOARD..........................43
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CENTER & LEFT
OUTBOARD..........................45
INSTALLATION - CENTER ANCHOR &
RIGHT OUTBOARD....................45
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................46
OPERATION...........................46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
SWITCH............................47
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION.........................47
OPERATION...........................48
SEAT BELT TENSION REDUCER
DESCRIPTION.........................48
OPERATION...........................49
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
TENSION REDUCER...................49
SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP ADJUSTER
REMOVAL.............................50
INSTALLATION.........................50
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION.........................51
OPERATION...........................51
REMOVAL.............................52
INSTALLATION.........................53SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................53
OPERATION...........................54
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................55
REMOVAL...........................55
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................56
INSTALLATION.......................57
RESTRAINTS
DESCRIPTION
An occupant restraint system is standard factory-
installed safety equipment on this model. Available
occupant restraints for this model include both active
and passive types. Active restraints are those which
require the vehicle occupants to take some action to
employ, such as fastening a seat belt; while passive
restraints require no action by the vehicle occupants
to be employed (Fig. 1).
ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The active restraints for this model include:
²Front Seat Belts- Both outboard front seating
positions are equipped with three-point seat belt sys-
tems employing a lower B-pillar mounted inertia
latch-type emergency locking retractor, height-adjust-
able upper B-pillar mounted turning loops, a fixed
lower seat belt anchor secured to the lower B-pillar
(standard cab) or floor panel adjacent to the B-pillar
(quad cab), and a traveling end-release seat belt
buckle secured to the inboard seat track. The driver
side retractor for standard cab models includes an
electrically actuated seat belt tension reducer. The
passenger side front seat retractor for all models is
also switchable from an emergency locking retractor
to an automatic locking retractor. The front seat belt
buckle for the driver side of all models includes an
integral seat belt switch that detects whether its seat
belt has been fastened. The center front seating posi-
tion for standard cab models is also equipped with a
three-point seat belt employing a floor panel
mounted inertia latch-type retractor, a routing
bracket and bezel near the top of the cab back panel,
and two fixed end-release buckles secured to the cen-
ter seat cushion frame. The center front seating posi-
tion for quad cab models is equipped with a fixed lap
belt and an end-release buckle secured to the center
seat cushion frame.
²Rear Seat Belts- All three rear seating posi-
tions are equipped with three-point seat belt sys-
tems. The outboard seating position belts employ a
lower C-pillar mounted inertia latch-type emergency
locking retractor, a fixed position upper C-pillar
mounted turning loop, and a fixed lower seat beltanchor secured to the lower C-pillar. The rear seat
center seating position belt has a rear floor panel
mounted inertia latch-type emergency locking retrac-
tor and a routing bracket and bezel on the top of the
cab back panel. The end-release buckle units for the
right outboard seating position and the center seat-
ing position lower anchor are integral to the center
retractor mounting bracket on the rear floor panel.
The end-release buckle units for the center and left
outboard seating positions are individually secured to
the rear floor panel on models with the standard
equipment rear bench seat, or secured with the rear
seat mounting hardware on models with the optional
60/40 split rear bench seat.
²Child Restraint Anchors- All standard cab
models are equipped with two, fixed-position, child
seat upper tether anchors that are integral to the
upper cab back panel reinforcement and concealed
behind individual trim cover and bezel units that are
integral to the cab back trim panel. All quad cab
models are equipped with three child seat upper
tether anchor straps that are secured to the upper
cab back panel reinforcement, behind the upright
rear seat back. Two lower anchors are also provided
for the front outboard seating position of standard
cab models, and for each rear outboard seating posi-
tion on quad cab models. These lower anchors are
accessed from the front of the seat where the seat
back meets the seat cushion. The child seat tether
and lower anchors for the front seat are deleted on
quad cab models.
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
The passive restraints available for this model
include the following:
²Dual Front Airbags- Next Generation driver
and front passenger airbags are available for this
model. This airbag system is a passive, inflatable,
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and vehicles
with this equipment can be readily identified by the
ªSRS - AIRBAGº logo molded into the driver airbag
trim cover in the center of the steering wheel and
also into the passenger airbag door on the instru-
ment panel above the glove box (Fig. 2). Vehicles
with the airbag system can also be identified by the
airbag indicator, which will illuminate in the instru-
8O - 2 RESTRAINTSDR

ment cluster for about six seconds as a bulb test each
time the ignition switch is turned to the On position.
A pyrotechnic-type seat belt tensioner is integral to
the front outboard seat belt retractors mounted on
each lower B-pillar of all models equipped with dual
front airbags.
²Side Curtain Airbags- Optional side curtain
airbags are available for this model when it is also
equipped with dual front airbags. This airbag system
is a passive, inflatable, Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem (SRS) and vehicles with this equipment can be
readily identified by a molded identification trim but-ton with the ªSRS - AIRBAGº logo located on the
headliner above each B-pillar (Fig. 2).
The supplemental restraint system includes the
following major components, which are described in
further detail elsewhere in this service information:
²Airbag Control Module- The Airbag Control
Module (ACM) is located on a mount on the floor
panel transmission tunnel, below the center of the
instrument panel.
²Airbag Indicator- The airbag indicator is inte-
gral to the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster
(EMIC), which is located on the instrument panel in
front of the driver.
Fig. 1 Supplemental Restraint System
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG
3 - PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (STD CAB ONLY)
4 - DRIVER AIRBAG5 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
6 - SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
7 - SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 3
RESTRAINTS (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)

Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM). An airbag
indicator in the ElectroMechanical Instrument Clus-
ter (EMIC) illuminates for about six seconds as a
bulb test each time the ignition switch is turned to
the On or Start positions. Following the bulb test,
the airbag indicator is turned on or off by the ACM
to indicate the status of the supplemental restraint
system. If the airbag indicator comes on at any time
other than during the bulb test, it indicates that
there is a problem in the supplemental restraint sys-
tem electrical circuits. Such a problem may cause air-
bags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when
not required.
Deployment of the supplemental restraints
depends upon the angle and severity of an impact.
Deployment is not based upon vehicle speed; rather,
deployment is based upon the rate of deceleration as
measured by the forces of gravity (G force) upon the
impact sensors. When an impact is severe enough,
the microprocessor in the ACM or the SIACM signals
the inflator of the appropriate airbag units to deploy
their airbag cushions. The outboard front seat belt
tensioners are provided with a deployment signal by
the ACM in conjunction with the driver and passen-
ger airbags. During a frontal vehicle impact, the
knee blockers work in concert with properly fastened
and adjusted seat belts to restrain both the driver
and the front seat passenger in the proper position
for an airbag deployment. The knee blockers also
absorb and distribute the crash energy from the
driver and the front seat passenger to the structure
of the instrument panel. The seat belt tensioner
removes the slack from the outboard front seat belts
to provide further assurance that the driver and
front seat passenger are properly positioned and
restrained for an airbag deployment.
Typically, the vehicle occupants recall more about
the events preceding and following a collision than
they do of an airbag deployment itself. This is
because the airbag deployment and deflation occur so
rapidly. In a typical 48 kilometer-per-hour (30 mile-
per-hour) barrier impact, from the moment of impact
until the airbags are fully inflated takes about 40
milliseconds. Within one to two seconds from the
moment of impact, the airbags are almost entirely
deflated. The times cited for these events are approx-
imations, which apply only to a barrier impact at the
given speed. Actual times will vary somewhat,
depending upon the vehicle speed, impact angle,
severity of the impact, and the type of collision.When the ACM monitors a problem in any of the
dual front airbag system circuits or components,
including the seat belt tensioners, it stores a fault
code or Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its memory
circuit and sends an electronic message to the EMIC
to turn on the airbag indicator. When the SIACM
monitors a problem in any of the side curtain airbag
system circuits or component, it stores a fault code or
DTC in its memory circuit and sends an electronic
message to the ACM, and the ACM sends an elec-
tronic message to the EMIC to turn on the airbag
indicator. Proper testing of the supplemental
restraint system components, the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus, the elec-
tronic message inputs to and outputs from the EMIC,
the SIACM, or the ACM, as well as the retrieval or
erasure of a DTC from the ACM, SIACM, or EMIC
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
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 passive restraints.
WARNING
WARNINGS - RESTRAINT SYSTEM
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE,
CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES,
MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER
STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLA-
TION, OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN.
STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED.
TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE
BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT HAS A BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE
OR ANCHOR PLATE. REPLACE ANY CHILD
RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE
ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR
DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT.
ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT
BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 5
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

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.
WARNING: AN AIRBAG INFLATOR UNIT MAY CON-
TAIN SODIUM AZIDE AND POTASSIUM NITRATE.
THESE MATERIALS ARE POISONOUS AND
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CONTACT WITH ACID,
WATER, OR HEAVY METALS MAY PRODUCE HARM-
FUL AND IRRITATING GASES (SODIUM HYDROXIDE
IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE OF MOISTURE) OR
COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS. AN AIRBAG INFLA-
TOR UNIT MAY ALSO CONTAIN A GAS CANISTER
PRESSURIZED TO OVER 2500 PSI. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG UNIT OR
TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE,
INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO CONTACT WITH
ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURES
EXCEEDING 93É C (200É F).
WARNING: WHEN HANDLING A SEAT BELT TEN-
SIONER RETRACTOR, PROPER CARE SHOULD BE
EXERCISED TO KEEP FINGERS OUT FROM UNDER
THE RETRACTOR COVER AND AWAY FROM THE
SEAT BELT WEBBING WHERE IT EXITS FROM THE
RETRACTOR COVER.
WARNING: REPLACE ALL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
COMPONENTS ONLY WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN
THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATA-
LOG. SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR INTER-
CHANGEABLE, BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY
RESULT IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
WARNING: THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND
BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE RESTRAINT
SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS
AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITHTHE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE
SERVICE PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
WARNING: WHEN A STEERING COLUMN HAS AN
AIRBAG UNIT ATTACHED, NEVER PLACE THE COL-
UMN ON THE FLOOR OR ANY OTHER SURFACE
WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR AIRBAG UNIT
FACE DOWN.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Proper diagnosis and testing of the supplemental
restraint system components, the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus, the data
bus electronic message inputs to and outputs from
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC),
the Airbag Control Module (ACM), or the Side
Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) as well as
the retrieval or erasure of a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) from the ACM or SIACM requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING
NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS
At no time should any source of electricity be per-
mitted near the inflator on the back of a non-de-
ployed airbag or seat belt tensioner. When carrying a
non-deployed airbag, the trim cover or airbag cushion
side of the unit should be pointed away from the
body to minimize injury in the event of an accidental
deployment. If the airbag unit is placed on a bench or
any other surface, the trim cover or airbag cushion
side of the unit should be face up to minimize move-
8O - 6 RESTRAINTSDR
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

ment in the event of an accidental deployment. When
handling a non-deployed seat belt tensioner, take
proper care to keep fingers out from under the
retractor cover and away from the seat belt webbing
where it exits from the retractor cover. In addition,
the supplemental restraint system should be dis-
armed whenever any steering wheel, steering col-
umn, seat belt tensioner, driver airbag, passenger
airbag, side curtain airbag, or instrument panel com-
ponents require diagnosis or service. Failure to
observe this warning could result in accidental air-
bag deployment and possible personal injury.
All damaged, faulty or non-deployed airbags and
seat belt tensioners which are replaced on vehicles
are to be handled and disposed of properly. If an air-
bag or seat belt tensioner unit is faulty or damaged
and non-deployed, refer to the Hazardous Substance
Control System for proper disposal. Dispose of all
non-deployed and deployed airbags and seat belt ten-
sioners in a manner consistent with state, provincial,
local and federal regulations.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT STORAGE
Airbags and seat belt tensioners must be stored in
their original, special container until they are used
for service. Also, they must be stored in a clean, dry
environment; away from sources of extreme heat,
sparks, and high electrical energy. Always place or
store any airbag on a surface with its trim cover or
airbag cushion side facing up, to minimize movement
in case of an accidental deployment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use follow-
ing a supplemental restraint deployment, must have
the deployed restraints replaced. In addition, if the
driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring
must be replaced. If the passenger airbag is
deployed, the passenger airbag door must be
replaced. The seat belt tensioners are deployed by
the same signal that deploys the driver and passen-
ger airbags and must also be replaced if either front
airbag has been deployed. If a side curtain airbag
has been deployed, the complete airbag unit, the
headliner, as well as the upper A, B, and C-pillar
trim must be replaced. These components are not
intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened
as a result of a supplemental restraint deployment,
which may or may not be obvious during a visual
inspection.
It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and/or
mounting brackets for the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) and Side Impact Airbag Control Module
(SIACM) be closely inspected and restored to their
original conditions following any vehicle impact dam-age. Because the ACM and SIACM each contain
impact sensors that are used by the supplemental
restraint system to monitor or confirm the direction
and severity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation
or insecure fastening of these components may cause
airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy
when not required. All other vehicle components
should be closely inspected following any supplemen-
tal restraint deployment, but are to be replaced only
as required by the extent of the visible damage
incurred.
CLEANUP PROCEDURE
Following a supplemental restraint deployment,
the vehicle interior will contain a powdery residue.
This residue consists primarily of harmless particu-
late by-products of the small pyrotechnic charge that
initiates the propellant used to deploy a supplemen-
tal restraint. However, this residue may also contain
traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a chemical
by-product of the propellant material that is used to
generate the inert gas that inflates the airbag. Since
sodium hydroxide powder can irritate the skin, eyes,
nose, or throat, be certain to wear safety glasses,
rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt during
cleanup (Fig. 3).
WARNING: IF YOU EXPERIENCE SKIN IRRITATION
DURING CLEANUP, RUN COOL WATER OVER THE
AFFECTED AREA. ALSO, IF YOU EXPERIENCE
IRRITATION OF THE NOSE OR THROAT, EXIT THE
VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR UNTIL THE IRRITATION
CEASES. IF IRRITATION CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSI-
CIAN.
(1) Begin the cleanup by using a vacuum cleaner
to remove any residual powder from the vehicle inte-
rior. Clean from outside the vehicle and work your
Fig. 3 Wear Safety Glasses and Rubber Gloves -
Typical
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 7
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

way inside, so that you avoid kneeling or sitting on a
non-cleaned area.
(2) Be certain to vacuum the heater and air condi-
tioning outlets as well (Fig. 4). Run the heater and
air conditioner blower on the lowest speed setting
and vacuum any powder expelled from the outlets.
CAUTION: All damaged, faulty, or non-deployed
supplemental restraints which are replaced on vehi-
cles are to be handled and disposed of properly. If
an airbag unit or seat belt tensioner unit is faulty or
damaged and non-deployed, refer to the Hazardous
Substance Control System for proper disposal. Be
certain to dispose of all non-deployed and deployed
supplemental restraints in a manner consistent with
state, provincial, local and federal regulations.
(3) Next, remove the deployed supplemental
restraints from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate
service removal procedures.
(4) You may need to vacuum the interior of the
vehicle a second time to recover all of the powder.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST
The following procedure should be performed using
a DRBIIItscan tool to verify proper supplemental
restraint system operation following the service or
replacement of any supplemental restraint system
component.
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 BEFOREPERFORMING 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) During the following test, the battery negative
cable remains disconnected and isolated, as it was
during the supplemental restraint system component
removal and installation procedures.
(2) Be certain that the DRBIIItscan tool contains
the latest version of the proper DRBIIItsoftware.
Connect the DRBIIItto the 16-way Data Link Con-
nector (DLC). The DLC is located on the driver side
lower edge of the instrument panel, outboard of the
steering column (Fig. 5).
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
exit the vehicle with the DRBIIItscan tool.
(4) Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehi-
cle, then reconnect the battery negative cable.
(5) Using the DRBIIIt, read and record the active
(current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
(6) Next, use the DRBIIItto read and record any
stored (historical) DTC data.
(7) If any DTC is found in Step 5 or Step 6, refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
(8) Use the DRBIIItto erase the stored DTC data.
If any problems remain, the stored DTC data will not
erase. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion to diagnose any stored DTC that will not erase.
Fig. 4 Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets - Typical
Fig. 5 16-Way Data Link Connector - Typical
1 - 16±WAY DATA LINK CONNECTOR
2 - BOTTOM OF INSTRUMENT PANEL
8O - 8 RESTRAINTSDR
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

If the stored DTC information is successfully erased,
go to Step 9.
(9) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position for
about fifteen seconds, and then back to the On posi-
tion. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument
cluster. It should illuminate for six to eight seconds,
and then go out. This indicates that the supplemen-
tal restraint system is functioning normally and that
the repairs are complete. If the airbag indicator fails
to light, or lights and stays on, there is still an active
supplemental restraint system fault or malfunction.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to
diagnose the problem.
ACM COVER
REMOVAL
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) cover is used
only on models with an automatic transmission. Mod-
els with a manual transmission require that the floor
console be removed to access the ACM for service.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL).
WARNING: 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. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry each side of the ACM
cover away from the instrument panel at each side of
the center bracket on the floor panel transmission
tunnel far enough to disengage the two snap clip
retainers from the instrument panel receptacles (Fig.
6).
(3) Remove the ACM cover from the instrument
panel.
INSTALLATION
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) cover is used
only on models with an automatic transmission. Mod-
els with a manual transmission require that the floor
console be reinstalled following ACM service. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
INSTALLATION).
WARNING: 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) Position the ACM cover to the instrument
panel (Fig. 6).
(2) Align the snap clip retainer on each side of the
ACM cover with the instrument panel receptacle at
each side of the center bracket on the floor panel
transmission tunnel.
(3) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the outside of the ACM cover over each snap clip
retainer location until each retainer is fully engaged
in its instrument panel receptacle.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 6 ACM Cover Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL RECEPTACLE (2)
2 - ACM COVER
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 9
RESTRAINTS (Continued)