MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2005 Service Repair Manual

INSTALLATION
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE,
RETRACTORS, AND ANCHORS 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 CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED
REPLACEMENT PARTS LISTED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the front seat belt buckle to the
inboard side of the front seat frame (Fig. 26).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front seat belt buckle lower anchor to the inboard
side of the front seat frame. Tighten the screw to 35
N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(3) If the vehicle is so equipped, snap the plastic
cover over the screw that secures the front seat belt
buckle lower anchor to the inboard side of the seat
frame.
(4) On the driver side only, reconnect the seat belt
switch pigtail wire to the vehicle wire harness and
push the joined connectors through the clearance
hole in the seat riser cover.
(5) On the driver side only, route and secure the
seat belt switch pigtail wire to the seat frame with
wire ties.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The rearward facing surface of the injection
molded, thermoplastic passenger airbag door is the
most visible part of the optional passenger airbag
(Fig. 27). The passenger airbag door is located above
the glove box opening in front of the front seat pas-
senger seating position on the instrument panel. The
upper and lower edges of the airbag door are secured
by a snap-fit to molded plastic clips. The two clips at
the top are each secured by a screw to the instru-
ment panel base trim, while the clips at the bottom
are integral to the panel that surrounds the passen-
ger airbag door opening in the instrument panel base
trim. The airbag door is also secured to the airbaghousing by two wide woven straps that serve as
hinges for the door upon an airbag deployment.
Located behind the passenger airbag door is the
passenger airbag unit (Fig. 28). The airbag housing
is constructed of a long U-shaped aluminum extru-
sion with two stamped steel end plates. A stepped
flange that extends from the back of the extrusion
serves as the airbag mounting flange. This mounting
flange is secured with screws to a stamped steel air-
bag mounting bracket that is secured with screws to
the tubular steel instrument panel structural support
above the glove box opening. The end plates are
secured to each side of the passenger airbag housing
with screws.
Fig. 27 Passenger Airbag Door
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TRAY
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
3 - GLOVE BOX DOOR
Fig. 28 Passenger Airbag Unit
1 - DOOR
2 - CLIP (2)
3 - HOUSING
4 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
5 - END PLATE (2)
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 23
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)

The passenger airbag unit used in this model is a
Next Generation-type that complies with revised fed-
eral airbag standards to deploy with less force than
those used in some prior models. The airbag housing
contains the folded airbag cushion, the airbag
retainer, and the airbag inflator. The airbag is a rect-
angular fabric cushion. The airbag inflator is a solid
fuel, pyrotechnic-type unit that is secured to and
sealed within the airbag housing along with the
folded airbag cushion. The inflator initiator connector
receptacle is connected to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through a dedicated take out of the vehicle wire
harness with a yellow connector insulator.
The passenger airbag and airbag door unit cannot
be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, faulty
or in any way damaged.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is deployed by an electrical
signal generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the passenger airbag squib circuits to
the initiator in the airbag inflator. When the ACM
sends the proper electrical signal to the initiator the
electrical energy generates enough heat to initiate a
small pyrotechnic charge which, in turn, ignites
chemical pellets within the inflator. Once ignited,
these chemical pellets burn rapidly and produce a
large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is sealed to
the back of the airbag housing and a diffuser in the
inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag
cushion, causing the cushion to inflate.
As the airbag cushion inflates, the passenger air-
bag door will unsnap from the clips that retain it to
the instrument panel at the top and bottom, then
pivot towards the top of the instrument panel and
out of the way on the woven straps. Following a pas-
senger airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly
deflates by venting the inert gas through the loose
weave of the fabric used to construct the back
(instrument panel side) of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas
may be considered hazardous while in their solid
state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag 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 irritation is noticed, rinse the affected area
with plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing pas-
sages are irritated, move to another area where there
is plenty of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation
is not alleviated by these actions, contact a physician
immediately.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the passenger airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
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. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the instrument panel top cover tray
from over the passenger airbag (Fig. 29). (Refer to 23
- BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL TOP COVER - TRAY - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the passen-
ger airbag door upper clips to the instrument panel
base trim.
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSVA
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

(4) Remove the three screws that secure the flange
of the passenger airbag housing to the bracket on the
instrument panel structural support.
(5) Pull the passenger airbag unit rearward to dis-
engage the airbag door from the lower clips and far
enough to access the electrical connection on the
right end of the unit.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the wires to disengage
the connector from the passenger airbag inflator
connector receptacle. Improper removal of the con-
nector insulator can result in damage to the airbag
circuits or the connector insulator.(6) The vehicle wire harness connector is a tight
snap-fit into the airbag inflator connector receptacle,
which is located on the right end of the passenger
airbag housing. Firmly grasp and pull or gently pry
on the connector insulator and pull the connector
straight out from the inflator to disconnect it from
the receptacle.
(7) Remove the passenger airbag and airbag door
from the instrument panel as a unit.
Fig. 29 Passenger Airbag Remove/Install
1 - TRAY
2 - SCREW (2)
3 - UPPER CLIP (2)
4 - LOWER CLIP (2)5 - CONNECTOR
6 - PASSENGER AIRBAG
7 - SCREW (3)
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 25
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the passenger airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
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
AIRBAGS ARE SERVICED WITH DOORS IN THE
ORIGINAL COLORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY
IN WHICH THE MATERIAL OF THE AIRBAG DOOR
RESPONDS TO AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAIL-
URE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT
IN OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Carefully position the passenger airbag and
airbag door unit to the instrument panel (Fig. 29).
(2) When installing the passenger airbag, recon-
nect the vehicle wire harness connector to the airbag
inflator connector receptacle by pressing straight in
on the connector. You can be certain that the connec-
tor is fully engaged by listening carefully for a dis-
tinct, audible click as the connector snaps into place.
(3) Push the passenger airbag unit forward far
enough to engage the lower edge of the airbag door
with the two lower clips in the instrument panel.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the flange of the passenger airbag housing to the
bracket on the instrument panel structural support.
Tighten the screws to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the passenger airbag door upper clips to the instru-
ment panel base trim. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(18 in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the instrument panel top cover tray
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP
COVER - TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(7) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
8O - 26 RESTRAINTSVA
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

PASSENGER AIRBAG
BRACKET
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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Remove the passenger airbag from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the passen-
ger airbag bracket to the instrument panel structural
support (Fig. 30).
(3) Remove the passenger airbag bracket from the
instrument panel structural support.
INSTALLATION
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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the passenger airbag bracket onto the
instrument panel structural support (Fig. 30).
(2) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the passenger airbag bracket to the instrument panel
structural support. Tighten the screws to 10 N´m (89
in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the passenger airbag into the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
REAR SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE,
RETRACTORS, AND ANCHORS 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 CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED
REPLACEMENT PARTS LISTED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Remove the rear bench seat containing the rear
seat belt and retractor unit to be serviced from the
vehicle.
(2) Lift the seat belt webbing to access and remove
the plastic push pin fastener that secures the rear
seat belt turning loop trim cover to the turning loop
bracket at the top of the seat back (Fig. 31).
Fig. 30 Passenger Airbag Bracket Remove/Install
1 - BRACKET
2 - STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
3 - SCREW (4)
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 27

(3) Remove the turning loop trim cover from the
turning loop bracket.
(4) Remove the push nut at the back of the turn-
ing loop bracket that secures the pin on which the
two turning loops pivot (Fig. 32).
(5) Remove the pin and the two turning loops from
the turning loop bracket.
(6) For a left outboard seating position only,
unsnap and remove the plastic cover from the screw
that secures the rear seat belt lower anchor to the
left outboard side of the seat frame (Fig. 33).(7) Remove the plastic shield from the back of the
rear seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR SEAT
BACK SHIELD - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the screw that secures the rear seat
belt lower anchor to the rear seat cushion frame (Fig.
33) or (Fig. 34).
(9) Pull the rear seat belt and lower anchor
through the turning loop trim cover and the turning
loop bracket.
(10) Remove the screw that secures the rear seat
belt retractor to the bracket on the rear seat cushion
frame (Fig. 35).
Fig. 31 Turning Loop Trim Cover
1 - TRIM COVER
2 - SEAT BELT
3 - RETAINER
4 - REAR SEAT BACK
Fig. 32 Rear Seat Belt Turning Loop
1 - TURNING LOOP (2)
2 - PUSH NUT
3 - BRACKET
4 - PIN
5 - REAR SEAT BACK
6 - SEAT BELT
Fig. 33 Left Outboard Rear Seat Belt Lower Anchor
1 - REAR SEAT CUSHION TRIM
2 - REAR SEAT BACK TRIM
3 - SCREW AND COVER
4 - REAR SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR
Fig. 34 Right Outboard or Center Rear Seat Belt
Lower Anchor
1 - REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME
2 - SCREW
3 - REAR SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR
8O - 28 RESTRAINTSVA
REAR SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

(11) Remove the rear seat belt and retractor unit
from the bracket on the rear seat cushion frame.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE,
RETRACTORS, AND ANCHORS 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 CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED
REPLACEMENT PARTS LISTED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the rear seat belt and retractor unit
onto the bracket of the rear seat cushion frame (Fig.
35). Be certain to engage the guide on the retractor
into the locating notch on the bracket.
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear seat belt retractor to the bracket on the rear
seat cushion frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26
ft. lbs.).
(3) Route the rear seat belt and lower anchor
through the turning loop bracket and the turning
loop trim cover.
(4) Position the rear seat belt lower anchor to the
rear seat cushion frame (Fig. 33) or (Fig. 34).(5) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear seat belt lower anchor to the rear seat cushion
frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(6) For a left outboard seating position only, rein-
stall the plastic cover onto the screw that secures the
rear seat belt lower anchor to the left outboard side
of the seat frame.
(7) Position the two seat belt turning loops to the
turning loop bracket so that one turning loop is
located behind the bracket and one is located in front
of the bracket (Fig. 32).
(8) From the front of the turning loop bracket,
insert the pin through both turning loops and the
bracket, then secure it from behind the bracket with
a new push nut.
(9) Position the turning loop trim cover over the
turning loop bracket.
(10) Lift the seat belt webbing to access and install
the plastic push pin fastener that secures the rear
seat belt turning loop trim cover to the turning loop
bracket at the top of the seat back (Fig. 31).
(11) Reinstall the plastic shield onto the back of
the rear seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR
SEAT BACK SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(12) Reinstall the rear bench seat into the vehicle.
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - INBOARD
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE,
RETRACTORS, AND ANCHORS 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 CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED
REPLACEMENT PARTS LISTED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Remove the rear bench seat containing the
inboard rear seat belt buckle unit to be serviced from
the vehicle.
Fig. 35 Rear Seat Belt Retractor
1 - RETRACTOR
2 - REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME
3 - SCREW
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 29
REAR SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

(2) Remove the plastic shield from the back of the
rear seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR SEAT
BACK SHIELD - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screw that secures either the
inboard rear seat belt buckle to the rear seat cushion
frame (Fig. 36).
(4) Remove the inboard rear seat belt buckle from
the rear seat cushion frame.
REMOVAL - OUTBOARD
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE,
RETRACTORS, AND ANCHORS 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 CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED
REPLACEMENT PARTS LISTED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Unsnap and remove the plastic cover from the
screw that secures the outboard rear seat belt buckle
to the right side of the seat cushion frame (Fig. 37).
(2) Remove the screw that secures the outboard
rear seat belt buckle to the rear seat cushion frame.(3) Remove the outboard rear seat belt buckle from
the right side of the rear seat cushion frame.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - INBOARD
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE,
RETRACTORS, AND ANCHORS 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 CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED
REPLACEMENT PARTS LISTED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the inboard rear seat belt buckle to
the rear seat cushion frame (Fig. 36).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures
either the inboard rear seat belt buckle to the rear
seat cushion frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26
ft. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the plastic shield onto the back of the
rear seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR SEAT
BACK SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reinstall the rear bench seat into the vehicle.
Fig. 36 Inboard Rear Seat Belt Buckle
1 - REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME
2 - INBOARD REAR SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR
3 - SCREW
4 - INBOARD REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
Fig. 37 Outboard Rear Seat Belt Buckle
1 - REAR SEAT BACK TRIM
2 - REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
3 - REAR SEAT CUSHION TRIM
4 - SCREW & COVER
8O - 30 RESTRAINTSVA
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)

INSTALLATION - OUTBOARD
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE,
RETRACTORS, AND ANCHORS 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 CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED
REPLACEMENT PARTS LISTED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the rear seat belt buckle to the right
outboard side of the rear seat cushion frame (Fig.
37).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
outboard rear seat belt buckle to the rear seat cush-
ion frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the plastic cover onto the screw that
secures the rear seat belt buckle to the right out-
board side of the rear seat cushion frame.
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 driver side front seat
belt buckle unit. The seat belt switch is connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a two-wire pig-
tail wire harness and connector to a dedicated take
out and connector of the vehicle wire harness located
within the driver side front seat riser.
The seat belt switch cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, the entire driver side seat
belt buckle 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). The
seat belt switch contact is actuated by the seat belt
latch plate being inserted in to the buckle. When the
seat belt latch plate is inserted into the buckle far
enough to be engaged by the seat belt buckle latch,
the switch leaf contact opens the seat belt switchsense circuit ground path; and, when the seat belt
latch plate is released and extracted from the seat
belt buckle latch the switch leaf contact is released,
closing the circuit to ground.
The seat belt switch is connected is series between
ground and the seat belt switch sense input of the
instrument cluster. The seat belt switch receives
ground at all times through its pigtail wire connec-
tion to the vehicle wire harness from another take
out of the vehicle wire harness. An eyelet terminal
connector on the vehicle wire harness ground take
out is secured under a nut to a ground stud located
on the floor panel within the driver side front seat
riser. The seat belt switch may de diagnosed using
conventional diagnostic tools and methods.
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION
Front seating position seat belt tensioners supple-
ment the standard driver and optional passenger air-
bags for all versions of this model. When equipped,
the seat belt tensioner is integral to the front seat
belt and retractor units, which are secured to the
inner B-pillars of the vehicle (Fig. 38). Each retractor
is concealed beneath the molded plastic B-pillar trim.
The seat belt tensioner consists primarily of a tubu-
Fig. 38 Seat Belt Tensioner
1 - TURNING LOOP
2 - LATCH PLATE
3 - LOWER ANCHOR
4 - RETRACTOR
5 - TENSIONER
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 31
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)

lar steel housing, a piston, a cable, a torsion bar, and
a small pyrotechnically activated gas generator. All of
these components are located on one side of the
retractor spool on the outside of the retractor housing
except for the torsion bar, which serves as the spin-
dle upon which the retractor spool rotates. 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
vehicle wire harness by a keyed, snap-fit molded
plastic connector insulator to ensure a secure connec-
tion.
The seat belt tensioner cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire front seat belt and
retractor unit must be replaced. If the front airbags
have been deployed, the seat belt tensioners have
also been deployed. The seat belt tensioner is not
intended for reuse and must be replaced following a
deployment. A growling or grinding sound while
attempting to operate the seat belt retractor is a sure
indication that the seat belt tensioner has been
deployed and requires replacement. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The seat belt tensioners are deployed in conjunc-
tion with the airbags by a signal generated by the
Airbag Control Module (ACM) through the driver and
passenger seat belt tensioner line 1 and line 2 (or
squib) circuits (Fig. 39). When the ACM sends the
proper electrical signal to the tensioners, the electri-
cal energy generates enough heat to initiate a small
pyrotechnic gas generator. The gas generator is
installed so that it directs its expelled gas at the
underside of the piston in the cylinder. The piston is
connected to a cable that is wound around a pulley
on one end of the retractor spool. As the gas expands,
it propels the piston through the tube, which pulls
the cable and rotates the retractor spool to take up
slack in the seat belt webbing.
Once a seat belt tensioning sequence has been
completed, the forward momentum of the occupant
results in deformation of the torsion bar. Removing
excess slack from the front seat belts not only keeps
the occupants properly positioned for an airbag
deployment following a frontal impact of the vehicle,
but also helps to reduce injuries that the occupant
might otherwise experience in a frontal impact event
as a result of harmful contact with the steering
wheel, steering column, instrument panel and/or
windshield. The torsion bar is designed to deform in
order to control the loads being applied to the occu-
pant by the seat belt during a frontal impact, further
reducing the potential for occupant injuries.The ACM monitors the condition of the seat belt
tensioners through circuit resistance. The ACM will
illuminate the airbag indicator in the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and store a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is
detected. For proper diagnosis of the seat belt ten-
sioners, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
Fig. 39 Seat Belt Tensioner Operation
1 - TUBE
2 - PISTON
3 - CABLE
4 - CYLINDER
8O - 32 RESTRAINTSVA
SEAT BELT TENSIONER (Continued)