1998 DODGE RAM 1500 belt

panel transmission tunnel. Tighten the screws to 12
N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(4) From the left side of the floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel, reach behind the module to access and
tighten the screw that secures the right side of the
ACM to the bracket on the floor panel transmission
tunnel. Tighten the screw to 12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(5) Reach through the rearward facing opening
below the instrument panel center stack support
bracket on the top of the floor panel transmission
tunnel to access and reconnect the two instrument
panel wire harness connectors for the ACM to the
ACM connector receptacle located on the rearward
facing side of the module. Be certain that the latches
on the connectors are each fully engaged.
(6) On models with an automatic transmission,
reinstall the ACM cover onto the instrument panel.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/ACM
COVER - INSTALLATION).
(7) On models with a manual transmission, rein-
stall the floor console onto the top of the floor panel
transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERI-
OR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTALLATION).
(8) 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).
AUTOMATIC LOCKING
RETRACTOR
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt retractors used in all seating posi-
tions include an inertia-type, emergency locking
mechanism as standard equipment (Fig. 9). However,
the retractor locking mechanism for the passenger
side front seating position is mechanically switchable
from an emergency locking retractor to an automatic
locking retractor. The primary function of this fea-
ture is to securely accommodate a child seat in the
passenger side front seating position of the vehicle
without the need for a self-cinching seat belt tip half
latch plate unit or another supplemental device that
would be required to prevent the seat belt webbing
from unwinding freely from the retractor spool of an
inertia-type emergency locking retractor mechanism.
The automatic locking mechanism is integral to the
passenger side front seat belt and retractor unit and
is concealed beneath a molded plastic cover located
on the same side of the retractor spool as the seat
belt tensioner housing. The retractor is secured to
the inner B-pillar on the right side of the vehicle and
is concealed beneath the molded plastic inner B-pil-lar trim. The automatic locking mechanism cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
entire passenger side front seat belt and retractor
unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The automatic locking mode of the retractor is
engaged and the retractor is switched from operating
as a standard inertia-type emergency locking retrac-
tor by first buckling the combination lap and shoul-
der belt buckle. Then grasp the shoulder belt and
pull all of the webbing out of the retractor. Once all
of the belt webbing is extracted from the spool, the
retractor will automatically become engaged in the
pre-locked automatic locking mode and will make an
audible clicking or ratcheting sound as the shoulder
belt is allowed to retract to confirm that the auto-
matic locking mode is now engaged. Once the auto-
matic locking mode is engaged, the retractor will
remain locked and the belt will remain tight around
whatever it is restraining.
The retractor is returned to standard emergency
locking mode by unbuckling the combination lap and
shoulder belt buckle and allowing the belt webbing to
be almost fully retracted onto the retractor spool. The
emergency locking mode is confirmed by the absence
of the audible clicking or ratcheting sound as the belt
webbing retracts. This mode will allow the belt to
unwind from and wind onto the retractor spool freely
unless and until a predetermined inertia load is
sensed, or until the retractor is again switched to the
automatic locking mode.
Fig. 9 Automatic Locking Retractor
1 - TENSIONER HOUSING OR CHAMBER
2 - GAS GENERATOR
3 - TENSIONER PIGTAIL WIRE
4 - SPOOL
5 - TENSION REDUCER (DRIVER SIDE ON STANDARD CAB
ONLY)
6 - REDUCER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
7 - RETRACTOR LOCKING MECHANISM COVER
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSDR
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

This model is equipped with a Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren, or LATCH child restraint
anchorage system (Fig. 10) or (Fig. 11). The LATCH
system provides for the installation of suitable child
restraints in certain seating positions without using
the standard equipment seat belt provided for that
seating position. Standard cab models are equipped
with a fixed-position child restraint upper tether
anchor for the front center and outboard seating posi-
tions, and child restraint lower anchors for the front
outboard seating position. Quad cab models are
equipped with a fixed-position child restraint upper
tether anchor strap for the rear center and both rear
outboard seating positions, and child restraint lower
anchors for both rear outboard seating positions. All
front seat child restraint anchors are deleted on quad
cab models.
The two upper tether anchors for standard cab
models are integral to the upper cab back panel rein-
forcement and are concealed behind individual trim
cover and bezel units that are integral to the cab
back trim panel (Fig. 12). These upper tether anchors
cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or dam-
aged, they must be replaced as a unit with the upper
cab back panel reinforcement. The upper tether
anchor trim covers and bezels are serviced as a unit
with the cab back trim panel.The three upper tether anchor straps for quad cab
models are secured to the upper cab back panel rein-
forcement with screws (Fig. 13). These anchor straps
are concealed behind the upright rear seat back. The
upper tether anchor straps are available for individ-
ual service replacement.
The lower anchors for all models are integral to
their respective front or rear seat cushion frame (Fig.
14) or (Fig. 15). Round markers with an imprinted
child seat icon on the standard cab front seat back
trim cover helps identify the anchor locations for that
application because they may be otherwise difficult to
see with the seat back in the upright position. These
lower anchors are each constructed from round steel
bar stock that is formed into a U-shape, then
securely welded at each end to the seat cushion
frame. They are each accessed from the front of their
respective seats, at each side where the seat back
meets the seat cushion. These lower anchors cannot
be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged,
they must be replaced as a unit with the seat cush-
ion frame. On quad cab models, if the lower anchors
have been bent or broken as a result of a vehicle col-
lision, the latch for the affected rear seat cushion
frame unit must also be replaced.
Fig. 12 Child Tether Anchor - Standard Cab
1 - COVER & BEZEL (2)
2 - CAB BACK TRIM PANEL
3 - ANCHOR (2)
Fig. 13 Child Tether Strap - Quad Cab
1 - TETHER STRAP (3)
2 - CAB BACK PANEL
3 - SCREW (3)
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSDR
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR (Continued)

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 BELTTHAT 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.
OPERATION
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the proper use of all of the fac-
tory-installed child restraint anchors.
REMOVAL
The following procedure applies only to the rear
seat upper child tether straps used on quad cab mod-
els. The child restraint anchors used in other models
and locations are integral to other components and
cannot be serviced separately.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT BELT
OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE, CARE-
FULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES,
MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER
STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLA-
TION, OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN.
STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED.
TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE
BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT HAS A BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE
OR ANCHOR PLATE. REPLACE ANY CHILD
RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE
ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR
DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT.
ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT
BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Remove the rear seat from the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT - REAR - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the screw that secures the child tether
strap to the upper cab back panel reinforcement (Fig.
16).
(3) Remove the child tether strap from the upper
cab back panel reinforcement.
Fig. 14 Child Restraint Lower Anchor - Standard
Cab Front Seat
1 - FRONT SEAT BACK
2 - LOWER ANCHOR (2) - PASSENGER SIDE OUTBOARD
SEATING POSITION ONLY
3 - LOWER ANCHOR MARKER (2)
4 - FRONT SEAT CUSHION
Fig. 15 Child Restraint Lower Anchor - Quad Cab
Rear Seat
1 - REAR SEAT BACK
2 - LOWER ANCHOR (2 PER OUTBOARD REAR SEATING
POSITION)
3 - REAR SEAT CUSHION
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 17
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
The following procedure applies only to the rear
seat upper child tether straps used on quad cab mod-
els. The child restraint anchors used in other models
and locations are integral to other components and
cannot be serviced separately.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT BELT
OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE, CARE-
FULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES,
MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER
STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLA-
TION, OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN.
STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED.
TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE
BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT HAS A BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE
OR ANCHOR PLATE. REPLACE ANY CHILD
RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE
ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR
DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT.
ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT
BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the child tether strap onto the upper
cab back panel reinforcement (Fig. 16).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
child tether strap to the upper cab back panel rein-
forcement. Tighten the screw to 14 N´m (10 ft. lbs.).(3) Reinstall the rear seat into the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT - REAR - INSTALLA-
TION).
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, two short pigtail
wires with connectors, 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
Fig. 16 Child Tether Strap - Quad Cab
1 - TETHER STRAP (3)
2 - CAB BACK PANEL
3 - SCREW (3)
Fig. 17 Clockspring
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE (2)
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
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSDR
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR (Continued)

from the centered position, without damaging the
clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change posi-
tion relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following com-
pletion of such service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered, with a molded plastic locking
pin installed (Fig. 19). This locking pin should not be
removed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the locking pin is removed
before the clockspring is installed on a steering col-
umn, the clockspring centering procedure must be
performed.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
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.
(5) The clockspring is now centered. Secure the
clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain
clockspring centering until it is reinstalled on the
steering column.
(6) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto thesteering 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: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
Fig. 19 Clockspring and Multi-Function Switch
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE (2)
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
8O - 20 RESTRAINTSDR
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain
that the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead
position.
(1) While holding the centered clockspring rotor
and case stationary in relation to each other, care-
fully slide the clockspring down over the steering col-
umn upper shaft.
(2) Align and seat the hole in the locating tab at
the eleven o'clock position on the clockspring case
over the locating pin on the multi-function switch
mounting housing (Fig. 20).
(3) 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.).
(4) 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.
(5) Position the lower shroud onto the steering col-
umn.
(6) 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.).(7) 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.
(8) Align the snap features on the upper shroud
with the receptacles on the lower shroud and apply
hand pressure to snap them together.
(9) 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.).
(10) 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.
(11) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(12) If a new clockspring has been installed,
remove the plastic locking pin that is securing the
clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain
clockspring centering.
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.
(13) Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - INSTALLATION).
(14) 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.
(15) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
8O - 22 RESTRAINTSDR
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

by the ACM to suit the monitored impact conditions
by providing one of three delay intervals between the
electrical signals provided to the two initiators. The
longer the delay between these signals, the less force-
fully the airbag will deploy.
When the ACM sends the proper electrical signals
to each 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 hous-
ing and a diffuser in the inflator directs all of the
inert gas into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion
to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the driver airbag
trim cover will split at predetermined breakout lines,
then fold back out of the way along with the horn
switch unit. Following an airbag deployment, the air-
bag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas
towards the instrument panel through vent holes
within the fabric used to construct the back (steering
wheel side) panel 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. Typically, both ini-
tiators are used and all potentially hazardous chem-
icals are burned during an airbag deployment event.
However, it is possible for only one initiator to be
used during a deployment due to an airbag system
fault; therefore, it is necessary to always confirm
that both initiators have been used in order to avoid
the improper disposal of potentially live pyrotechnic
or hazardous materials. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - SER-
VICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT).
The inert gas that is produced when the chemicals
are burned is harmless. However, 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 noted,
rinse the affected area with plenty of cool, clean
water. If breathing passages 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.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver 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 SUPPLEMENTALRESTRAINTS). If the driver 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: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIRBAG,
RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG CUSHION 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) From the underside of the steering wheel,
remove the two screws that secure the driver airbag
to the steering wheel armature (Fig. 23).
(3) Pull the driver airbag away from the steering
wheel far enough to access the three electrical con-
nections on the back of the airbag housing (Fig. 24).
(4) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connector for the horn switch from the horn switch
feed pigtail wire connector, which is located on the
back of the driver airbag housing.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail
wires or pry on the connector insulator to disen-
gage the connector from the driver airbag inflator
connector receptacle. Improper removal of these
pigtail wires and their connector insulators can
result in damage to the airbag circuits or connector
insulators.
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSDR
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

(5) The clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire con-
nectors are secured by integral latches to the airbag
inflator connector receptacles, which are located on
the back of the driver airbag housing. Depress the
latches on each side of the connector insulator and
pull the insulators straight out from the airbag infla-
tor to disconnect them from the connector recepta-
cles.(6) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel.
(7) If the driver airbag has been deployed, the
clockspring must be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
DISASSEMBLY
The following procedures can be used to replace
the driver airbag trim cover and horn switch unit for
service. If the driver airbag is faulty or deployed, the
entire driver airbag, trim cover and horn switch must
be replaced as a unit.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, SERVICE OF THIS UNIT SHOULD BE PER-
FORMED ONLY BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER-TRAINED
AND AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE TECHNI-
CIANS. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAU-
TIONS OR TO FOLLOW THE PROPER
PROCEDURES COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL,
INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJURIES.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE DRIVER
AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN
THE DRIVER AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE DRIVER
AIRBAG TRIM COVER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
Fig. 23 Driver Airbag Remove/Install
1 - DRIVER AIRBAG
2 - STEERING WHEEL
3 - SCREW (2)
Fig. 24 Driver Airbag Connections
1 - DRIVER AIRBAG
2 - HORN SWITCH PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR
3 - CLOCKSPRING PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR (2)
4 - STEERING WHEEL WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 25
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)