(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 becentered again before it is reinstalled. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING).
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 and with a 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.
Fig. 20 Clockspring Remove/Install
1 - CLOCKSPRING
2 - LOCATING PIN
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - LOCKING PIN
5 - ENGAGEMENT DOWEL BOOT
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 21
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)
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 chrome
Dodge Ram emblem 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 the
back of the trim cover. The four vertical walls of this
receptacle have a total of twelve small windows with
blocking tabs that are engaged by twelve hook forma-
tions around the perimeter of the airbag housing.
Each hook is inserted through one of the windows
and the blocking tab in each window keeps the hook
properly engaged with the trim cover, locking the
trim cover securely into 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
right corner of the airbag housing and is connected tothe vehicle electrical system through a dedicated
take out and connector of the steering wheel wire
harness. Both horn switch wires are routed through
an integral notch in the center of the upper edge of
the airbag housing stamping.
The airbag used in this model is a multistage, Next
Generation-type that complies with revised federal
airbag standards to deploy with less force than those
used in some prior models. A 71 centimeter (28 inch)
diameter, radial deploying fabric cushion with inter-
nal tethers is used. The airbag inflator is a dual-ini-
tiator, non-azide, pyrotechnic-type unit with four
mounting studs and is secured to the stamped metal
airbag housing by four flanged hex nuts. Two keyed
and color-coded connector receptacles on the driver
airbag inflator connect the two inflator initiators to
the vehicle electrical system through two yellow-jack-
eted, two-wire pigtail harnesses of the clockspring.
The driver airbag unit cannot be repaired, and
must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged.
The driver airbag trim cover and horn switch unit
may be disassembled from the driver airbag unit,
and is available for separate service replacement.
OPERATION
The multistage driver airbag is deployed by electri-
cal signals generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the driver airbag squib 1 and squib 2
circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflator. By
using two initiators, the airbag can be deployed at
multiple levels of force. The force level is controlled
Fig. 21 Driver Airbag Trim Cover
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - TRIM COVER
Fig. 22 Driver Airbag Housing
1 - HORN SWITCH FEED WIRE
2 - HORN SWITCH GROUND WIRE
3 - INFLATOR
4 - TRIM COVER
5 - HOUSING
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 23
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)
driver airbag housing. Tighten the nut to 7 N´m (65
in. lbs.).
(11) Using hand pressure, push the integral
retainer of the horn switch feed pigtail wire connec-
tor into the locator hole just above the upper right
inflator mounting stud on the back of the driver air-
bag.
(12) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION
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 SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). 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, 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.WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, THE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER MUST
NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS
ARE SERVICED WITH TRIM COVERS IN THE ORIG-
INAL COLORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN
WHICH THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM COVER
RESPONDS TO AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAIL-
URE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT
IN OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Position the driver airbag close enough to the
steering wheel to reconnect the three electrical con-
nections on the back of the airbag housing (Fig. 24).
(2) When installing the driver airbag, reconnect
the two clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire connec-
tors to the airbag inflator connector receptacles by
pressing straight in on the connector. Be certain to
engage each keyed and color-coded connector to the
matching connector receptacle. You can be certain
that each connector is fully engaged in its receptacle
by listening carefully for a distinct, audible click as
the connector latches snap into place.
(3) Reconnect the steering wheel wire harness con-
nector for the horn switch to the horn switch feed
pigtail wire connector, which is located on the back of
the driver airbag housing.
(4) Carefully position the driver airbag in the
steering wheel (Fig. 23). Be certain that the clock-
spring pigtail wires and the steering wheel wire har-
ness in the steering wheel hub area are not pinched
between the driver airbag and the steering wheel
armature.
(5) From the underside of the steering wheel,
install and tighten the two screws that secure the
driver airbag to the steering wheel armature.
Tighten the screws to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(6) 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 - 28 RESTRAINTSDR
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) Remove the screw that secures the lower seat
belt anchor to the lower inner B-pillar (Fig. 31).
(4) Remove the lower seat belt anchor from the
lower inner B-pillar.
(5) Unsnap and remove the trim cover from the
front outboard seat belt turning loop to access the
screw that secures the turning loop to the height
adjuster on the upper inner B-pillar. Discard the
removed turning loop trim cover as it is not intended
for reuse.
(6) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
turning loop to the height adjuster.
(7) Remove the seat belt turning loop from the
height adjuster.(8) Remove the upper and lower trim from the
inner B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL) and (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
web guide to the inner B-pillar near the belt line.
(10) Remove the seat belt web guide from the
inner B-pillar.
(11) On the driver side only, disconnect the body
wire harness take out and white connector from the
connector receptacle for the seat belt tension reducer
located near the bottom of the retractor.
(12) Disengage the seat belt tensioner pigtail wire
retainer from the hole in the inner B-pillar sheet
metal.
(13) Disconnect the yellow seat belt tensioner pig-
tail wire connector from the body wire harness take
out and connector for the tensioner.
(14) Remove the screw that secures the lower
retractor bracket to the lower inner B-pillar below
the retractor mounting hole.
(15) Disengage the hooks on the upper retractor
bracket from the slots in the lower inner B-pillar
above the retractor mounting hole.
(16) Remove the front outboard seat belt and
retractor from the retractor mounting hole in the
lower inner B-pillar.
REMOVAL - QUAD CAB
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged front outboard seat belt and
retractor unit, which includes a seat belt tensioner
for this model. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/SEAT BELT TENSIONER - DESCRIP-
TION). The only component of this seat belt and
retractor unit that is available for individual service
replacement is the plastic web stop button that pre-
vents the latch plate from falling to the floor while in
the stored position. Refer to the instructions supplied
with the service kit for the proper web stop button
replacement procedures.
The seat belt retractor on the passenger's side of
all models includes a switchable automatic locking
mechanism. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR -
DESCRIPTION).
If the seat belt or retractor is faulty or damaged,
but the seat belt tensioner is not deployed, review
the recommended procedures for handling non-de-
ployed supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE
- HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the seat belt tensioner has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deploymentFig. 31 Front Outboard Seat Belt & Retractor
Remove/Install - Standard Cab
1 - ADJUSTER
2 - UPPER TRIM PANEL
3 - TURNING LOOP
4 - SCREW
5 - TRIM COVER
6 - LOWER TRIM PANEL
7 - LOWER ANCHOR
8 - SCREW
9 - SCREW
10 - RETRACTOR
11 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
12 - SCREW
13 - WEB GUIDE
14 - B-PILLAR
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 33
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)
before removing the front outboard seat belt and
retractor from the vehicle. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
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, 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) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the lower seat belt anchor and
the B-pillar trim.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) Remove the screw that secures the lower seat
belt anchor to the floor panel near the base of the
inner B-pillar (Fig. 32).(4) Remove the lower seat belt anchor from the
floor panel near the base of the inner B-pillar.
(5) Unsnap and remove the trim cover from the
front outboard seat belt turning loop to access the
screw that secures the turning loop to the height
adjuster on the upper inner B-pillar. Discard the
removed turning loop trim cover as it is not intended
for reuse.
(6) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
turning loop to the height adjuster.
(7) Remove the seat belt turning loop from the
height adjuster.
(8) Remove the upper and lower trim from the
inner B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL) and (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL).
Fig. 32 Front Outboard Seat Belt & Retractor
Remove/Install - Quad Cab
1 - ADJUSTER
2 - UPPER TRIM PANEL
3 - B-PILLAR
4 - TURNING LOOP
5 - SCREW
6 - TRIM COVER
7 - SEAT BELT
8 - LOWER TRIM PANEL
9 - SCREW
10 - LOWER ANCHOR
11 - SCREW
12 - RETRACTOR
13 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
14 - SCREW
15 - WEB GUIDE
8O - 34 RESTRAINTSDR
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)