1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Over drive

(5) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Set the parking
brake. Place the transmission gear selector lever in
the Reverse position. Check for battery voltage at the
backup lamp switch output circuit cavity of the auto-
matic day/night mirror wire harness connector. If
OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open circuit
as required.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect the battery negative cable. Plug in the
automatic day/night mirror wire harness connector.
Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition
switch to the On position. Place the transmission
gear selector lever in the Neutral position. Place the
mirror switch in the On (the LED in the mirror
switch is lighted) position. Cover the forward facing
ambient photocell sensor to keep out any ambient
light.NOTE: The ambient photocell sensor must be cov-
ered completely, so that no light reaches the sen-
sor. Use a finger pressed tightly against the sensor,
or cover the sensor completely with electrical tape.
(7) Shine a light into the rearward facing head-
lamp photocell sensor. The mirror glass should
darken. If OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, replace the
faulty automatic day/night mirror unit.
(8) With the mirror glass darkened, place the
transmission gear selector lever in the Reverse posi-
tion. The mirror should return to its normal reflec-
tance. If not OK, replace the faulty automatic day/
night mirror unit.
REMOVAL
For removal procedures, (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/REAR VIEW MIRROR - REMOVAL).
POWER MIRROR SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER MIRROR
SWITCH
The power mirror switch is included with the
Driver Door Module. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
POWER LOCKS/DOOR MODULE - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
REMOVAL
The power mirror switch is included with the
Driver Door Module. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
POWER LOCKS/DOOR MODULE - REMOVAL).
SIDEVIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/SIDE VIEW MIR-
ROR - REMOVAL).
Fig. 2 Automatic Day/Night Mirror
1 - REAR FACING SENSOR
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - FORWARD FACING SENSOR
4 - SWITCH
8N - 12 POWER MIRRORSDR
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR (Continued)

DRIVER SEAT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The power seat on this model can be adjusted in
eight different directions, up, down, front up, front
down, rear up, rear down, rearward and forward.
The power seat switch (Fig. 1) on this model has an
additional switch knob for adjusting the power lum-
bar support. The power seat switch is located on the
outboard side of the seat cushion on the seat cushion
side shield. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehi-
cle glove box for more information on the power seat
switch functions and the seat adjusting procedures.
The individual switches in the power seat switch
assembly cannot be repaired. If one switch is dam-
aged or faulty, the entire power seat switch assembly
must be replaced.
OPERATION
When a power switch control knob or knobs are
actuated, a battery feed and a ground path are
applied through the switch contacts to the power seat
track or recliner adjuster motor. The selected
adjuster motor operates to move the seat track or
recliner through its drive unit in the selected direc-
tion until the switch is released, or until the travel
limit of the adjuster is reached. When the switch ismoved in the opposite direction, the battery feed and
ground path to the motor are reversed through the
switch contacts. This causes the adjuster motor to
run in the opposite direction.
No power seat switch should be held applied in any
direction after the adjuster has reached its travel
limit. The power seat adjuster motors each contain a
self-resetting circuit breaker to protect them from
overload. However, consecutive or frequent resetting
of the circuit breaker must not be allowed to con-
tinue, or the motor may be damaged.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRIVER SEAT
SWITCH
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to Wir-
ing.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the power seat switch from the power
seat.
(3) Use an ohmmeter to test the continuity of the
power seat switches in each position. See the Power
Seat Switch Continuity chart (Fig. 2). If OK, refer to
Power Seat Track Diagnosis and Testing in this
group. If not OK, replace the faulty power seat
switch.
DRIVER POWER SEAT SWITCH TEST TABLE
DRIVER SWITCH
POSITIONCONTINUITY BETWEEN
OFF B-N, B-J, B-M
B-E, B-L, B-K
VERTICAL UP A-E, A-M, B-N, B-J
VERTICAL DOWN A-J, A-N, B-M, B-E
Fig. 1 DR Power Seat Switch
1 - POWER SEAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY
2 - FRONT SEAT CUSHION ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
3 - COMPLETE SEAT ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
4 - REAR SEAT CUSHION ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
5 - LUMBAR ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
Fig. 2 Testing Driver Power Seat Switch
8N - 14 POWER SEATSDR

DRIVER POWER SEAT SWITCH TEST TABLE
DRIVER SWITCH
POSITIONCONTINUITY BETWEEN
HORIZONTAL
FORWARDA-L, B-K
HORIZONTAL
REARWARDA-K, B-L
FRONT TILT UP A-M, B-N
FRONT TILT DOWN A-N, B-M
REAR TILT UP A-E, B-J
REAR TILT DOWN A-J, B-E
LUMBAR OFF O-P, O-R, P-R
LUMPAR UP (INFLATE) O-P, Q-R
LUMBAR DOWN
(DEFLATE)O-R, P-Q
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the seat cushion side shield from the
seat. Refer to the Body section of the service manual
for the procedure.
(3) Pull the switch bezel or side shield unit out
from the seat far enough to access the switch wire
harness connector. Gently pry the locking tabs of the
switch away from the wire harness connector and
carefully unplug the connector from the power seat
switch module.
(4) Remove the screws that secure the power seat
switch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the power seat switch on the seat
cushion side shield and install the screws that secure
the power seat switch to seat cushion side shield.
(2) Connect the electrical connector.
(3) Install the seat cushion side shield on the seat.
Refer to the Body section of the service manual for
the procedure.
(4) If equipped, install the screw that secures the
recliner lever to the recliner mechanism release shaft
on the outboard side of the front seat.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
PASSENGER SEAT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The power seat on this model can be adjusted in
eight different directions, up, down, front up, front
down, rear up, rear down, rearward and forward.
The power seat switch (Fig. 3) on this model has an
additional switch knob for adjusting the power lum-bar support. The power seat switch is located on the
outboard side of the seat cushion on the seat cushion
side shield. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehi-
cle glove box for more information on the power seat
switch functions and the seat adjusting procedures.
The individual switches in the power seat switch
assembly cannot be repaired. If one switch is dam-
aged or faulty, the entire power seat switch assembly
must be replaced.
OPERATION
When a power switch control knob or knobs are
actuated, a battery feed and a ground path are
applied through the switch contacts to the power seat
track or recliner adjuster motor. The selected
adjuster motor operates to move the seat track or
recliner through its drive unit in the selected direc-
tion until the switch is released, or until the travel
limit of the adjuster is reached. When the switch is
moved in the opposite direction, the battery feed and
ground path to the motor are reversed through the
switch contacts. This causes the adjuster motor to
run in the opposite direction.
No power seat switch should be held applied in any
direction after the adjuster has reached its travel
limit. The power seat adjuster motors each contain a
self-resetting circuit breaker to protect them from
overload. However, consecutive or frequent resetting
of the circuit breaker must not be allowed to con-
tinue, or the motor may be damaged.
Fig. 3 DR Power Seat Switch
1 - POWER SEAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY
2 - FRONT SEAT CUSHION ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
3 - COMPLETE SEAT ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
4 - REAR SEAT CUSHION ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
5 - LUMBAR ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
DRPOWER SEATS 8N - 15
DRIVER SEAT SWITCH (Continued)

shield that helps to shroud it from unintentional
actuation when entering or leaving the vehicle.
The power lumbar switches cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the seat switch
assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
When the power lumbar switch paddle is actuated,
a battery feed and a ground path are applied through
the switch contacts to the power lumbar adjuster
motor. The motor operates to move the lumbar
adjuster through its drive unit in the selected direc-
tion until the switch is released, or until the travel
limit of the adjuster is reached. When the switch is
moved in the opposite direction, the battery feed and
ground path to the motor are reversed through the
switch contacts. This causes the motor to run in the
opposite direction.
The power lumbar switch should not be held
applied in either direction after the adjuster has
reached its travel limit. The power lumbar adjuster
motor contains a self-resetting circuit breaker to pro-
tect it from overload. However, consecutive or fre-
quent resetting of the circuit breaker must not be
allowed to continue, or the motor may be damaged.
REMOVAL
The power lumbar switch is integral with the other
power seat switches. Refer to the appropriate driver
or passenger power front seat switch removal and/or
installation procedure.
LUMBAR MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The power lumbar seat option includes an electri-
cally operated lumbar support mechanism. The only
visible evidence of this option is the separate power
lumbar switch control paddle that is located on the
outboard seat cushion switch bezel, next to the other
power seat switch control knobs. The power lumbar
adjuster and motor are concealed beneath the seat
back trim cover and padding, where they are secured
to a molded plastic back panel and to the seat back
frame.
The power lumbar adjuster cannot be repaired, and
is serviced only as a unit with the seat back frame. If
the power lumbar adjuster or the seat back frame
are damaged or faulty, the entire seat back frame
unit must be replaced (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT BACK - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The power lumbar adjuster mechanism includes a
reversible electric motor that is secured to theinboard side of the seat back panel and is connected
to a worm-drive gearbox. The motor and gearbox
operate the lumbar adjuster mechanism in the center
of the seat back driving a nut up or down a fixed
drive screw. The action of this nut extends or con-
tracts the plastic lumbar support band. The more
this band is contracted, the more outward pressure is
applied against the center of the seat back padding,
providing additional lumbar support.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LUMBAR MOTOR
Actuate the power lumbar switch to move the
power lumbar adjuster in each direction. The power
lumbar adjuster should move in both directions. It
should be noted that the power lumber adjuster nor-
mally operates very quietly and exhibits little visible
movement. If the power lumbar adjuster fails to oper-
ate in only one direction, move the adjuster a short
distance in the opposite direction and test again to be
certain that the adjuster is not at its travel limit. If
the power lumbar adjuster fails to operate in only
one direction, Test the appropriate power seat switch
as described in this group. If the power lumbar
adjuster fails to operate in either direction, perform
the following tests. For complete circuit diagrams,
refer toWiring.
(1) Check the power seat circuit breaker. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty power seat
circuit breaker.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the power seat cir-
cuit breaker. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair
the open fused B(+) circuit to the fuse in the Inte-
grated Power Module as required.
(3) Remove the outboard seat cushion side shield
from the seat. Disconnect the seat wire harness con-
nector from the power lumbar switch connector
receptacle. Check for battery voltage at the fused
B(+) circuit cavity of the power seat wire harness
connector for the power lumbar switch. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit
to the power seat as required.
(4) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the power seat wire harness connector
for the power lumbar switch and a good ground.
There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not
OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as
required.
(5) Test the power lumbar switch. . If the switch
tests OK, test the circuits of the power seat wire har-
ness between the power lumbar adjuster motor and
the power lumbar switch for shorts or opens. If the
circuits check OK, replace the faulty seat back frame
assembly. If the circuits are not OK, repair the power
seat wire harness as required.
8N - 18 POWER SEATSDR
LUMBAR CONTROL SWITCH (Continued)

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................................9
ACM COVER
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................13
AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................17
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................19
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING.........................19
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................21
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................24
DISASSEMBLY.........................25
ASSEMBLY............................26
INSTALLATION.........................28
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL.............................29
INSTALLATION.........................29FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................31
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - STANDARD CAB............32
REMOVAL - QUAD CAB................33
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - STANDARD CAB.........35
INSTALLATION - QUAD CAB.............36
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................38
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION.........................39
OPERATION...........................40
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................41
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................42
OPERATION...........................43
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................44
REAR CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................45
REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL.............................46
INSTALLATION.........................47
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - CENTER & LEFT OUTBOARD . . 48
REMOVAL - CENTER ANCHOR & RIGHT
OUTBOARD..........................49
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CENTER & LEFT
OUTBOARD..........................50
INSTALLATION - CENTER ANCHOR &
RIGHT OUTBOARD....................50
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................51
OPERATION...........................51
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
SWITCH............................51
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION.........................52
OPERATION...........................53
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 1

SEAT BELT TENSION REDUCER
DESCRIPTION.........................53
OPERATION...........................54
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
TENSION REDUCER...................54
SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP ADJUSTER
REMOVAL.............................55
INSTALLATION.........................55
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION.........................56
OPERATION...........................56REMOVAL.............................57
INSTALLATION.........................58
SIDE IMPACT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................59
OPERATION...........................59
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - STANDARD CAB............59
REMOVAL - QUAD CAB................60
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - STANDARD CAB.........61
INSTALLATION - QUAD CAB.............61
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 emergencylocking retractor, a fixed position upper C-pillar
mounted turning loop, and a fixed lower seat belt
anchor 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- Multistage driver and
front passenger airbags are available for this model.
This airbag system is a passive, inflatable, Supple-
mental 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
8O - 2 RESTRAINTSDR

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.
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 Sensor- Two side impact sensors
are used on vehicles equipped with the optional side
curtain airbags, one left side and one right side. One
sensor is located behind the B-pillar trim near the
base of 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 and the EMIC each contain a central
processing unit and programming that allow them to
communicate with each other using the Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus net-
work. 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 - ELEC-
TRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION).
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
Fig. 2 SRS Logo
8O - 4 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, airbag, impact sensor, or
instrument panel components require diagnosis or
service. Failure to observe this warning could result
in accidental airbag deployment and possible per-
sonal 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 the side impact sensors be closely
inspected and restored to their original conditions fol-lowing any vehicle impact damage. Because the ACM
and each impact sensor 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 supplemental restraint
deployment, but are to be replaced only as required
by the extent of the visible damage incurred.
AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS
Multistage airbags with multiple initiators (squibs)
must be checked to determine that all squibs were
used during the deployment event. The driver and
passenger airbags in this model are deployed by elec-
trical signals generated by the Airbag Control Mod-
ule (ACM) through the driver or passenger squib 1
and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the air-
bag inflators. Typically, both initiators are used and
all potentially hazardous chemicals are burned dur-
ing an airbag deployment event. However, it is possi-
ble for only one initiator to be used due to an airbag
system fault; therefore, it is always necessary to con-
firm that both initiators have been used in order to
avoid the improper handling or disposal of poten-
tially live pyrotechnic or hazardous materials. The
following procedure should be performed using a
DRBIIItscan tool to verify the status of both airbag
squibs before either deployed airbag is removed from
the vehicle for disposal.
CAUTION: Deployed front airbags having two initia-
tors (squibs) in the airbag inflator may or may not
have live pyrotechnic material within the inflator. Do
not dispose of these airbags unless you are sure of
complete deployment. Refer to the Hazardous Sub-
stance Control System for proper disposal proce-
dures. Dispose of all non-deployed and deployed
airbags in a manner consistent with state, provin-
cial, local, and federal regulations.
(1) 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.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
(3) Using the DRBIIIt, read and record the active
(current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
Using the active DTC information, refer to theAir-
bag Squib Statustable to determine the status of
both driver and/or passenger airbag squibs.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 7
RESTRAINTS (Continued)