1998 DODGE RAM 1500 warning

(6) Remove the seat belt turning loop from the
upper inner C-pillar.
(7) Remove the upper and lower trim from the
inner C-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/C-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL) and (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/C-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
web guide to the inner C-pillar near the belt line.
(9) Remove the seat belt web guide from the inner
C-pillar.
(10) Remove the screw that secures the lower
retractor bracket to the lower inner C-pillar below
the retractor mounting hole.
(11) Disengage the hook on the upper retractor
bracket from the slot in the lower inner C-pillar
above the retractor mounting hole.
(12) Remove the rear outboard seat belt and
retractor from the retractor mounting hole in the
lower inner C-pillar.
INSTALLATION
The only component of this seat belt and retractor
unit that is available for individual service replace-
ment is the plastic web stop button that prevents 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.
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 rear outboard seat belt and retrac-
tor to the retractor mounting hole in the lower inner
C-pillar (Fig. 43).
(2) Engage the hook on the upper retractor bracket
into the slot in the lower inner C-pillar above the
retractor mounting hole.
(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower retractor bracket to the lower inner C-pillar
below the retractor mounting hole. Tighten the screw
to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(4) Position the seat belt web guide to the inner
C-pillar near the belt line.
(5) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt web guide to the inner C-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the upper and lower trim onto the
inner C-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/C-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - INSTALLATION) and
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/C-PILLAR LOWER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(7) Position the seat belt turning loop onto the
upper inner C-pillar.
Fig. 43 Rear Outboard Seat Belt & Retractor
Remove/Install
1 - C-PILLAR
2 - TRIM PANEL
3 - TURNING LOOP
4 - SCREW
5 - TRIM COVER
6 - SEAT BELT
7 - SCREW
8 - LOWER ANCHOR
9 - SCREW
10 - SCREW
11 - RETRACTOR
12 - WEB GUIDE
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 47
REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

(8) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt turning loop to the C-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(9) Engage the lower snap features of the new trim
cover over the rear outboard seat belt turning loop
and, using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly on
the top of the trim cover until it snaps into place.
(10) Position the lower seat belt anchor to the base
of the inner C-pillar.
(11) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower seat belt anchor to the base of the inner C-pil-
lar. Tighten the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(12) Reinstall the rear seat into the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT - REAR - INSTALLA-
TION).
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - CENTER & LEFT OUTBOARD
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) Lift up the rear seat cushion into its stowed
position against the rear seat back.
(2) Remove the screw that secures either the cen-
ter or the left outboard occupant buckle unit to the
rear floor panel near the base of the cab back panel
(Fig. 44). On models with the optional 60/40 split
rear bench, the screw that secures the buckle unit
also secures one of the rear seat mounting brackets
to the rear floor panel.
(3) Remove the center or the left outboard occu-
pant buckle unit from the rear floor panel or from
the rear seat mounting bracket.
Fig. 44 Rear Seat Belt Buckle Remove/Install
1 - CAB BACK PANEL
2 - CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
3 - SCREW (4)
4 - LEFT OUTBOARD OCCUPANT BUCKLE UNIT
5 - CENTER OCCUPANT BUCKLE UNIT
6 - CENTER ANCHOR/RIGHT OUTBOARD OCCUPANT BUCKLE
& BRACKET UNIT
7 - REAR FLOOR PANEL
8O - 48 RESTRAINTSDR
REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

REMOVAL - CENTER ANCHOR & RIGHT
OUTBOARD
The unique black, keyed center seat belt lower
anchor buckle and the right outboard occupant
buckle are serviced as a unit with their mounting
bracket. The rear center seat belt retractor is also
secured to the mounting bracket with these two
buckles, but can be removed from the mounting
bracket and is serviced separately from the two buck-
les. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/REAR
CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - REMOVAL).
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) Reach between the rear seat cushion and the
rear seat back to access and unbuckle the rear center
seat belt lower anchor latch plate from the unique
black, keyed lower anchor buckle. Use an ignition
key or a small screwdriver to depress the small white
release button on the anchor buckle.
(2) Remove the rear seat from the vehicle. On
models with the optional 60/40 split rear bench, only
the 60 percent section (right side) of the rear seat
must be removed. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT
- REAR - REMOVAL).(3) Remove the screw that secures the rear center
seat belt retractor to the center anchor/right out-
board occupant buckle and mounting bracket unit on
the rear floor panel near the cab back panel (Fig. 45).
(4) Remove the rear center seat belt retractor from
the center anchor/right outboard occupant buckle and
mounting bracket unit.
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the center
anchor/right outboard occupant buckle and mounting
bracket unit to the rear floor panel near the base of
the cab back panel (Fig. 46).
(6) Remove the center anchor/right outboard occu-
pant buckle and mounting bracket unit from the rear
floor panel.
Fig. 45 Rear Center Retractor & Mounting Bracket
1 - RIGHT OUTBOARD OCCUPANT BUCKLE
2 - REAR CENTER SEAT BELT
3 - REAR CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
4 - MOUNTING BRACKET
5 - CENTER ANCHOR BUCKLE
6 - SCREW (1)
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 49
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CENTER & LEFT OUTBOARD
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 SEATBELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the center or the left outboard occu-
pant buckle unit onto the rear floor panel or onto the
rear seat mounting bracket near the base of the cab
back panel (Fig. 44). On models with the optional
60/40 split rear bench, the screw that secures the
buckle unit also secures one of the rear seat mount-
ing brackets to the rear floor panel.
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
center or the left outboard occupant buckle unit to
the rear floor panel. Tighten the screw to 40 N´m (29
ft. lbs.).
(3) Lower the rear seat cushion back to its normal
seating position.
INSTALLATION - CENTER ANCHOR & RIGHT
OUTBOARD
The unique black, keyed center seat belt lower
anchor buckle and the right outboard occupant
buckle are serviced as a unit with their mounting
bracket. The rear center seat belt retractor is also
secured to the mounting bracket with these two
buckles, but can be removed from the mounting
bracket and is serviced separately from the two buck-
les. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/REAR
CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
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.
Fig. 46 Rear Seat Belt Buckle Remove/Install
1 - CAB BACK PANEL
2 - CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
3 - SCREW (4)
4 - LEFT OUTBOARD OCCUPANT BUCKLE UNIT
5 - CENTER OCCUPANT BUCKLE UNIT
6 - CENTER ANCHOR/RIGHT OUTBOARD OCCUPANT BUCKLE
& BRACKET UNIT
7 - REAR FLOOR PANEL
8O - 50 RESTRAINTSDR
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire
connector from the seat wire harness connector for
the seat belt switch on the inboard side of the driver
side front seat forward of the seat belt buckle-half
anchor. Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit and the ground circuit cavities of
the seat belt switch pigtail wire connector. There
should be continuity with the seat belt buckled, and
no continuity with the seat belt unbuckled. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty front seat belt
buckle-half assembly.
(2) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity in the seat wire harness connector for the
seat belt switch and a good ground. There should be
continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the
open ground circuit to ground (G301) as required.
(3) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. Check for continuity between the seat
belt switch sense circuit cavity of the seat wire har-
ness connector for the seat belt switch and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, repair the shorted seat belt switch
sense circuit between the seat belt switch and the
instrument cluster as required.
(4) Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit cavities of the seat wire harness
connector for the seat belt switch and the instrument
panel wire harness connector (Connector C2) for the
instrument cluster. There should be continuity. If
OK, test and replace the faulty instrument cluster as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If not OK,
repair the open seat belt switch sense circuit between
the seat belt switch and the instrument cluster as
required.SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION
Front outboard seating position seat belt tension-
ers supplement the driver and passenger airbags for
all versions of this model (Fig. 48). The seat belt ten-
sioner is integral to the front outboard seat belt and
retractor units, which are secured to the inner B-pil-
lar on the right and left sides of the vehicle. The
retractor is concealed beneath the molded plastic
inner B-pillar trim. The seat belt tensioner consists
primarily of a die cast aluminum tensioner housing
or chamber, a mechanical clutch unit, a tape-like
metal strip, a pair of cutters, a pyrotechnically acti-
vated gas generator, and a short pigtail wire. All of
these components are located on one side of the
retractor spool on the outside of the retractor hous-
ing. The seat belt tensioners are controlled by the
Airbag Control Module (ACM) and are connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated
take out of the body wire harness by a keyed and
latching molded plastic connector insulator to ensure
a secure connection.
The seat belt tensioners cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire outboard front seat belt
and retractor unit must be replaced. If the front air-
bags have been deployed, the seat belt tensioners
have also been deployed. The seat belt tensioners are
not intended for reuse and must be replaced follow-
ing any front airbag deployment. A locked retractor
that will not allow the seat belt webbing to be
Fig. 48 Seat Belt Tensioner
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 - 52 RESTRAINTSDR
SEAT BELT SWITCH (Continued)

OPERATION
The seat belt tension reducer is controlled by a
ground signal received from the seat belt switch on
the seat belt switch sense circuit and a battery cur-
rent signal received from the ignition switch on the
fused ignition switch output (run-accessory) circuit.
When the seat belt switch is closed (the driver side
front seat belt is fastened) and the ignition switch is
in the On or Accessory positions, the seat belt tension
reducer solenoid is energized. When the solenoid is
energized, it actuates a mechanism within the driver
side front outboard seat belt retractor to reduce the
normal recoil spring tension exerted by the retractor
spool, which is designed to reel in the seat belt web-
bing onto the spool. When the driver side seat belt is
unbuckled or if the ignition switch is turned to any
position except On or Accessory, the tension reducer
solenoid is de-energized and the normal recoil spring
tension of the retractor is restored.
The action of the seat belt tension reducer results
in improved seat belt comfort for the driver. Reducing
the seat belt retractor recoil spring tension is desir-
able on standard cab models of this vehicle and not
on the quad cab model due to the different mounting
position required for the seat belt turning loop on the
B-pillar relative to the driver's seat position on the
standard cab model. The seat belt tension reducer
may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools
and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
TENSION REDUCER
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire
harness routing and retention, connector pin-out
information and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
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.(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the seat belt tension reducer from the tension
reducer connector receptacle on the driver side front
outboard seat belt and retractor unit. Using an ohm-
meter, measure the resistance between the seat belt
switch sense circuit terminal pin and the fused igni-
tion switch output (run-accessory) circuit terminal
pin in the tension reducer connector receptacle on
the retractor. Resistance through the tension reducer
solenoid coil should be 53 ohms at 20É C (68É F). If
OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty driver
side front outboard seat belt and retractor unit.
(2) Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit cavity of the body wire harness
connector for the seat belt tension reducer and a good
ground. There should be continuity with the driver
side front seat belt buckled, and no continuity with
the driver side front seat belt unbuckled. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, repair the shorted or open seat
belt switch sense circuit between the tension reducer
and the seat belt switch as required.
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Check for
battery current at the fused ignition switch output
(run-accessory) circuit of the body wire harness con-
nector for the seat belt tension reducer. There should
be battery current with the ignition switch in the On
or Accessory positions, and no battery current with
the ignition switch in any other position. If not OK,
repair the shorted or open fused ignition switch out-
put (run-accessory) circuit between the tension
reducer and the ignition switch as required.
8O - 54 RESTRAINTSDR
SEAT BELT TENSION REDUCER (Continued)

SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP
ADJUSTER
REMOVAL
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) 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.
(2) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
turning loop to the height adjuster.
(3) Remove the front seat belt turning loop from
the height adjuster.
(4) Remove the upper trim from the inner B-pillar.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR UPPER
TRIM - REMOVAL).
(5) Loosen the two screws that secure the seat belt
turning loop height adjuster far enough to remove
the adjuster from the upper B-pillar (Fig. 50).
(6) Disengage the tab near the lower end of the
seat belt turning loop height adjuster from the slot in
the sheet metal and remove the adjuster from the
inner B-pillar.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH,
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 INSTALLATION, OPERA-
TION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT IS
CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT
THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTEN-
ERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED
OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR.
REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A BENT OR DAM-
AGED 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 front seat belt turning loop
adjuster to the inner B-pillar (Fig. 50).
(2) Engage the tab near the lower end of the seat
belt turning loop height adjuster into the slot in the
sheet metal of the inner B-pillar.
(3) Hand tighten the lower of the two screws that
secure the seat belt turning loop height adjuster to
the upper B-pillar far enough to keep the tab on the
lower end of the adjuster engaged in the B-pillar slot.
Fig. 50 Seat Belt Turning Loop Adjuster Remove/
Install
1 - B-PILLAR
2 - ADJUSTER
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - GRAB HANDLE BRACKET (QUAD CAB ONLY)
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 55

pressed inert gas. When the ACM sends the proper
electrical signal to the airbag inflator, the electrical
energy creates enough heat to ignite chemical pellets
within the inflator. Once ignited, these chemicals
burn rapidly and produce the pressure necessary to
rupture a containment disk in the inert gas canister.
The inflator and inert gas canister are sealed and
connected to a tubular manifold so that all of the
released gas is directed into the folded side curtain
airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate.
As the airbag cushion inflates it will drop down
from the roof rail between the edge of the headliner
and the side glass/body pillars to form a curtain-like
cushion to protect the vehicle occupants during a side
impact collision. The front tether keeps the front por-
tion of the side curtain bag taut, thus ensuring that
the bag will deploy in the proper position. Following
the airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly
deflates by venting the inert gas through the loose
weave of the cushion fabric, and the deflated cushion
hangs down loosely from the roof rail.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged side curtain airbag. If the airbag
is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the
recommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the side curtain 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 UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE SIDE
CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE HEADLINER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the headliner from the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screw that secures the side curtain
airbag tether retainer to the base of the A-pillar near
the belt line (Fig. 53).
(4) Disengage the two side curtain airbag tether
plastic retainer clips from the A-pillar.
Fig. 53 Side Curtain Airbag Remove/Install - Typical
1 - ROOF SIDE RAIL
2 - SPRING NUT (4 - STD CAB/6 - QUAD CAB)
3 - SCREW (4 - STD CAB/6 - QUAD CAB)
4 - CLIP (2)
5 - RIVET NUT
6 - SCREW
7 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
8 - RETAINER (3 - STD CAB/5 - QUAD CAB)
9 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 57
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)