1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Connector location

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HEADLAMPS DO NOT
ILLUMINATE1. No voltage to headlamps. 1. Repair open headlamp circuit, refer to
Electrical, Wiring Information.
2. No ground at headlamps. 2. Repair circuit ground, refer to Electrical,
Wiring Information.
3. Broken connector terminal or
wire splice in headlamp circuit.3. Repair connector terminal or wire splice.
4. Faulty or burned out bulb. 4. Replace headlamp bulb(s).
5. Integrated Control Module
malfunction.5. Refer to appropriate Body Control Module
diagnostics.
6. J1850 Bus Communication 6. Verify messages being transmitted by
Instrument Cluster and received by FCM.
7. Front Control Module
Malfunction.7. Refer to appropriate ICM/FCM diagnostics.
HEADLAMPS ON WITH
IGNITION IN RUN, WITH
HEADLAMP SWITCH
OFF1. Faulty headlamp switch. 1. Replace headlamp switch (review Instrument
Cluster logged faults).
2. Diagnostic tool indicates (4.7 -
5.0V) on headlamp switch input to
Instrument Cluster.2. Inspect and repair terminals, connectors and
open circuits.
3. J1850 Bus Communication. 3. Verify messages being transmitted by
Instrument Cluster and received by FCM.
4. Front Control Module
Malfunction.4. Refer to appropriate ICM/FCM diagnostics.
FOG LAMP DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FOG LAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE IDLING
OR IGNITION TURNED
OFF.1. Loose or corroded battery
cables.1. Clean and secure battery cable clamps and
posts.
2. Loose or worn generator drive
belt.2. Adjust or replace generator drive belt.
3. Charging system output too low. 3. Test and repair charging system. Refer to
Electrical, Charging,
4. Battery has insufficient charge. 4. Test battery state-of-charge. Refer to
Electrical, Battery System.
5. Battery is sulfated or shorted. 5. Load test battery. Refer to Electrical, Battery
System.
6. Poor lighting circuit ground. 6. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
FOG LAMP BULBS
BURN OUT
FREQUENTLY1. Charging system output too
high.1. Test and repair charging system. Refer to
Electrical, Charging.
2. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.2. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices.
Refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
DRLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 5
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FOG LAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE
RUNNING ABOVE IDLE1. Charging system output too low. 1. Test and repair charging system. Refer to
Electrical, Charging.
2. Poor lighting circuit ground. 2. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
3. High resistance in fog lamp
circuit.3. Test amperage draw of fog lamp circuit.
FOG LAMPS FLASH
RANDOMLY1. Poor lighting circuit ground. 1. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
2. Variable resistance in fog lamp
circuit.2. Test amperage draw of fog lamp circuit.
3. Faulty fog lamp switch (part of
headlamp switch).3. Replace headlamp switch.
4. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.4. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices.
Refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
5. Is relay engaging properly? 5. Verify function of fog lamp relay in IPM.
6. J1850 Bus Communication. 6. Verify J1850 message (fog lamp info)
transmitted from Instrument Cluster and
received by FCM.
FOG LAMPS DO NOT
ILLUMINATE1. Blown fuse for fog lamp. 1. Replace fuse. Refer to Electrical, Wiring
Information.
2. No ground at fog lamps. 2. Repair circuit ground. Refer to Electrical,
Wiring Information.
3. Faulty fog lamp switch (part of
headlamp switch).3. Replace headlamp switch.
4. Broken connector terminal or
wire splice in fog lamp circuit.4. Repair connector terminal or wire splice.
5. Faulty or burned out bulb. 5. Replace bulb.
6. Is relay engaging? 6. Verify function of fog lamp relay in IPM.
7. J1850 Bus Communication. 7. Verify J1850 message (fog lamp info)
transmitted from Instrument Cluster and
received by FCM.
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (CANADA ONLY) DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DAYTIME RUNNING
LAMPS DO NOT
OPERATE1. Parking brake engaged. 1. Disengage parking brake.
2. Parking brake circuit shorted
to ground.2. Check cluster telltale, refer to the appropriate
wiring information.
3. Headlamp circuit shorted to
ground.3. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
4. FCM, Instrument Cluster not
programed with Canadian
country code.4. Check country code.
8L - 6 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

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)

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)

(4) Reconnect the yellow seat belt tensioner pigtail
wire connector to the body wire harness take out and
connector for the tensioner.
(5) Engage the seat belt tensioner pigtail wire
retainer into the hole in the inner B-pillar sheet
metal.
(6) On the driver side only, reconnect the body
wire harness take out and white connector to the
seat belt tension reducer connector receptacle near
the bottom of the retractor.
(7) Position the seat belt web guide to its mount-
ing location on the inner B-pillar near the belt line.
(8) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt web guide to the inner B-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(9) Reinstall the upper and lower trim onto the
inner B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - INSTALLATION) and
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(10) Position the seat belt turning loop onto the
height adjuster on the upper inner B-pillar.
(11) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster. Tighten
the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(12) Engage the lower snap features of the new
trim cover over the front 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.
(13) Position the lower seat belt anchor to the
lower inner B-pillar.
(14) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower seat belt anchor to the B-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(15) 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).
(16) Move the front seat back to its rearward posi-
tion.INSTALLATION - 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 deployment
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.
8O - 36 RESTRAINTSDR
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

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 front outboard seat belt and
retractor to the retractor mounting hole in the lower
inner B-pillar (Fig. 32).
(2) Engage the hooks on the upper retractor
bracket into the slots in the lower inner B-pillar
above the retractor mounting hole.
(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower retractor bracket to the lower inner B-pillar
below the retractor mounting hole. Tighten the screw
to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the yellow seat belt tensioner pigtail
wire connector to the body wire harness take out and
connector for the tensioner.
(5) Engage the seat belt tensioner pigtail wire
retainer into the hole in the inner B-pillar sheet
metal.
(6) Position the seat belt web guide to its mount-
ing location on the inner B-pillar near the belt line.
(7) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt web guide to the inner B-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(8) Reinstall the upper and lower trim onto the
inner B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - INSTALLATION) and
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(9) Position the seat belt turning loop onto the
height adjuster on the upper inner B-pillar.
(10) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster. Tighten
the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(11) Engage the lower snap features of the new
trim cover over the front outboard seat belt turningloop and, using hand pressure, press firmly and
evenly on the top of the trim cover until it snaps into
place.
(12) Position the lower seat belt anchor to the floor
panel near the base of the inner B-pillar.
(13) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower seat belt anchor to the floor panel near the
base of the inner B-pillar. Tighten the screw to 40
N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(14) 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).
(15) Move the front seat back to its rearward posi-
tion.
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT
BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
A traveling front outboard seat belt buckle is
located on the inboard side of each front outboard
seat section (40 percent) used on all models. The seat
belt buckle on the driver's side front seat for all mod-
els also includes a seat belt switch. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT SWITCH -
DESCRIPTION).
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.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 37
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

(1) Position the center anchor/right outboard occu-
pant buckle and mounting bracket unit onto the rear
floor panel near the base of the cab back panel (Fig.
46).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the center anchor/right outboard occupant buckle and
mounting bracket unit to the rear floor panel.
Tighten the screws to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(3) Position the rear center seat belt retractor onto
the center anchor/right outboard occupant buckle and
mounting bracket unit (Fig. 45).
(4) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear center seat belt retractor to the center anchor/
right outboard occupant buckle and mounting
bracket unit. Tighten the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the rear seat into 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 reinstalled. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT - REAR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reach between the rear seat cushion and the
rear seat back to access and buckle the rear center
seat belt lower anchor latch plate to the unique
black, keyed lower anchor buckle.
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt switch is a small, normally open, sin-
gle pole, single throw, leaf contact, momentary
switch. Only one seat belt switch is installed in the
vehicle, and it is integral to the buckle of the driver
side front seat belt buckle-half, located on the
inboard side of the driver side front seat track (Fig.
47). The seat belt switch is connected to the vehicle
electrical system through a two-wire pigtail wire and
connector on the seat belt buckle-half, which is con-
nected to a wire harness connector and take out of
the seat wire harness routed beneath the driver side
front seat cushion in the passenger compartment.
The seat belt switch cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, the entire driver side front
seat belt buckle-half unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The seat belt switch is designed to control a path
to ground for the seat belt switch sense input of the
ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC). When
the driver side front seat belt tip-half is inserted into
the seat belt buckle, the switch closes the path to
ground; and, when the driver side front seat belt tip-
half is removed from the seat belt buckle, the switch
opens the ground path. The switch is actuated by the
latch mechanism within the seat belt buckle.
The seat belt switch is connected in series between
ground and the seat belt switch sense input of the
instrument cluster. The seat belt switch receives
ground at all times through its pigtail wire connec-
tion to the seat wire harness from a take out of the
body wire harness. An eyelet terminal connector on
the body wire harness ground take out is secured
beneath a ground screw on the left cowl side inner
panel, beneath the instrument panel. The seat belt
switch may de diagnosed using conventional diagnos-
tic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
SWITCH
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.
Fig. 47 Seat Belt Switch
1 - DRIVER SIDE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE
2 - SEAT CUSHION
3 - PIGTAIL WIRE
4 - INBOARD SEAT TRACK
5 - SCREW
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 51
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE (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)