1998 DODGE RAM 1500 battery location

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
brake indicator condition. If there are problems with
several indicators in the instrument cluster, (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING). If the brake indicator stays
on with the ignition switch in the On position and
the park brake released, or comes on while driving,
the brake system must be diagnosed and repaired
prior to performing the following tests. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If no brake
system problem is found, the following procedures
will help to locate a shorted or open circuit, or a
faulty park brake switch input. Refer to the appropri-
ate 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 connec-
tors, 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.
INDICATOR ILLUMINATES DURING BULB TEST, BUT DOES
NOT WHEN PARK BRAKE APPLIED
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the park brake switch from the switch terminal.
Apply the parking brake. Check for continuity
between the park brake switch terminal and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, replace the faulty park brake switch.
(2) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Connector C1) for the instrument cluster
from the cluster connector receptacle. Check for con-
tinuity between the park brake switch sense circuit
cavities of the body wire harness connector for the
park brake switch and the instrument panel wire
harness connector for the instrument cluster. There
should be continuity. If not OK, repair the open parkbrake switch sense circuit between the park brake
switch and the instrument cluster as required.
INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED - BRAKE SYSTEM
CHECKS OK
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the park brake switch from the switch terminal.
Check for continuity between the terminal of the
park brake switch and a good ground. There should
be no continuity with the park brake released, and
continuity with the park brake applied. If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty park brake
switch.
(2) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Connector C1) for the instrument cluster
from the cluster connector receptacle. Check for con-
tinuity between the park brake switch sense circuit
cavity of the body wire harness connector for the
park brake switch and a good ground. There should
be no continuity. If not OK, repair the shorted park
brake switch sense circuit between the park brake
switch and the instrument cluster as required.
CARGO LAMP INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
A cargo lamp indicator is standard equipment on
all instrument clusters (Fig. 11). The cargo lamp
indicator is located on the right side of the instru-
ment cluster, to the right of the oil pressure gauge.
The cargo lamp indicator consists of a stencil-like
cutout of the words ªCARGO LAMPº in the opaque
layer of the instrument cluster overlay. The dark
outer layer of the overlay prevents the indicator from
being clearly visible when it is not illuminated. An
amber Light Emitting Diode (LED) behind the cutout
in the opaque layer of the overlay causes the
ªCARGO LAMPº text to appear in amber through the
translucent outer layer of the overlay when the indi-
cator is illuminated from behind by the LED, which
is soldered onto the instrument cluster electronic cir-
cuit board. The cargo lamp indicator is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The cargo lamp indicator gives an indication to the
vehicle operator when the exterior cargo lamp is illu-
minated. This indicator is controlled by a transistor
on the instrument cluster circuit board based upon
Fig. 11 Cargo Lamp Indicator
8J - 20 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR (Continued)

proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the instru-
ment cluster. If the PCM sends a lamp-on message
after the bulb test, it indicates that the PCM has
detected a system malfunction and/or that the ETC
system is inoperative. The PCM will store a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for any malfunction it
detects. Each time the ETC indicator fails to illumi-
nate due to an open or short in the cluster ETC indi-
cator circuit, the cluster sends a message notifying
the PCM of the condition, the instrument cluster and
the PCM will each store a DTC. For proper diagnosis
of the ETC system, the PCM, the PCI data bus, or
the electronic message inputs to the instrument clus-
ter that control the ETC indicator, a DRBIIItscan
tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
FUEL GAUGE
DESCRIPTION
A fuel gauge is standard equipment on all instru-
ment clusters (Fig. 17). The fuel gauge is located in
the lower left quadrant of the instrument cluster,
below the voltage gauge. The fuel gauge consists of a
movable gauge needle or pointer controlled by the
instrument cluster circuitry and a fixed 90 degree
scale on the cluster overlay that reads left-to-right
from ªEº (or Empty) to ªFº (or Full). An International
Control and Display Symbol icon for ªFuelº is located
on the cluster overlay, directly below the right end of
the gauge scale. An arrowhead pointed to the left
side of the vehicle is imprinted on the cluster overlay
next to the ªFuelº icon in the fuel gauge to provide
the driver with a reminder as to the location of the
fuel filler access. On vehicles equipped with a diesel
engine, text that specifies ªDIESEL ONLYº is located
across the fuel gauge below the gauge scale, but
above the hub of the gauge needle. The fuel gauge
graphics are black against a white field except for a
single red graduation at the low end of the gauge
scale, making them clearly visible within the instru-
ment cluster in daylight. When illuminated from
behind by the panel lamps dimmer controlled cluster
illumination lighting with the exterior lamps turned
On, the black graphics appear blue and the red
graphics still appear red. The orange gauge needle is
internally illuminated. Gauge illumination is pro-
vided by replaceable incandescent bulb and bulb
holder units located on the instrument cluster elec-tronic circuit board. The fuel gauge is serviced as a
unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The fuel gauge gives an indication to the vehicle
operator of the level of fuel in the fuel tank. This
gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit
board based upon cluster programming and elec-
tronic messages received by the cluster from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine, or from the Engine
Control Module (ECM) on vehicles equipped with a
diesel engine over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) data bus. The fuel gauge is an
air core magnetic unit that receives battery current
on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board
through the fused ignition switch output (run-start)
circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the On or
Start positions. The cluster is programmed to move
the gauge needle back to the low end of the scale
after the ignition switch is turned to the Off position.
The instrument cluster circuitry controls the gauge
needle position and provides the following features:
²Percent Tank Full Message- Each time the
cluster receives a message from the PCM or ECM
indicating the percent tank full, the cluster program-
ming applies an algorithm to calculate the proper
gauge needle position, then moves the gauge needle
to the proper relative position on the gauge scale.
The algorithm is used to dampen gauge needle move-
ment against the negative effect that fuel sloshing
within the fuel tank can have on accurate inputs
from the fuel tank sending unit to the PCM or ECM.
²Less Than Twenty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives messages from
the PCM or ECM indicating the percent tank full is
about twenty percent or less for ten consecutive sec-
onds and the vehicle speed is zero, or for sixty con-
secutive seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than zero, the gauge needle is moved to the one-
eighth graduation or below on the gauge scale, the
low fuel indicator is illuminated, and a single chime
tone is sounded. The low fuel indicator remains illu-
minated until the cluster receives messages from the
PCM or ECM indicating that the percent tank full is
greater than about twenty percent for ten consecu-
tive seconds and the vehicle speed is zero, or for sixty
consecutive seconds and the vehicle speed is greater
than zero, or until the ignition switch is turned to
the Off position, whichever occurs first. The chime
tone feature will only repeat during the same igni-
tion cycle if the low fuel indicator is cycled off and
then on again by the appropriate percent tank full
messages from the PCM or ECM.
²Less Than Empty Percent Tank Full Mes-
sage- Each time the cluster receives a message from
Fig. 17 Fuel Gauge Icon
8J - 26 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERDR
ETC INDICATOR (Continued)

HEADLAMP DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HEADLAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE IDLING
OR IGNITION TURNED
OFF1. 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 circuits,
refer to Electrical, Wiring Diagram Information.
HEADLAMP BULBS
BURN OUT
FREQUENTLY1. Integrated Control Module (ICM)
not controlling voltage.1. Test and repair Integrated Control Module.
2. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.2. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices.
Refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
HEADLAMPS ARE DIM
WITH ENGINE
RUNNING ABOVE IDLE1. Charging system output too low. 1. Test and repair charging system, refer to
Electrical, Wiring Information.
2. Poor lighting circuit ground. 2. Test for voltage drop across ground circuits,
refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
3. High resistance in headlamp
circuit.3. Test amperage draw of headlamp circuit.
HEADLAMPS FLASH
RANDOMLY1. Poor lighting circuit ground. 1. Test for voltage drop across ground
locations, refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
2. Variable resistance in headlamp
circuit.2. Test amperage draw of headlamp circuit.
3. Loose or corroded terminals or
splices in circuit.3. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices,
refer to Electrical, Wiring Information.
4. Faulty headlamp switch. 4. Replace headlamp switch.
5. Front Control Module
Malfunction.5. Refer to appropriate ICM/FCM diagnostics.
8L - 4 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

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)

SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST
A self-diagnostic test is built-in to the module to
determine that the electronics module is operating
properly, and that all the J1850 PCI data bus mes-
sages are being received for proper operation. To per-
form the self-diagnostic test proceed as follows:
(1) With the ignition switch in the Off position,
simultaneously depress and hold theSTEP and
RESET buttons.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
(3) Following completion of the test, the electronics
module will display one of the following messages:
a.Pass Self Test (EVIC only), PASS (CMTC)-
The electronics module is working properly.
b.Failed Self Test (EVIC only), FAIL (CMTC)-
The electronics module has an internal failure. The
electronics module is faulty and must be replaced.
c.Failed J1850 Communication (EVIC only),
BUS (CMTC)- The electronics module is not receiv-
ing proper message input through the J1850 PCI
data bus circuit. This can result from one or more
faulty electronic modules in the vehicle, or from a
faulty PCI data bus. The use of a DRB IIItscan tool
and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are
required for further diagnosis.
NOTE: If the compass functions, but accuracy is
suspect, it may be necessary to perform a variation
adjustment. This procedure allows the compass
unit to accommodate variations in the earth's mag-
netic field strength, based on geographic location.
Refer to Compass Variation Adjustment in the Stan-
dard Procedures section of this group.
NOTE: If the compass reading displays dashes, and
only ªCALº appears in the display, demagnetizing
may be necessary to remove excessive residual
magnetic fields from the vehicle. Refer to Compass
Demagnetizing in the Standard Procedures section
of this group.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - READING/
COURTESY LAMP REPLACEMENT
(1) Open hood, disconnect and isolate the negative
battery cable.
(2) Remove the reading/courtesy lamp lens. Using
a trim stick, gently pry the forward edge of the read-
ing/courtesy lamp lens outward.
(3) Remove the reading/courtesy lamp socket from
the overhead console. Rotate the reading/courtesy
lamp socket one quarter turn counter clockwise.
(4) Remove the lamp and socket assembly.(5) Reverse the above procedure to install.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MODULE LENS
REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove the overhead console (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the electronics module from the over-
head console. Refer to the procedure later in this sec-
tion.
(3) Unsnap the lens from the module and replace
lens as necessary.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MODULE LAMP
REPLACEMENT
(1) Remove the overhead console (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE -
REMOVAL).
(2) Using a flat blade screwdriver twist out socket/
lamp (Fig. 2).
(3) Replace lamp(s) as necessary.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
CALIBRATION
CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such
as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of
the compass. Do not use magnetic tools when ser-
vicing the overhead console.
Fig. 2 Top of Overhead Console
1 - OVERHEAD CONSOLE HOUSING
2 - EVIC/CMTC MODULE
3 - ILLUMINATION LAMPS
4 - MODULE RETAINING SCREWS
DRMESSAGE SYSTEMS 8M - 3
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)

If the stored DTC information is successfully erased,
go to Step 9.
(9) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position for
about fifteen seconds, and then back to the On posi-
tion. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument
cluster. It should illuminate for six to eight seconds,
and then go out. This indicates that the supplemen-
tal restraint system is functioning normally and that
the repairs are complete. If the airbag indicator fails
to light, or lights and stays on, there is still an active
supplemental restraint system fault or malfunction.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to
diagnose the problem.
ACM COVER
REMOVAL
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) cover is used
only on models with an automatic transmission. Mod-
els with a manual transmission require that the floor
console be removed to access the ACM for service.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL).
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. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry each side of the ACM
cover away from the instrument panel at each side of
the center bracket on the floor panel transmission
tunnel far enough to disengage the two snap clip
retainers from the instrument panel receptacles (Fig.
6).
(3) Remove the ACM cover from the instrument
panel.
INSTALLATION
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) cover is used
only on models with an automatic transmission. Mod-
els with a manual transmission require that the floor
console be reinstalled following ACM service. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
INSTALLATION).
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) Position the ACM cover to the instrument
panel (Fig. 6).
(2) Align the snap clip retainer on each side of the
ACM cover with the instrument panel receptacle at
each side of the center bracket on the floor panel
transmission tunnel.
(3) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the outside of the ACM cover over each snap clip
retainer location until each retainer is fully engaged
in its instrument panel receptacle.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 6 ACM Cover Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL RECEPTACLE (2)
2 - ACM COVER
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSDR
RESTRAINTS (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)