1998 DODGE RAM 1500 airbag disable

(1) From the front of the front seat, position the
front center seat belt buckle, lap belt unit, or unique
black, keyed front center seat belt lower anchor
buckle between the center seat cushion and the adja-
cent right or left front outboard seat cushion.
(2) From the front of the front seat, reach between
the center seat cushion and the adjacent right or left
front outboard seat cushion to route the front center
seat belt buckle, lap belt unit lower anchor, or unique
black, keyed front center seat belt lower anchor
buckle through the elastic strap on the side of the
center seat cushion (Fig. 30).
(3) From behind the front seat, position the front
center seat belt buckle, lap belt lower anchor, or
unique black, keyed front center seat belt lower
anchor buckle to the center seat support bracket.
(4) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front center seat belt buckle, lap belt lower anchor, or
unique black, keyed front center seat belt lower
anchor buckle to the center seat support bracket.
Tighten the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(5) Move the adjacent right or left front outboard
seat section (40 percent) back to its rearward posi-
tion.
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT
BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - STANDARD 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 driver's side of stan-
dard cab models only also includes a tension reducer.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/TENSION
REDUCER - DESCRIPTION). The seat belt retractor
on the passenger's side of all models includes a swit-
chable automatic locking mechanism. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/AUTOMATIC LOCK-
ING 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.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT BELT
OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE, CARE-
FULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES,
MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER
STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLA-
TION, OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN.
STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED.
TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE
BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT HAS A BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE
OR ANCHOR PLATE. REPLACE ANY CHILD
RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE
ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR
DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT.
ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT
BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the lower seat belt anchor and
the B-pillar trim.
8O - 32 RESTRAINTSDR
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT (Continued)

before removing the front outboard seat belt and
retractor from the vehicle. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYS-
TEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGA-
TIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES
FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH, DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT BELT
OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE, CARE-
FULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES,
MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER
STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLA-
TION, OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN.
STRAIGHTEN ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED.
TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY
BELT THAT HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE
BUCKLE OR RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT HAS A BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE
OR ANCHOR PLATE. REPLACE ANY CHILD
RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE
ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR
DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT.
ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT
BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the lower seat belt anchor and
the B-pillar trim.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) Remove the screw that secures the lower seat
belt anchor to the floor panel near the base of the
inner B-pillar (Fig. 32).(4) Remove the lower seat belt anchor from the
floor panel near the base of the inner B-pillar.
(5) Unsnap and remove the trim cover from the
front outboard seat belt turning loop to access the
screw that secures the turning loop to the height
adjuster on the upper inner B-pillar. Discard the
removed turning loop trim cover as it is not intended
for reuse.
(6) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
turning loop to the height adjuster.
(7) Remove the seat belt turning loop from the
height adjuster.
(8) Remove the upper and lower trim from the
inner B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-
PILLAR UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL) and (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL).
Fig. 32 Front Outboard Seat Belt & Retractor
Remove/Install - Quad Cab
1 - ADJUSTER
2 - UPPER TRIM PANEL
3 - B-PILLAR
4 - TURNING LOOP
5 - SCREW
6 - TRIM COVER
7 - SEAT BELT
8 - LOWER TRIM PANEL
9 - SCREW
10 - LOWER ANCHOR
11 - SCREW
12 - RETRACTOR
13 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
14 - SCREW
15 - WEB GUIDE
8O - 34 RESTRAINTSDR
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

(9) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
web guide to the inner B-pillar near the belt line.
(10) Remove the seat belt web guide from the
inner B-pillar.
(11) Disengage the seat belt tensioner pigtail wire
retainer from the hole in the inner B-pillar sheet
metal.
(12) Disconnect the yellow seat belt tensioner pig-
tail wire connector from the body wire harness take
out and connector for the tensioner.
(13) Remove the screw that secures the lower
retractor bracket to the lower inner B-pillar below
the retractor mounting hole.
(14) Disengage the hooks on the upper retractor
bracket from the slots in the lower inner B-pillar
above the retractor mounting hole.
(15) Remove the front outboard seat belt and
retractor from the retractor mounting hole in the
lower inner B-pillar.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - STANDARD 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 driver's side of stan-
dard cab models only also includes a tension reducer.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/TENSION
REDUCER - DESCRIPTION). The seat belt retractor
on the passenger's side of all models includes a swit-
chable automatic locking mechanism. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/AUTOMATIC LOCK-
ING 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.
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. 31).
(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.).
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 35
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (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)

OPERATION
The multistage passenger airbag is deployed by
electrical signals generated by the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) through the passenger airbag squib 1
and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the air-
bag inflator. By using two initiators, the airbag can
be deployed at multiple levels of force. The force level
is controlled by the ACM to suit the monitored
impact conditions by providing one of four delay
intervals between the electrical signals provided to
the two initiators. The longer the delay between
these signals, the less forcefully the airbag will
deploy.
When the ACM sends the proper electrical signals to
each initiator, the electrical energy generates enough
heat to initiate a small pyrotechnic charge which, in
turn ignites chemical pellets within the inflator. Once
ignited, these chemical pellets burn rapidly and pro-
duce a large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is
sealed to the airbag cushion and a diffuser in the infla-
tor directs all of the inert gas into the airbag cushion,
causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates,
the passenger airbag door will split at predetermined
tear seam lines concealed on the inside surface of the
door, then the door will pivot up over the top of the
instrument panel and out of the way. Following an air-
bag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by
venting the inert gas through vent holes within the
fabric used to construct the back (instrument panel
side) of the airbag cushion.
Typically, both initiators are used during an airbag
deployment event. However, it is possible for only one
initiator to be used during a deployment due to an
airbag system fault; therefore, it is necessary to
always confirm that both initiators have been used in
order to avoid the improper disposal of potentially
live pyrotechnic materials. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT).
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the passenger 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the lower surround from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/LOWER SURROUND - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screw that secures the mounting
tab of the panel outlet housing to the upper glove box
opening reinforcement (Fig. 36).
(4) Remove the six screws that secure the inboard
and lower flanges of the passenger airbag door to the
instrument panel.
Fig. 36 Passenger Airbag Door Screws
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
2 - PANEL OUTLET SCREW (1)
3 - GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER REINFORCEMENT
4 - DOOR SCREW (6)
8O - 40 RESTRAINTSDR
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

(5) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and remove the two screws that secure the
passenger airbag rear brackets to the upper glove
box opening reinforcement (Fig. 37).
(6) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and remove the two screws that secure the
passenger airbag front brackets to the instrument
panel structural support.
(7) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the upper and outboard
edges of the passenger airbag door away from the
instrument panel far enough to disengage the seven
snap features on the door from the receptacles in the
instrument panel base trim (Fig. 38).
(8) Pull the passenger airbag housing and door
unit straight back from the instrument panel far
enough to access the instrument panel wire harness
take out and connector for the airbag located on the
inboard side of the airbag housing.(9) Disconnect the passenger airbag pigtail wire
connector from the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the airbag. To disconnect the connector:
(a) Slide the red Connector Position Assurance
(CPA) lock on the connector toward the side of the
connector.
(b) Depress the connector latch tab and pull the
two halves of the connector straight away from
each other.
(10) Remove the passenger airbag and airbag door
from the instrument panel as a unit.
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the passenger 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.
Fig. 37 Passenger Airbag Remove/Install
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
2 - UPPER GLOVE BOX OPENING REINFORCEMENT
3 - FRONT BRACKET SCREW (2)
4 - REAR BRACKET SCREW (2)
Fig. 38 Passenger Airbag Door Disengage
1 - TRIM STICK
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 41
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

The passenger airbag on/off switch housing is con-
structed of molded plastic and has three integral
mounting tabs. These mounting tabs are used to
secure the switch to the back of the molded plastic
switch face plate with three small screws. The
molded plastic face plate also has three integral
mounting tabs that are used to secure the switch and
face plate unit to the instrument panel center bezel
with three additional screws. A molded plastic con-
nector receptacle on the back of the switch housing
connects the switch to the vehicle electrical system
through a dedicated take out and connector of the
instrument panel wire harness. The molded plastic
harness connector insulator is keyed and latched to
ensure proper and secure switch electrical connec-
tions. The passenger airbag on/off switch cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag on/off switch allows the cus-
tomer to turn the passenger airbag function On or
Off to accommodate certain uses of the right front
seating position where airbag protection may not be
desired. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for specific recommendations on when to enable
or disable the passenger airbag. The Off indicator of
the switch will be illuminated whenever the switch is
turned to the Off position and the ignition switch is
in the On position.
The ignition key is the only key or object that
should ever be inserted into the key cylinder actuator
of the switch. The on/off switch requires only a par-
tial key insertion to fully depress a spring-loaded
locking plunger. The spring-loaded locking plunger
prevents the user from leaving the key in the switch.
The key will be automatically ejected when force is
not applied. To actuate the passenger airbag on/off
switch, insert the ignition key into the switch key
actuator far enough to fully depress the plunger, then
rotate the actuator to the desired switch position.
When the switch key actuator is rotated to its clock-
wise stop (the key actuator slot will be aligned with
the Off indicator), the Off indicator is illuminated
and the passenger airbag is disabled. When the
switch is rotated to its counterclockwise stop (the key
actuator slot will be in a vertical position), the Off
indicator will be extinguished and the passenger air-
bag is enabled.The passenger airbag on/off switch connects one of
two internal resistors in series between the passen-
ger airbag mux switch sense and passenger airbag
mux switch return circuits of the Airbag Control
Module (ACM). The ACM continually monitors the
resistance in these circuits to determine the switch
position that has been selected. When the switch is
in the Off position, the ACM provides a ground input
to the switch through the passenger airbag indicator
driver circuit, which energizes the Light-Emitting
Diode (LED) that illuminates the Off indicator of the
switch.
The ACM will also illuminate the Off indicator of
the switch for about seven seconds each time the
ignition switch is turned to the On position as a bulb
test. The ACM will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) for any fault it detects in the passenger airbag
on/off switch or Off indicator circuits, and will illumi-
nate the airbag indicator in the instrument cluster if
a fault is detected. For proper diagnosis of the pas-
senger airbag on/off switch or the ACM, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
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) Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL -
REMOVAL).
(3) From the back of the center bezel, remove the
three screws that secure the passenger airbag on/off
switch and face plate unit to the back of the bezel
(Fig. 40).
(4) Remove the passenger airbag on/off switch and
face plate from the center bezel as a unit.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 43
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (Continued)

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 passenger airbag on/off switch and
face plate unit to the back of the center bezel (Fig.
40).
(2) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the passenger airbag on/off switch face plate to the
back of the center bezel. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(17 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the center bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(4) 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).
REAR CENTER SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
The rear center seat belt retractor is secured with
a single screw to a mounting bracket that includes
the unique black, keyed center seat belt lower anchor
buckle and the right outboard occupant buckle, but
can be removed from the mounting bracket and is
serviced separately from the two buckles. The center
anchor buckle and the right outboard occupant
buckle are serviced as a unit with their mounting
bracket. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE - REMOVAL - CEN-
TER ANCHOR & RIGHT 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) Reach between the rear seat cushion and the
rear seat back to access and unbuckle the 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).
Fig. 40 Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch Remove/
Install
1 - CENTER BEZEL
2 - SCREW (3)
3 - SWITCH & PLATE UNIT
8O - 44 RESTRAINTSDR
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (Continued)