1999 DODGE RAM sensor

AIR B AG R ESTR AIN T S YSTE M
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
DaimlerChrysler Corp.
Dodge: Ram Pickup
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and
carefully follow all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is designed to work in
conjunction with seat belts. SRS helps to reduce the risk or severity
of serious injury during a front-end collision. Driver-side air bag is
stored in a module in steering wheel hub. All models are equipped with
passenger-side air bags. Passenger-side air bag is stored in the
instrument panel, above glove box. All air bags are covered by a pad
bearing the air bag SRS logo.
Air bag(s) inflate and deflate within 1/10th of a second of
impact sensor switches closing. This creates a cushion of air between
driver and steering wheel and passenger and instrument panel.
System consists of an AIR BAG warning light, clockspring,
driver-side and passenger-side air bag modules, Air Bag Control Module
(ACM), one impact sensor (located inside ACM) and an energy reserve
capacitor. The ACM monitors system, stores fault codes (messages) and
provides information to AIR BAG warning light and Data Link Connector
(DLC). When a malfunction occurs, a fault code is stored and AIR BAG
warning light is activated for more than 12 seconds.
When impact sensor registers sufficient deceleration force
during a front-end collision, an electrical charge is sent from ACM to
air bag module inflator via the clockspring. Inflator actuates and
produces nitrogen gas, which inflates air bag(s).
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT
Whenever ignition switch is in RUN or START position, AIR BAG
warning light on instrument panel will illuminate for 6-8 seconds and
then turn off. This signifies ACM has checked the system and found
that it is functioning properly. If AIR BAG warning light illuminates
for 12 seconds or more, stays on all the time or does not come on, a
system malfunction exists and trouble code will be stored.
IMPACT SENSOR
All models have one impact sensor located inside ACM. Impact
sensor is an accelerometer that measures deceleration. During a front-
end collision, a signal is sent that completes an electrical circuit
to inflators. Inflators actuate and produce nitrogen gas, which
inflates each air bag. Impact sensor is calibrated for a specific
vehicle and react to severity and direction of vehicle impact.
AIR BAG MODULE
WARNING: DO NOT attempt to disassemble air bag modules. Air bag
modules are not serviceable.
Driver-Side
Air bag module is mounted on front face of steering wheel. A

protective cover is fitted to front of air bag module bearing the SRS
air bag logo. Air bag module contains air bag cushion, inflator and
supporting components. Air bag module is a sealed unit and is not
serviceable. The module inflator assembly produces nitrogen gas to
fill air bag cushion when a small amount of current from ACM is
applied to the ignitor assembly. Gas pressure builds and discharges
from inflator through a diffuser and screen assembly, forcing steering
wheel cover to burst along its seams until air bag is fully inflated.
Once air bag cushion is fully inflated, gas escapes from bag through
vents, away from driver.
Passenger-Side
Air bag module is mounted to instrument panel mounting
bracket. Module is covered by a protective door bearing the SRS air
bag logo. When supplied an electrical signal, inflator will discharge
argon gas directly into air bag. When air bag inflates, protective
door will pivot aside allowing air bag to deploy.
AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM)
ACM is located under instrument panel, on transmission
tunnel. Impact sensor, energy reserve capacitor and On-Board
Diagnostics (OBD) are an integral part of ACM. ACM monitors critical
input and output circuits within air bag system, ensuring they are
operating correctly. Some circuits are tested continuously; others are
checked only under certain conditions. ACM provides information about
air bag system through AIR BAG warning light and Data Link Connector
(DLC). When diagnostic trouble code (fault message) is stored, AIR B\
AG
warning light will be activated for 12 seconds or more.
DATA LINK CONNECTOR (DLC)
DLC is located under left side of instrument panel, left of
steering column. DLC is used to access SRS on-board diagnostics.
CLOCKSPRING
Clockspring connects air bag module to steering column
wiring, completing air bag system circuit. See Fig. 1. Inside
clockspring is a flat, ribbon-like tape of conductive material, which
winds and unwinds with steering wheel movement. Clockspring is the
most fragile part of air bag system. Clockspring must be centered
properly to allow 1 1/2 steering wheel turns in either direction. If
clockspring is not centered properly, it can break from stretching or
fatigue.
Fig. 1: Identifying Clockspring Assembly
Courtesy of DaimlerChrysler Corp.

(ACM), use wire side (not terminal end) of connector.
* DO NOT probe a wire through insulator, as this will damage
it and eventually cause failure.
* When performing electrical tests, prevent accidental
shorting of terminals. Such shorts can damage fuses or
components and may cause a second fault code to set, making
diagnosis of original problem more difficult.
* When diagnosing air bag system, use DRB volt/ohmmeter
unless instructed to use an external volt/ohmmeter. NEVER
use an analog volt/ohmmeter or test light in place of a
digital volt/ohmmeter.
* When using DRB to diagnose an air bag system problem,
operate DRB from outside of vehicle. DO NOT sit inside of
vehicle.
* Never use an ohmmeter to measure resistance of air bag
module. Accidental air bag deployment may occur, causing
personal injury.
* If air bag system is not fully functional for any reason,
vehicle should not be driven until system is repaired and
again becomes operational. DO NOT remove bulbs, modules,
sensors, or other components or in any way disable system
from operating normally. If air bag system is not
functional, park vehicle until it is repaired and functions
properly.
* When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may
exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle.
See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
WARNING: Wait at least 2 minutes after disconnecting negative battery
cable before servicing air bag system. System reserve
capacitor, integral to ACM, maintains air bag system voltage
for about 2 minutes after battery is disconnected. Servicing
air bag system before 2-minute period may cause accidental
deployment of air bag(s) and possible personal injury. DO NOT\
use computer system memory saving devices. Enough voltage to
deploy air bag(s) may be provided from device.
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may
exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle.
See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
Disabling System
To disable air bag system for repairs, ensure ignition switch
is in OFF position. Disconnect and shield negative battery cable.
After disconnecting negative battery cable, wait at least 2 minutes
for reserve capacitor to discharge before servicing air bag system.
Activating System
Reconnect negative battery cable. From a position clear of air bag(s),\
turn ignition on. Perform system operation check. See
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
DEPLOYED AIR BAG CLEAN-UP

foot wires to terminals of a 12-volt battery. After air bag module
deploys, let module cool off and allow dust to settle before
approaching.
POST-COLLISION INSPECTION
When a vehicle has been involved in a collision, certain
components of the passive restraint system must be inspected or
replaced. See PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM INSPECTION article in the
GENERAL INFORMATION section for post-collision inspection information.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
WARNING: Failure to follow air bag service precautions may
result in air bag deployment and personal injury. See
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . After component replacement,
ensure proper system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may
exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle.
See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES in GENERAL INFORMATION
before disconnecting battery.
AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM)
WARNING: ACM contains impact sensor, which enables SRS to activate air
bag. To avoid accidental air bag deployment, DO NOT connect
ACM electrically to system unless it is bolted to vehicle.
Removal
1) Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Disable air
bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove bottom
of center console (ACM trim cover).
2) On M/T models, remove center console from floor panel
transmission tunnel. On A/T models, remove screws securing trim cover
to ACM mounting bracket. See Fig. 2. Pull top of trim cover rearward
to release snap clips from instrument panel support bracket.
3) On all models, loosen but do not remove screws on sides
that secure instrument panel support bracket to ACM mounting bracket.
See Fig. 3 .
4) Remove nuts securing support bracket to studs on lower
instrument panel. Disconnect wire harness retainer from hole in
support bracket. Pull top of support bracket away from instrument
panel studs and fold down over ACM until it is laying on floor panel.
Unplug wire harness connector from ACM.
CAUTION: Always replace ACM and ACM mounting bracket as an assembly.
Replacement ACM includes a NEW mounting bracket. DO NOT mount
NEW ACM to old mounting bracket.
5) Remove screws securing mounting bracket to floor panel
transmission tunnel. Remove ACM, mounting bracket and support bracket
as a unit from floor panel.
Installation
To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Install
ACM with arrow pointing toward front of vehicle. Connect ACM
connectors, ensuring connectors are locked into position. Tighten ACM

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS








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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Wheel Nut ............................... 45 (61)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
ACM Mounting Screws &
Support Bracket Nuts ........................ 125 (14.0)
Driver-Side Air Bag Module Screws .......... 80-100 (9-11)
Front Impact Sensor Screws ............... 40-50 (4.5-5.6)
PAD Switch Mounting Screws ...................... 20 (2.2)
Passenger-Side Air Bag Module Screws ............ 80 (9.0)









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DIAGNOSIS & TESTING
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
WARNING: Always follow air bag service precautions to avoid air bag
deployment and possible personal injury. Refer to procedure
under SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . After component replacement,
ensure proper system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory
systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may
exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle.
See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES in GENERAL INFORMATION.
NOTE: Although other scan tools are available, manufacturer
recommends using Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB) tester to
access SRS on-board diagnostics. Following diagnosis and
testing procedures are designed for use with DRB.
SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
SRS is monitored by Air Bag Control Module (ACM). ACM
contains safing sensor, an integral sensor in circuitry of system,
which is used to deploy air bag modules.
ACM monitors critical input and output circuits within air
bag system, ensuring they operate correctly. Some circuits are tested
continuously; others are checked under certain conditions. ACM
provides information about air bag system, through AIR BAG warning
light and DRB tester. Each circuit monitored by ACM has a
corresponding fault code or fault message assigned to it.
Active Codes
A code becomes active as soon as a malfunction is detected.
An active trouble code indicates an on-going malfunction. This means
the defect is currently there every time the ACM checks that
circuit/function. An active trouble code can not be erases. Active
codes will automatically erase when the reason for the code has been
corrected.
With the exception of warning light trouble codes or
malfunctions, when a malfunction is detected, AIR BAG warning light
remains illuminated for a minimum of 12 seconds or as long as the
malfunction is present.
Stored Codes
Trouble codes are automatically stored in ACM memory as soon

Requested WARM boot or User-Requested COLD boot. If DRB should display
any other error message, record entire display and contact
manufacturer.
2) If DRB does not power-up, check for loose cable
connections or a bad cable. Check vehicle battery voltage (data link
connector terminal No. 16). A minimum of 11 volts is required to
adequately power DRB.
3) If all connections are proper between DRB and vehicle or
other devices, and vehicle battery is fully charged, an inoperative
DRB may be result of faulty cable or vehicle wiring.
ENTERING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
1) Before entering on-board diagnostics, refer to
PRETEST INSPECTION & DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE . Connect DRB to data link
connector. Data link connector (DLC) is located under left side of
instrument panel, left of steering column.
NOTE: Read active DTCs with PAD switch in both ON and OFF
positions. Always turn ignition off before changing PAD
switch positions,
2) Turn ignition switch to ON position. Exit vehicle with
DRB. Using DRB, read and record active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
data. Read and record stored DTC data. If any DTCs (fault messages)
exist, perform appropriate test.
3) If PAD switch OFF indicator fails to illuminate when in
the OFF position, go to PAD SWITCH INDICATOR PROBLEMS . If PAD switch
OFF indicator illuminates when switch is in ON position or key
cylinder does not operate, replace PAD switch.
4) Air Bag Control Module (ACM) may report any of the
following DTCs or fault messages. If the following active or stored
codes are reported by DRB, replace ACM. See
AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
* ACM OUTPUT DRIVER CIRCUIT OPEN
* ACM ACCELEROMETER
* ACM INTERNAL DIAGNOSTIC CODE #1
* WARNING LAMP DRIVER ERROR
* FIRING CAPACITOR LOW
* LOGIC CAPACITOR LOW
* SAFING SENSOR SHORTED
If the following active codes are reported by DRB, go to the
appropriate procedure under DIAGNOSTIC TESTS.
* CLUSTER MESSAGE MISMATCH
* DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT OPEN
* DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED
* DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO BATTERY
* DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND
* LOSS OF IGNITION RUN ONLY
* LOSS OF IGNITION RUN/START
* NO CLUSTER CCD MESSAGE
* NO CCD COMMUNICATION
* MISSING OR INVALID VIN
* PASSENGER SQUIB CIRCUIT OPEN
* PASSENGER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED
* PASSENGER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO BATTERY
* PASSENGER SQUIB CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND
* SCTM FAILURE
* SCTM MESSAGE MISMATCH
* VIN MESSAGE MISMATCH

AN TI- L O CK B RAK E S A FE TY P R EC AU TIO NS

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
Anti-Lock Brake Safety Precautions
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
This article is intended for general information purposes
only. This information may not apply to all makes and models. If
vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), refer to
appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES section for
description, operation, depressurizing, testing, system bleeding,
trouble shooting and servicing of specific system.
WARNING: Failure to depressurize ABS could lead to physical injury.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Failure to depressurize ABS could lead to physical injury.
* NEVER open a bleeder valve or loosen a hydraulic line
while ABS is pressurized.
* NEVER disconnect or reconnect any electrical connectors
while ignition is on. Damage to ABS control unit may result.
* DO NOT attempt to bleed hyudarulic system without first
referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article
in the BRAKES section.
* Only use specially designed brake hoses/lines on ABS equipped
vehicles.
* DO NOT tap on speed sensor components (sensor, sensor rings).
Sensor rings must be pressed into hubs, NOT hammered into
hubs. Striking these components can cause demagnetization or
a loss of polarization, affecting the accuracy of the speed
signal returning to the ABS control unit.
* DO NOT mix tire sizes. Increasing the width, as long as tires
remain close to the original diameter, is acceptable. Rolling
diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some
manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and
type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate
wheel speed readings.
* DO NOT contaminate speed sensor components with grease. Only
use recommended coating, when system calls for an
anti-corrosion coating.
* When speed sensor components have been removed, ALWAYS check
sensor-to-ring air gaps when applicable. These specifications
can be found in each appropriate article.
* ONLY use rocommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake
fluids in an ABS equipped vehicle.
* When instlling transmittion devices (CB's, telephones, etc.)
on ABS equipped vehicles, DO NOT locate the antenna near the
ABS control unit (or any control unit).
* Disconnect all on-board computers, when using electric
welding equipment.
* DO NOT expose the ABS control unit to prolonged periods of
high heat (185
F/85C for 2 hours is generally considered a
maximum limit).


AN TI- T H EFT S YSTE M

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT
CHRY - Anti-Theft Systems
Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram Wagon
DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) provides an engine
no-run feature, flashes headlights and sounds horn if any door or hood
is opened without using key or remote keyless entry transmitter, or if
battery cables are disconnected then reconnected when system is
activated.
Anti-theft system is controlled by Central Timer Module
(CTM). CTM is located under driver's side of dash panel, right of
steering column. If CTM is faulty, CTM cannot be repaired and must be
replaced.
VTSS is also equipped with a power-up mode. If battery is
disconnected or looses power while VTSS is armed, VTSS system remains
armed when power is restored. A temper alert signal is sounded on
vehicle entry if VTSS was triggered while away from vehicle. Horn will
sound 3 times alerting owner VTSS was triggered.
OPERATION
ARMING PROCEDURE (PASSIVE)
Remove key from ignition. Ensure headlights are off. Lock
doors while open, using power lock switch. Power lock switch will not
operate with key in ignition or headlights on while door is open.
Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) will not arm using key in lock
cylinder or mechanical lock button. While system is arming, SECURITY
light will flash rapidly for 15 seconds. Opening any door or turning
the ignition key while light is flashing will abort arming process.
Once arming process is complete, SECURITY light will go out.
ARMING PROCEDURE (ACTIVE)
Pressing Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter LOCK button
will actively arm Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). All doors must\
be closed and ignition switch in OFF position. While system is arming,
SECURITY light will flash rapidly for 15 seconds. Opening any door or
turning the ignition key while light is flashing will abort arming
process. Once arming process is complete, SECURITY light will go out.
DISARMING
Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) can be disarmed 2 ways:
unlock vehicle using key in any door and pressing remote keyless entry
transmitter UNLOCK button. If alarm has been set off, either method
can be used to disarm and shut-off horn.
CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (CTM)
Central Timer Module (CTM) is Vehicle Theft Security System
(VTSS) processor. CTM uses the data bus network to allow sharing and
reporting of sensor information. If a door ajar sensor is opened while
VTSS is set, a signal is sent to flash headlights and sound horn. PCM
is also notified through bus network to enable engine no-run feature.